On Monday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m., GRB celebrated students at the 37th Annual Academic Awards Ceremony. Many students received a variety of awards for their hard work and perseverance displayed throughout the school year within their classes and extracurricular activities.

Recognition included the top 25 students from each class, mathematics awards, English awards, science awards, social studies awards, technology and arts awards, business awards, languages other than English awards, and health and physical fitness awards. The only thing missing were music awards, which many people wished were included.

Seniors received hefty scholarships to help with those colossal college tuition fees in recognition of their academic excellence and leadership in their community. Some of the senior scholarships included the Empower Federal Credit Union Heidi Allen Education Scholarship given to Ean Stevenson for “academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service and leadership" and the Len Senecal Excellence in Journalism Award given to Nora Kingsbury for “advancing the principles of journalism and being a contributor to the online school newspaper, RaiderNet.”

Seniors also received academic awards including the Attorney General Triple “C” Award given to Caleb Clarke and Jenna Ruzekowicz for “outstanding character, courage and commitment to our school and community” and the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award given to Keara Patterson and Connor Wilde for “for excelling in the classroom and on the athletic field.”

Mrs. Ingersoll, who coordinated the event, noted that she has had the chance to meet many wonderful and interesting seniors and will be sad to see them go, but she knows they will go on to do great things and can’t wait to hear their success stories.

Another significant part of the night was the book awards given to juniors who may receive the scholarship money if they apply and are accepted into that university. Some of these were the Rensselaer Medal given to Sam Cary for $25,000 per year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award given to Emily Porter for at least $10,000 per year at the University of Rochester.

Senior Kelly Caza explained, “Everybody there was very deserving of their awards.” She said award ceremonies are a great time to recognize students’ achievements.

Senior Hayley Vann expounded upon this by stating that award ceremonies truly show how much the school cares about their students and wants to showcase their talents and abilities.

Overall, it was an amazing night, recognizing many deserving students for their hard work and efforts displayed throughout the school year.

Great job, GRB students, and good luck to the graduating seniors!