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Far Hills Country Day School (Far Hills) recently recognized Grade 8 students who demonstrated passion and curiosity along with ability and effort in each of the five core disciplines—History, Math, Science, World Language, and Writing—as well as the Arts and Athletics.
“These students are top of their class in academics, athletics, the arts, and the Far Hills community,” said Emily Seelaus, Director of Upper School at Far Hills. “These students are considered prime examples of how to live out our five Pillars of Character. While these students have learned a wealth of knowledge here at school from us, it is those around them who have learned the most. They are a force for good in this world, and we can’t wait to cheer them on in all future endeavors.”
The following awards were presented at the Far Hills Green & White Dinner on June 8, 2022.
Art: Jenny Villagra of Peapack
History: Josselyn Wolf of Lebanon
Math: Xian Wu of Basking Ridge
Science: Josselyn Wolf of Lebanon
World Languages: Caspar von Hollen of Oldwick
Music: Nathaniel Lawton of Basking Ridge
Writing Achievement: Hannah Castiglione of Chester
Betty Noling Award: Cameron Weil of Morristown
Linda F. Houghland Female Sportsmanship Award: Chloe Valentine of Chester and Cameron Weil of Morristown.
John C. Hartz Male Sportsmanship Award: Gavin O’Hare of Far Hills and Brandon Wood of Morristown.
Outstanding Male Athlete: Michael Antonelli of Blairstown, Charles Fernandez of Mendham, and Edward Merton of Bernardsville.
Outstanding Female Athlete: Gemma Cafasso of Basking Ridge and Eleanor Cusimano of Whitehouse.
Additionally, Sahara Muhammad was recognized for her outstanding academic achievements, in addition to receiving the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship. For the last several years, Sahara has completed advanced-level math and literary coursework alongside her Far Hills studies.
The following awards were presented at the Far Hills Grade 8 Commencement Ceremony on June 10, 2022.
Ranking Scholar Awards: Grade 6 Midas Turlik of Branchburg; Grade 7 Jayden Leung of Basking Ridge; Grade 8 Josselyn Wolf of Lebanon.
The Ranking Scholar in each class is the individual who, at the completion of the year, emerges with the highest grade point average in his or her class. The names of the Ranking Scholars for 2022 will be added to the Ranking Scholar plaques, which hang prominently in the hallway to honor all the recorded Far Hills Ranking Scholars since 1979.
Mimi McDonnell Award: Chloe Valentine of Chester
This award is highly coveted because it recognizes an innate spirit, an attitude, and a way of life. Mimi McDonnell was one of nine siblings to attend Far Hills. Sadly, Mimi died during her secondary school years. This award is presented to a student who most clearly reflects, in the judgment of the Lower School faculty, the sensitivity, love, interest, and active concern Mimi McDonnell showed for the youngest people.
Matthew C. Baumeister Mentorship: Phillip John Cichlar of Morristown
This award recognizes a student who is a role model to his fellow students, leads by example, and is a friend to all. This student is passionate about their studies, art, music, athletics, and co-curricular activities and uses that passion to inspire their peers.
Faculty Award: Tyler Mo of Basking Ridge
This award recipient is voted on by the Upper School faculty and is given to the student who has shown consistent and distinguished growth in social and academic maturity throughout the school year.
Trustees’ Citizenship Award: James Gibbons of Basking Ridge
This award recognizes the winner’s profound understanding of good citizenship, not only through individual social conduct but also through their ability to inspire similarly responsible behavior in others.
Head of School Award: Josselyn Wolf of Lebanon
This is the highest honor we bestow on a Far Hills student. This award is voted on by the faculty for the student who has consistently shown, in effort and performance, excellence in all phases of school life.
For reflections from the students in the Class of 2022, visit our website fhcds.org.