Middle School Awards 2025

Middle School Awards 2025


Middle Schoolers are recognized for their hard work and accomplishments throughout the year in academic excellence, service, character, and personal growth.
 

Grade 8 LJCDS Awards

Balmer Award

Kenzie Horton

List of 2 items.

  • About The Balmer Award for Citizenship

    This award is named for Louise Balmer, founder of The Balmer School, which was later named La Jolla Country Day School. It is awarded to a Middle School student who has given generously of themselves to the improvement of the school community.

  • About Kenzie Horton

    Kenzie Horton embodies what it means to be a dedicated La Jolla Country Day School community member. Through her involvement in the Middle School TLC (Torrey Leadership Council), she consistently uplifts school spirit and champions service to our campus and the broader community. This year, Kenzie expanded her growth journey by joining the Global Leadership Elective, deepening her understanding of cross-cultural connections and engaging meaningfully with communities both locally in La Jolla and abroad in Belize.

    A passionate artist, Kenzie has found her voice through theater, where her energy and talent inspire those around her. Whether it’s greeting others with a warm smile or taking the time to support her classmates and teachers, Kenzie always leads with heart. Her commitment to leaving every space better than she found it is a true testament to her character. We proudly celebrate Kenzie for her unwavering dedication and radiant spirit, which continue to strengthen our school community.

Donald L. Leavenworth Award

Amanda Morales

List of 2 items.

  • The Donald L. Leavenworth Award

    This award recognizes inner drive and determination, as displayed by a student’s commitment to their goals and steadfastness and courage in seeking these goals. It is named for Mr. Leavenworth, who served as headmaster from 1967 to 1972.

  • About Amanda Morales

    Amanda Morales exemplifies unwavering determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to her personal and academic goals. She consistently demonstrates the inner drive that Mr. Leavenworth so deeply valued. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in her daily interactions, she strives for excellence and leads by example.

    Amanda works diligently to succeed both inside and outside of school, balancing her academic responsibilities with her passion for dance and ballet, where she continues to shine. She faces challenges with courage and persistence, always seeking support when needed and offering the same to her peers. Amanda’s respectful nature, coupled with her strength of character and drive to grow, make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Keith Heldman Music Award

Vivian Wallach

List of 2 items.

  • The Keith Heldman Music Award

    The Keith Heldman Music Award, initiated in 1979, was dedicated by the Capen family to honor Mr. Heldman, who, through his music program, has influenced the lives of so many young people at LJCDS. It recognizes a student who has demonstrated acquired self-confidence, appreciation for hard work, and an ability to communicate with an audience.

  • About Vivian Wallach

    Vivian Wallach has wholeheartedly embraced the challenges and joys of Middle School Choir. Over six trimesters, she has grown into an independent musician—a confident singer, an expressive performer, and an effective communicator. Whether performing as a soloist, in a duet, a small ensemble, or as a member of the full choir, she consistently gives her best. Vivian’s passion for singing shines through in every performance, inspiring those around her. 
     

Harry L. Drogin Memorial Award

Griffin Rose

List of 2 items.

  • The Harry L. Drogin Memorial Award

    The Harry L. Drogin Memorial Award for excellence in theater is awarded to a student who embodies the spirit of a true dramatic artist as described by former LJCDS teacher Harry Drogin. The winning student is creative, takes direction, and has a sense of responsibility and dedication toward the craft of theater. 

    One of Mr. Drogin’s favorite mantras was: “Be seen. Be heard. Be understood.” In the drama department at LJCDS, we understand that this is the essence of effective performance. This award is presented to a student with the spirit and drive necessary to be an actor.

  • About Griffin Rose

    In Middle School Play Production, students are challenged to be theater artists in every sense—acting, directing, producing, and designing. Griffin Rose spent six trimesters bringing the best version of himself to class, rehearsals, and shows. From working on the props design for the play last year to being a scenic designer this year, Griffin has always risen to the occasion with a unique blend of talent, work ethic, and artistic acumen.

Donald Pringle Memorial Award

Luke Becker and Sakinah Sugapong

List of 3 items.

  • The Donald Pringle Memorial Award

    The Donald Pringle Memorial Award is named after a student attending LJCDS in the mid-70s who tragically died in a surfing accident around graduation. This award recognizes Mr. Pringle’s outstanding athletic skills and exemplary sportsmanship. Certificates and book awards are given to two eighth-grade students who best combine ability, desire, determination, and sacrifice in athletics.

  • About Luke Becker

    A flag football, soccer, and baseball athlete, Luke Becker’s talent sets him apart from his teammates. But equally as impressive is his coachability and his willingness to lead. Luke sets a positive example both with his words and his actions.

  • About Sakinah Sugapong

    Sakinah Sugapong is a talented soccer and basketball athlete in the winter and spring seasons. She was also one of five girls to play flag football in the fall. No matter the sport or season, Sakinah sets a competitive standard that her teammates strive to match.

Design and Innovation Award

Luke Fredberg

List of 2 items.

  • Design and Innovation Award

    The Design & Innovation Department Award is given to the student who best demonstrates the perseverance, creativity, and problem-solving necessary to be an innovator. The student will have shown excellence in entrepreneurship, engineering, or computer science during Middle School.

  • About Luke Fredberg

    Since coming to LJCDS, Luke Fredberg has shown a passion for all things D&I. He exemplifies going above and beyond in his work, using his free time to build skills independently and fully engage with the Innovation Lab’s resources. A skilled 3D modeler, animator, and engineer, Luke brings dedication and genuine curiosity to every Design & Innovation elective he takes.
 

Middle School Recognition

SIGMA Math League

The national SIGMA competition consists of five tests given throughout the school year to Grades 6–8. SIGMA tests promote problem-solving through competition. They provide opportunities for students to apply their mathematical knowledge in new and different ways by solving non-routine problems. In addition, the tests allow students to compete nationally, as an individual, as a team and as a school.

SIGMA recognizes students with the highest cumulative scores by awarding gold, silver, and bronze pins.

Grade 7 tied for 2nd place in the country! Read how rethinking the math program is helping students become more confident.

Grade 8
1st Place: Melody Jia
2nd Place: Yurou Wang
3rd Place: Oliver Storment
 
Grade 7
1st Place: Angelina Liu
2nd Place: Amanda Bi, Tony Meng, Callan Mischler, and Griffin Ni
3rd Place: Noam Gilmer

Grade 6
1st Place: Benjamin Buckley
2nd Place: Leyan Qi
3rd Place: Yolanda Shen and Jeremy Shi

AMC8

The AMC8 is a math competition provided by The Mathematical Association of America. It is intended to strengthen the mathematical capabilities of the next generation of problem solvers. Through friendly competition, the MAA AMC program helps identify talent and foster a love of mathematics. The goal is to develop problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge in Middle School students.

1st Place: Manu Chourasia
2nd Place: Angelina Liu and Griffin Ni
3rd Place: Alexander Fullerton

Grade 8 Short Story Awards

We celebrate the following students for their exceptional short stories. It is a notable achievement to be selected by one’s peers and recognized for the quality and impact of one’s work. We are proud of their achievements. 

Grade 8
Mia Bi
Pancho Burkett
Manu Chourasia
Lexi Greene
Michael Shi
Yurou Wang
Grace Wu

Discover with Me

The Middle School digital literary magazine showcases the creativity of Grades 5–8 writers, poets, and artists. Discover With Me owes its success to the tireless efforts of its editors, who dedicated their free time to designing, editing, and contributing their own stellar contributions. We’re grateful to all the students who shared their talents through submissions.

Editors
Grade 7
Johnny Brough
Divinaka Jella
Callan Mischler
Aryana Nasiri
Zora North
Sarah Palermo
Alex Pidgeon-Mandel
Reese Roosevelt
Reya Waran

Grade 8
Ofelia Burkett
Elenita Ortiz-Colleti
Griffin Rose
Kevin Zheng

Torrey Leadership Council (TLC)

TLC is a group of students elected to a leadership position by their peers to help make LJCDS an inclusive, fun, and empowering environment. These student leaders encourage classmates to become involved in service, school spirit, advocacy, and activism subcommittees. TLC members represent their peers and uplift student voices.
Grade 5
Alex Han
Kate Kolinski
Gabrielle Matusiak
Otto Miller
Sienna Murray
Emily Sanford

Grade 6
Coleman Hales
Halifax Hedgecock
Tucker Sherman
Everett Tanaka
Charles Wermers

Grade 7
Griffin Feinman
Justin Pidgeon Mandel
Olivia Murphy
Zora North
Eva Patgaonkar
Liam Thompson
Faith Williams
 
Grade 8
Mia Bi
Isaac Du
Kenzie Horton
Hilary Kwan
Sonia Melvin

Grade 8 Play Production

We recognize these eighth-grade students for their passion, bravery, and perseverance in producing plays as part of the Middle School theater program. It is truly their collaborative effort that brings the theater alive. We hope they become lifelong theater supporters in a way that best matches their interests.
 
Mia Bi
Pancho Burkett
Ofelia Burkett
Evie Calderon
Alex Conrad
Lola Doyle
Luke Doyle
Ella Hersman
Astrid Hoblit
Kenzie Horton
Jaxon Javadizadeh
Will Johnson
Hilary Kwan
Evan Okin
Griffin Rose
Oliver Storment
Bri Worboys

Math Olympiad

Grade 5:
1st: Gabrielle Matusiak
2nd: Edwin Padgett
3rd: Daisy Wu

Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair

As the highest-level STEM competition in the region, the fair challenges students to go beyond classroom studies to do independent research, ask compelling questions, design and implement innovative solutions, and present and defend results to judges who are professionals in their fields. Read more about their projects. 

Grade 6
Amanda Bi (also placed at the CA state fair)
Ollie Liu
Grade 7
Oliver Cottrell 
Spencer Wallace
Grade 8
Mia Bi
Melody Jia
Prince Shan
Sareena Toor

Middle School Students Taking Upper School Classes

Grade 7
Lucas Chen

Grade 8
Abigail Ankcorn        
Mia Bi        
Manu Chourasia        
Aleksander Djuric        
Luke Fredberg        
Junyoung Huh        
Melody Jia        
Maria Jose Hernandez Sandoval
Henry Kourajian        
Chloe Lopez        
Desmond Mackinnon        
Nicholas Ong        
Adyn Panganiban        
Prince Shan        
Michael Shi        
Sakinah Sugapong        
Brandon Tong        
Elias Valero        
Yurou Wang        
Olivia Wood        
Kevin Zheng        

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running scholarship and recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12. Congratulations to the regional winners below (West Region-At-Large). Gold Keys advance to national judging. 

Writing 
Niyuan “Grace” Wu ’29
Watched
Honorable Mention in Personal Essay & Memoir

Art
Yurou Wang ’29
1. Dancer’s Poise
Gold Key in Drawing & Illustration

2. Echoes of Self-Doubt
Honorable Mention in Drawing & Illustration

Grade 8 Choir

We recognize these eighth-grade students for their passion for singing, dedication to the choral program, and commitment to the Middle School Torrey Choir. We’re proud of their accomplishments and hope music remains a meaningful part of their lives. 

Mariel Anzar
Maddux Bass-Sulpizio
Luke Becker
Ethan Blumenthal
Manu Chourasia
Egypt Dean
Bradyn Dehner
Peyton Felker
Alexis Ferguson
Amelia Gallego
Jill Gooding
Xara Gosman Brown
Lexi Greene
MJ Hernandez
Sutton Kalklosch
Ali Kelly
Carter Kruger
Kayla Lalezari
Katelyn Li
Melia Long
Sonia Melvin
Amanda Morales 
Roman Niehaus
Elenita Ortiz-Coletti
Fallon Parker
Claire Pierce
Scarlett Plewes
Nyah Pride
Ryan Raines
Mia Riguero
Rees Robinson
Cole Schliem
Emerson Slinde
Carl Sturm
Sakinah Sugapong
Elias Valero
Vivian Wallach
Chace Weinstock
Grace Wu
Leila Ziainia

Grade 8 Musicians

We recognize the following students’ effort, dedication, and commitment to learning an instrument in the Middle School music program. We are so proud of these musicians and hope music will always be an important part of their lives.

Cello
Alexandria Conrad
Alexandar Djuric
Jun Huh
Claire Pierce

Flute
Yurou Wang

Trumpet
Will Rohrbach

Violin
Isaac Chen
Sonia Melvin
Allen Pei

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