RFH Annual Awards Program: The Who’s Who

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) students were recognized for outstanding academic achievements, community spirit and compassion recently at the high school’s Annual Awards Program.

 More than 85 awards and scholarships were presented to RFH seniors for academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, good citizenship, excellence in the performing arts, and more at the June 5 ceremony.
 
Valedictorian Recognition was conferred upon Emily Reynolds by RFH Principal Tracy Handerhan. Emily, who plans to attend Cornell University in the fall, also received the following honors and awards during the Program:
 
·       American Association of University Women 2017 Book Award in recognition of outstanding performance in mathematics
 
·       Catalyst Prep Stem Award recognizing outstanding senior students intending to study science, technology, engineering, or math at the post-secondary level
 
·       Joseph D. Guillory Award for excellence in foreign language and art
 
·       U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award recognizing a senior who has excelled academically and is also viewed as a peer leader and outstanding young citizen
 
·       Gold Award Certificate from the President’s Education Awards Program recognizing a Grade Point Average of 4.00 or higher throughout the seventh semester of high school
 
Also honored by Handerhan were Peter J. McKay, who attained National Merit Scholarship finalist status, and Allison T. Calvanico, who achieved National Merit Scholarship commended scholar status.
 
Four new awards were introduced this year:
 
·       U.S. Marine Call To Serve Award recognizing a student who has been “called to serve” by the U.S. Marine Corps – Awarded to Benjamin Gien by Sergeant Brandy A. Rodriguez
 
·       U.S. Army Call to Serve Award in recognition of a student’s “extraordinary decision to set yourself apart from your peers and join the U.S. Army,” awarded to James Laughinghouse by Sergeant Jared J. Campbell
 
·       Jack Moore Memorial Award … In remembrance of 2015 RFH graduate Jack Moore, this award recognizes RFH seniors who help and support other in the community, especially their younger peers. “They are students whose acts of kindness and fellowship may go unnoticed by many, but it is hoped that in recognizing these students and remembering Jack, our community becomes a better place.” This award was presented to Katie Pierson and Jack Woods III by Mr. Henry Goodwin.
 
·       Maddy Massabni Memorial Scholarship … Created by her friends immediately following her rare and unexpected illness, this award honors the positivity and loving presence of 2016 RFH graduate Maddy Massabni. This award is given in Maddy’s memory to an RFH senior who displays the same caring spirit. Katie Pierson was presented with this award by Ms. Bridget Connolly, George Massabni, and Alissa Zack.
 
In a separate ceremony, 141 members of the Class of 2017 were recognized with Gold and Silver Award Certificates from the President’s Education Awards Program.
Eighty-five graduating RFH seniors received Gold Awards (requiring a 4.00 or higher GPA through the seventh semester of high school), and 56 received Silver Awards (requiring a 3.67 or higher GPA throughout the seventh semester of high school).