The Walter H. Bernson Class of 1956 Memorial Athlete of the Year Award is presented to two athletes who have distinguished themselves not only in the great physical skills of an athlete but also in those qualities of sportsmanship, courage and leadership most prized in athletics.
This award was established in 2009 in memory of Jonathan Kleier ’01 by his family and friends to promote and award leadership in athletics and support student filmmaking at Horace Mann School.
This award is a combination of the former Barnard MVP Award and the Sportsmanship Award. Lud Bock was a former Athletic Director of Barnard and Bill Rowley was the Business Manager. It is given here at Horace Mann to an outstanding athlete – usually a participant of three sports - who emulates the spirit of good sportsmanship.
This award was established by the 1956 Senior Class in honor of Robert A. Thomason, former Horace Mann teacher and track coach. It is awarded to a member of the senior class who maintains the highest academic average and otherwise best typifies the ideals of Bob Thomason.