Honors Convocation 2026: Recognizing Wellington’s Named Award Honorees

Honors Convocation 2026: Recognizing Wellington’s Named Award Honorees

Each spring, the Wellington community gathers for Honors Convocation to recognize the achievements, leadership, growth, and character that define our upper school. While many students are honored throughout the ceremony, Wellington’s named awards hold a special place in the tradition, celebrating individuals whose impact reaches beyond a single classroom, activity, or accomplishment.

 

This year’s recipients embody the values that shape the Wellington experience: curiosity, courage, creativity, service, perseverance, and care for others. Through academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, and community engagement, these students have left a meaningful mark on Wellington and the people around them.

 

Wellington Parents Association Good Citizenship Award

Jasiri Dial ’28, Annika Raghunathan ’27, and Micah Suchland-Winnubst ’26

 

Presented by the Wellington Parents Association, this award honors students who model respect, kindness, and service — those who go out of their way to support others and uplift the school community.

 

Jasiri Dial ’28 leads with quiet consistency and care. Whether competing in athletics, supporting his peers, or helping create initiatives like Snacks for Success, he contributes to the Wellington community with generosity, integrity, and purpose. His steady leadership and positive presence have made a lasting impact across the upper school.

 

Annika Raghunathan ’27 fills every space she enters with warmth, joy, and wholehearted engagement. Through the WellingTones, the classroom, and everyday interactions with classmates and teachers, she makes others feel valued and included. Her thoughtful presence enriches Wellington in countless ways.

 

Micah Suchland-Winnubst ’26 moves through the Wellington community with openness, empathy, and authenticity. An attentive listener and engaging conversationalist, he helps foster meaningful dialogue and connection throughout the building. His ability to make people feel seen and welcomed reflects the very spirit of this award.

Voracious Learner Award

Zalika Obayuwana ’27

 

This award honors a junior who demonstrates intellectual curiosity, outstanding character, and meaningful contributions to the school community.

 

Zalika Obayuwana ’27 pursues learning with fearless curiosity and remarkable depth of thought. When exploring history, sustainability, government, or social issues, she engages fully with difficult questions and encourages others to do the same. A reflective scholar and gifted collaborator, Zalika brings originality, insight, and purpose to every classroom conversation.

 

Richard J. O’Hara Award

Aayzah Khan ’26

 

Named in honor of Wellington’s former head of school and service-learning champion Richard J. O’Hara, this award recognizes a student who uses their talents to serve others and inspire their peers.

 

Aayzah Khan ’26 has devoted her Wellington experience to building community and uplifting others. From co-founding the Columbus chapter of Create for Kids to leading affinity spaces and serving as president of the National Honor Society, she approaches service with creativity, empathy, and determination. Her commitment to helping others has strengthened Wellington and extended far beyond campus.

 

Minot Trophy

Hakim Ahmed ’26

 

Awarded to a senior who has shown exceptional academic growth, the Minot Trophy recognizes both measurable progress and a deepened commitment to learning.

 

Hakim Ahmed ’26 has demonstrated extraordinary growth through persistence, discipline, and confidence in his abilities. Over the course of high school, he transformed into a student who actively embraces challenge, pursues mastery, and leads through example both in the classroom and on the basketball court. His journey reflects the power of determination and consistent effort.

 

Brown Family Brotherhood Award

Riya Young ’26

 

This award honors a senior who extends friendship and support to others with compassion, generosity, and a spirit of quiet leadership, always giving, never seeking credit.

 

Riya Young ’26 has helped shape Wellington through her kindness, reliability, and care for others. She puts others first by supporting classmates, mentoring younger students, assisting teachers and coaches, and helping programs run more smoothly behind the scenes. Her positive spirit and willingness to serve have left a lasting impression on the community.

Borror Award

Oscar Humbert ’26

 

This award celebrates a student whose contributions to Wellington’s technical theatre program reflect creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to collaboration and community.

 

Oscar Humbert ’26 has been a cornerstone of Wellington theatre for four years. From stage managing productions to performing onstage and leading the International Thespian Society chapter, he has shown up for every role with dedication, flexibility, and enthusiasm. His willingness to step up wherever needed has strengthened the theatre program and the people within it.

 

Renaissance Award

Zoey Scott ’26

 

Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated both excellence and breadth in the arts, the Renaissance Award honors a student who uplifts the creative life of the school.

 

Zoey Scott ’26 has brought energy, imagination, and fearless creativity to Wellington’s arts programs. Through theater, visual arts, and backstage work, she has explored a wide range of artistic expression while inspiring those around her to do the same. Her work reflects both bold experimentation and a deep commitment to storytelling and collaboration.

 

Bohm/Blanchard Award

Zac Barton ’26 and Annie Shen ’26

 

Recognizing a senior who exemplifies Wellington’s commitment to balance across academics, the arts, and athletics, the Bohm/Blanchard Award honors students whose presence enriches every corner of the community.

 

Zac Barton ’26 embodies Wellington’s spirit of exploration and excellence. A standout student, musician, athlete, and leader, Zac has pursued every challenge with curiosity, discipline, and enthusiasm. Whether composing music, performing with the band, captaining athletic teams, or excelling in the classroom, he greets each opportunity with genuine passion and purpose.

 

Annie Shen ’26 approaches learning with creativity, intellectual curiosity, and interdisciplinary thinking. Her work bridges visual art, language, science, and leadership, reflecting both academic rigor and artistic vision. Through her intentional engagement in and beyond the classroom, Annie exemplifies the balance and depth celebrated by this award.

 

George W. Stewart Award for Courage & Service

Jeanie DeSantis ’26

 

This award honors a student who embodies courage in thought, character, or service — qualities that defined the life of George W. Stewart, a decorated World War II veteran and devoted grandfather to Wellington graduates.

 

Jeanie DeSantis ’26 tackles challenges with creativity, resilience, and an unwavering desire to improve the world around her. In designing adaptive technology, exploring sustainable engineering solutions, and championing her peers through athletics and student life, she combines innovation with compassion. Her determination to serve others through her talents reflects the true spirit of this award.

 

Ruscilli Award

Cameron King ’26

 

Given to a graduating senior who demonstrates perseverance, academic commitment, and meaningful contributions beyond the classroom, the Ruscilli Award honors a well-rounded leader whose impact is lasting.

 

Cameron King ’26 has consistently sought ways to strengthen Wellington through leadership, service, and connection. From athletics and Latin Club to Debatriot and Welly Sports Media, he has helped create spaces where others feel recognized, included, and celebrated. His thoughtful presence and strong sense of purpose have shaped Wellington in meaningful ways.

Faculty Award

Enzo Corso ’26, Coleton Raver ’26, Anna Spicer ’26, and James Yang ’26

 

Chosen by Wellington faculty, this award honors graduating seniors whose actions, attitude, and character consistently reflect the values of the Wellington community.

 

Enzo Corso ’26 brings enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and unmistakable school spirit to everything he does. He has steered student organizations, engaged deeply in academics, and built community through humor and creativity; he gives Wellington wholehearted energy and care.

 

Coleton Raver ’26 leads with authenticity, optimism, and encouragement for others. A reflective student and engaged community member, he commits to both academics and relationships with wonder and generosity, consistently helping those around him grow more confident and connected.

 

Anna Spicer ’26 embodies kindness, sincerity, and steady compassion. Her encouragement of others, commitment to community, and grounded sense of self have made her a trusted and uplifting presence throughout the upper school.

 

James Yang ’26 is known for his thoughtfulness, consistency, and genuine appreciation for the people around him. A dedicated student and supportive classmate, he enters every interaction with warmth, respect, and quiet optimism, strengthening the Wellington community each day. 

 

Holland Founder’s Trophy

Benjamin Butler ’27

 

Named in honor of one of Wellington’s founding families, the Holland Founder’s Trophy is awarded to a student leader who demonstrates personal integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to others.

 

Benjamin Butler ’27 leads with maturity, empathy, and an unwavering sense of integrity. Whether in the classroom, on the soccer field, or within the broader school community, he consistently models compassion, responsibility, and moral courage. His ability to inspire and support others reflects the very foundation of Wellington leadership. 

 

Patil-Chaudhari Award

Claire Shen ’26

 

Presented to a senior who exemplifies academic excellence, the Patil-Chaudhari Award honors a student whose intellect, curiosity, and dedication to learning inspire those around them.

 

Claire Shen ’26 exemplifies extraordinary academic achievement, intellectual discipline, and quiet excellence. A gifted scientist, mathematician, programmer, and writer, she consistently pursues learning at the highest level while remaining humble and collaborative. Through her work in robotics, Science Olympiad, and advanced coursework across disciplines, Claire demonstrates the very best of Wellington scholarship.