The Gloucester Public Schools held a special award ceremony to congratulate the “meritorious scholars” awarded Sawyer Medals along with special award recipients.
Sawyer Medals are presented to students who “have a record of satisfactory deportment and an average of 90% or above in scholarship.”
Wednesday’s ceremony in the Gloucester High School Lecture Hall included a welcome by Gloucester High Principal John Perella.
Gloucester Superintendent Ben Lummis spoke about Samuel E. Sawyer’s legacy and presented students with their medals.
“It is my job to help set this night in the broad sweep of Gloucester’s history,” Lummis said in his remarks provided by the School Department. “Because tonight, each of you becomes linked to a generous and important individual in the history of our great city, Samuel Sawyer. Through your hard work, determination, and persistence, you are becoming a part of Gloucester history — a Sawyer Medal honoree.”
Opening remarks were provided by Gloucester School Committee member Jeremy McKeen, a father of three Gloucester public school students, including one who was awarded a Sawyer Medal that evening.
Sawyer Medal recipients:
Class of 2026
Ruby Jane McElhenny
Harrison Stephens McKeen
Class of 2027
Aleena Marie Brown
Lilliah Diane Whaley
Class of 2028
Daniella Natasha Beiner
Phoebe Louise Dean
Alice Harvey Joshi
Ethan Morais Parisi
James Thompson Towne
Class of 2029
Bodhi Hamilton Ayer
Kaila Winslow Cauthers
Lilliana Mae DiMercurio
Jude Ayaana Friday
Elizabeth Anne Olson
Harsheel Vinay Patel
Elizabeth Marsh Worth Telep
Rosalia Jane Worth Telep
Evelyn Lennox Watson
Lyla Katharine Worthley
Award recipients:
College Women’s Club of Cape Ann Award, given to the highest achieving student according to their average at the end of their junior year: Sean William Buckley. The award was presented by Marie Orlando.
Harvard Prize Book, awarded to the second highest achieving student according to their average at the end of their junior year: Lyall Gallas Cunningham. The award was presented by Perella.
National Merit Scholarship SAT Letter of Commendation, awarded for outstanding performance on the Qualifying Test: Sean William Buckley and Clayton Tyler Pierce. The award was presented by Perella.
Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Certificate of Academic Excellence, awarded to high school students who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school careers: Sean William Buckley. The award was presented by Lummis.
Local businessman and philanthropist Samuel E. Sawyer, who lived from 1815 to 1899, is the award’s namesake. He donated the great bell and clock in City Hall, gave 700 acres that is Ravenswood Park, and bought and donated the Saunders House on the corner of Dale and Middle streets for the Sawyer Free Library. In his will, Sawyer left his business earnings in a foundation to provide the Sawyer Medals to Gloucester’s brightest students.
Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.