US Awards Day 2025

Arts Awards

Jalen Byrd Art Award

This award is named in memory of Jalen Byrd, a cheerful, friendly, ever-smiling Sayre student who loved to draw. This award is presented to outstanding 10th or 11th grade art students. ALICE KARSNITZ 

Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Senior Art Award

The award is sponsored by the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, one of the oldest organizations in Kentucky working to preserve and promote the rich heritage and exciting future of Art and Craft. OLIVIA WATSON

National Society of Arts and Letters

This organization of artists and patrons of the arts strives to encourage and assist young people in their quest for careers in the arts. To further this goal, the Kentucky Chapter of the NSAL awards a Certificate of Merit to an outstanding senior in each of the following separate disciplines at each area high school.

Art: CHARLOTTE HARRIS
Literature: FINN RYAN
Music: ANNA HUNTRESS
Drama: ANNA BETH EDGE
Dance: MIA BELL
Outstanding Senior in the Creative Arts: RACHEL NEWTON

Pillars Award

This award is presented to those students who have excelled in yearbook publication. AVERY LURING

Sayre Instrumentalist Award

This award is presented to the senior student who has made a significant contribution in the fine art of music. It is in recognition of the discipline and talent required to master a musical instrument. BEAU PORTER & JOHN BRADLEY

Technical Theatre Award

Given to the student who has shown commitment and dedication to the technical theatre arts in a given year’s theatre productions.  ETHNE FLEMING & DOMINIC JANN

Sayre School Thespian Award

This award is given to students who have demonstrated a passion for theater with a commitment to the craft of acting, the ability to contribute to an ensemble ethic, the skill to further technical aspects of production, and the desire to share with an audience. These students must also participate in productions at Sayre or in the community. PRESTON TROUT

Lexington Singers Award

This award is presented to the outstanding senior in choral music in the hope that they will continue to participate and enjoy choral music throughout their lives. EVELYN PATCHES

Book Awards

Anne Alcorn Library Award                                                   

This endowed award is given each year in memory of Anne Alcorn, who for twenty years was the head librarian at Sayre School. Mrs. Alcorn created the nucleus of the current library collection, directed student research projects, and helped establish the Edward F. Simms Library. The Anne Alcorn Award is given to students who have demonstrated intellectual curiosity, commitment to knowledge, and a love of learning. A duplicate copy of each book is also presented to the library in the students' name. ZERREN STACY, ZEIA FANUCCHI-BRISMAN, & RHESE PERRIN

Bryn Mawr College President’s Book Award             

This award recognizes a junior girl who demonstrates an intense intellectual commitment, a self-directed and purposeful vision of her life and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world. JAYDA DAVIS

Dartmouth Book Award

This award is presented to a member of the junior class who ranks in the top 10% of their class, is of strong character, has made a positive impact on the life of the school community, excelled in at least one non-academic area, and is a candidate for entrance into a college or university of the very highest academic caliber. GANNON RICE

Davidson College Book Award

This award is presented to the Junior student whose intellectual inquisitiveness and enthusiasm indicate a disciplined and creative mind, evidenced by their participation in class, strong writing and analytical skills, and character that shows promise for leadership and service – the hallmarks of a Davidson College education. GRIFFON CALVERT

Harvard Book Award

This award is presented to the outstanding student in the junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character combined with achievements in other fields. ANNIKA BARNSLEY-BYRNES & TURNER DENNING

Hendrix College Book Award

This award is presented to outstanding high school students who has demonstrated passion, commitment, aptitude, and potential in one of the following areas: art, leadership, or service to the world. This year’s recipients receive the award for their professional and leadership development. MARIE THOMAS & BRENNAN WILLIAMS 

Randolph College Book Award

The mission of Randolph College is to develop the mind and the character of its students, therefore this award is presented to a high school junior who is academically strong and possesses leadership potential. ZACH KITCHENS

Sewanee Book Award

The University of the South, Sewanee, enables students to live with grace, integrity, and a reverent concern for the world. This award is presented to the outstanding junior who should be in the top 20% of the class. SOPHIA CAIRO

St. Michael's College Book Award

The St. Michael’s Book Award celebrates students who exhibit the characteristics of an ideal St. Michael’s College student. The recipient demonstrates concern for others, attains mostly A’s in Honors or AP classes, and is an inductee of the National Honor Society or equivalent. A book from the College will be sent to the student. ANDERSON KIM & ELLIE OLDHAM

University of Kentucky Book Award

As the state's flagship institution of higher education, the University of Kentucky is charged with the responsibility of providing educational opportunities to the entire Commonwealth. This award is presented to a junior student who portrays the outstanding qualities of scholarship and leadership. The book presented each year from the University represents Kentucky’s complex, extensive, and ever-changing story. ELI POWELL

University of Louisville Yarmuth Book Award

This award recognizes academic achievement in high school students. The recipient shall be a junior in the top 20% of their class who shows very strong academic potential, displays intellectual curiosity, and makes notable contributions to the school. A book from the College will be sent to the student. ELLA ANDERKIN

University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award

This award was established by the University of Virginia to recognize outstanding high school students during their junior year. Thomas Jefferson founded the institution in 1819, wishing to establish a university with a truly national stature — today, the university is not only national in stature, but also international. The recipient of this award shall be considered an exceptionally talented scholar, leader and citizen. MEREDITH ROUSE

Wellesley College Book Award

This award is presented to a junior woman who has demonstrated excellence in her academic studies, been a good citizen of the school community, and made a thoughtful contribution by her efforts to the school as a whole. SARA GARLINGTON

The Randy Mills College Counseling Award

This award is presented to seniors who demonstrate leadership and commitment to College Counseling initiatives that impact and highlight student success. In the spirit of Mr. Mills, Sayre’s Director of College Counseling from 1998-2022, these seniors value balancing academics with their extracurricular and family activities while fostering meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers.  Just like Mr. Mills, they serve as ambassadors of kindness and recognize the importance of making each student feel part of our Sayre community. As a tribute to Mr. Mills and his 46 years as the PA Announcer at the Sweet 16 tournament at Rupp Arena, each of our recipients will be given How Sweet It Is, a book by former Sayre student, Jarrett Van Meter.  HATTIE PHILLIPS, ALEX ENGLAND, MORGAN WILSON, & AYDEN DICHIARO

English Awards

David R. Youngblood Sophomore Book Award

David Youngblood, a decades-long English teacher was renowned for his irascibility, dry wit, and uncompromising insistence that students learn to love literature (especially big, fat novels) and to communicate gracefully in writing. He had been a black jack dealer and a deep sea fisherman in earlier lives and he deeply wanted students to experience life to the fullest. This award is presented to a sophomore student whose interest in literature is likely to be lifelong. GIGI DEROSSETT

Hollins University Creative Writing Award

This award is presented to a rising junior woman who has shown a serious interest in writing poems and/or short stories and has produced original work of good quality in one or both of these forms. A book from the College will be sent to the student. MIA RISCO

Sarah W. Stephens English Literature Award

This award is presented to two students who have demonstrated an exuberance for literature. For most of her 16 years until 2001, Mrs. Stephens taught students in both English and in Public Speaking and encouraged them to develop an appreciation for literature and writing. PHOEBE BARLOW & JORDAN MIDDLETON

Shirley Keplar/Barney Tucker English Award

Barney Tucker, a former Board of Trustees chair, was known for his courtesy, wit, charm, and boundless generosity. He and his wife, Shirley Keplar, created these awards to honor the outstanding achievement in creative writing in the sophomore and junior classes. A duplicate copy of each book is also presented to the library in the students' name. 

Sophomore: MARIELENA DE PEDRO
Junior: KRISTIAN MIDDLETON

Smith College Book Award

This award is presented to an outstanding junior who has demonstrated excellence in their academic work, especially English. ELLIE OLDHAM

Character and Service Awards

Brucie Glenn Rowe Student Government Award         

Brucie Glenn Rowe, Class of 1977, was the youngest daughter of the Glenn family. As a student, Brucie loved Sayre and took an active role in extracurricular activities. While she could not participate in athletics, she took a special delight in the affairs of the Student Council. Brucie left a wonderful legacy of friendship, joy, and loyalty to those she loved. To honor her memory, this award is given for service, leadership, and devotion to the spirit of the school. JAXSON HOWARD

David A. Sayre Achievement Award

In recognition of the school's founder, David A. Sayre, this award honors two students for high academic achievement. The awards committee takes into consideration the following characteristics when selecting the recipients: service, commitment, and leadership in their school, faith-based organization and/or community. FIONA LEE & BLAKE BUTLER

The Dean of Students Good Citizen Award

This award encourages and rewards the qualities of good citizenship: dependability, service, and leadership to an outstanding degree. KATE YANDELL & HARPER MONOHAN

Lexington Junior League Service Award

This award is presented to a student who has given unselfishly to volunteer work in the greater Lexington community. They must be of high character and have demonstrated leadership potential within the school community. KENZIE JOHNSON

Melissa Stephan Social Justice Award

Melissa Stephen, a past parent and board member, passionately supports diversity & equity initiatives at Sayre. This award is presented to a student who promotes an inclusive environment and empowers others to embrace the challenge of creating a more just and equitable world. This student has demonstrated leadership and commitment to teaching and sharing the values of social justice in an ever-changing world. Their classmates and teachers describe them as advocates for the highest ideals of inclusion that all societies strive to achieve. PRESTON TROUT & ALEJANDRA GOMEZ

Philemon Award

This award recognizes an individual who best represents the values of Sayre's Philemon Society. The Philemon Society is dedicated to aiding all people affected by poverty and abuse in Central Kentucky. In addition to the award for the individual, the Sayre Philemon Society will make a gift in his honor to the agency of his choice: The Hope Center. BEN FALLON

Salem College Book Award

This award is presented to a young woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the classroom, active involvement in quality high school activities, and displays exceptional character and commitment to the community. In addition to the certificate, the Sayre Philemon Society will make a gift in her honor to Morgan’s Message at Sayre School. LUCIE PITMAN

Sayre School Outstanding Community Service Award

Sayre’s service learning inspires students to be responsive to the challenges and benefits of devoting time and talent to the service of others. This award recognizes a student for their outstanding volunteer service to the community. In addition to the award for the individual, the Sayre Philemon Society will make a gift in their honor to Camp Ridgecrest for Boys and Surgery on Sunday. TYLER DIGUETTE

St. Lawrence University Book Award

This award is presented to a member of the junior class who has displayed a significant commitment to community service. The recipient will receive a book as a gift from the University, and should they apply and are admitted to St. Lawrence University, a $4,000 merit scholarship. WYATT MOORE

Washington & Lee University Book Award

This award is presented to a student in their junior year who, in the minds of the faculty, exhibits the qualities most cherished and exemplified by Washington and Lee University: personal integrity and strength of character, academic excellence, and significant involvement in extracurricular activities. In addition to their certificates, the Sayre Philemon Society will make a gift in their honor.  For the first recipient, a donation will be made to the UK Children’s Hospital. ROBIN LYNCH For the second recipient, a donation will be made to the Catholic Action Center. LOGAN BICKLEY

Presidential Volunteer Service Award 

The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too.

The Bronze Award: DHAARICK VINOD, AVA FALLON, GIGI DEROSSETT, MAYANI MONTANEZ, KENNEDI GRIFFIN, GANNON RICE, LARSON JONES, ZACHARY WIETING, BEN FALLON, ALEX ENGLAND, & ANGELICA RICH

The Silver Award: KAITLYN ISBERG

The Gold Award: for more than 250 hours of service - KENZIE JOHNSON & TYLER DIGUETTE

History Awards

F. Kevin Simon History Award

This history award is named in memory of Kevin Simon, who chaired the Upper School History department and directed the school's annual History Symposium from 1984 – 2002. It is presented each year to a senior student who demonstrates intellectual curiosity, enjoyment of learning, and independent thinking with respect to an understanding of history. And because it is named for Kevin Simon, a good sense of humor is an added bonus. EVELYN PATCHES

Thomas A. Grunwald History Award

This award is in memory of Tom Grunwald. During his more than 50 years of service to Sayre, he served as a teacher, mentor, and friend to generations of students. This award is presented to a senior who shares Mr. Grunwald’s love of history, who exhibits excellence in the field, and who demonstrates a sense of the well-roundedness which Mr. Grunwald embodied. ANGELICA RICH

World Languages

Lillie F. Webb Award

This award is given in memory of one of Sayre’s most generous benefactors, Lillie F. Webb, who, during the 1970’s, helped fund the building of the Simms Library. As a parent of students at Sayre and an avid speaker of romance languages, Ms. Lillie created this award to recognize communication proficiency and cultural appreciation in world languages. 
French: ANNA HUNTRESS
Spanish: ETHNE FLEMING

Vassar World Language Award

This award is given for achievement in World Languages to the junior who has demonstrated excellence in that discipline.
French: SOPHIA CAIRO
Spanish: MEREDITH ROUSE

Math Awards

Excellence in Mathematics Award

This award recognizes the student’s love and appreciation in mathematics and their unique ability in this subject. JOHN BRADLEY

Leibniz Mathematics Award

Gottfried Leibniz developed the rigorous mathematics now known as calculus at a later time in his life. His previous interests and achievements involved physics, law, economics and politics. This award recognizes a well-rounded and dedicated individual much like Leibniz. BLAKE BUTLER

Stephen A. Bullard Math Award

This endowed award is in memory of Stephen A. Bullard, a beloved former math teacher who, with his dry wit and energetic personality, made math accessible and inspired students. It is presented to the tenth grade student demonstrating excellence in Algebra II or Geometry. TALULA GENTILE-SCHEPT

Science Awards

John T. Bryans Science Award

Dr. John T. Bryans was internationally renowned for his research in controlling equine disease. Second only to his love of working in the laboratory was his love of Sayre, from which his daughters, Louise Bryans Lorton and the late Lucy Bryans Van Meter, graduated. This endowed award honors a student who has an appreciation of the sciences and, in particular, excels in the biological and chemical sciences. An engraved julep cup and a cash award of $1000 will be awarded to this year’s award recipient, CHARLIE SLABAUGH.

Karl E. Knapp Excellence in the Study of Environmental Resource Conservation Award

This endowed award is presented to an inventive and creative Upper School science student who demonstrates a passion for science, especially in the areas of ecological conservation and renewable energy. In upholding the legacy of Karl's curious nature and innovative spirit, a Swiss army multi-tool and an engraved pewter cup will be awarded to this year’s recipient, JOHN BRADLEY.

Lexington Medical Society Alliance Award

Lexington Medical Society’s values are camaraderie, connection, collaboration, and communication. In keeping with the organization’s mission, this award is presented to the sophomore student who shows a passion for the sciences and is outstanding in chemistry. LUCY PHILLIPPI

Marc Goldenberg Science Award

This endowed award was created in 1983 in memory of Marc Goldenberg. It recognizes a junior or senior student who, like Marc, demonstrates a high interest in science. MAYAN MAGGAN & MAX YEOH

Sayre School Physics Award

This award recognizes a junior or senior who has demonstrated enthusiasm and excellence in physics, and shows proficiency in applying physics concepts to real world applications. ETHNE FLEMING & WYATT LUTZ

Newton’s Attic Award for Engineering

Newton’s Attic was founded in 1998 by Bill Cloyd, a professional mechanical engineer and former high school teacher. Frustrated by the confines of the regular classroom, Cloyd was inspired to create a highly engaging approach to educating students about career opportunities available to them through physics and engineering. This award is given to a physics student who is self-motivated, demonstrates an excitement for learning, and embraces rigorous challenges in the scientific realm. HARPER MONOHAN

University of Kentucky College of Public Health Award

This award is presented to the junior or senior student who, whether through personal example or community contribution, has had the greatest influence on the student body in matters pertaining to health and well-being throughout his or her career. ALEX ENGLAND

William Lipscomb Science Award

Dr. William Lipscomb attended Sayre School and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In 2006 at the age of 87, he gave a lecture at UK, his alma mater, entitled The Pursuit of Ideas which explained his current research on enzymes. This award is given to students who share with Dr. Lipscomb the love of science and enthusiasm in the pursuit of scientific ideas. JACK JOHNSTON & JOSHUA MUNOZ DECEANO

Athletics

Hocker-Faucette Cup

This is an endowed award in memory of the Hocker and Faucette families. The award honors a sophomore female athlete who has best distinguished herself in the area of women's athletics. HADLEY LURING

Spartan Cup

This award is given each year in memory of William Clinton Hancock II, Peter Samuel Winegardner, and Toll Hollingsworth to a returning sophomore boy who demonstrates leadership, citizenship, and school spirit. The recipient must have participated in at least one varsity sport and maintained a solid academic average. WILL JOHNSON

Kentucky High School Athletic Director’s Association Sportsmanship Award

The Athletic Director selects a male and female athlete to receive this award. LUKE PENNINGTON & AVERY LURING

Abby Sayre Cup   

The Abby Sayre Cup is presented annually to the outstanding senior female athlete. This year’s recipient is a once in a lifetime athlete who has proven year in and year out that her passion for athletics is infectious. ANNA MULLIKIN & KATHERINE MONOHAN

C.V. Whitney Cup

The C.V. Whitney Cup is presented annually to the outstanding senior male athlete. BROCK COFFMAN

Other Awards

Director's Awards

The Director’s Award is given each year to two seniors who have made a unique contribution to the life and culture of the Upper School. This year’s recipients embody the values of our school community.  Both have unique interests and are multi-talented, and have shared their talents within the school community. Both lead through their actions with infectious enthusiasm and kindness. They have both shown a deep and abiding commitment to the school and embody our core values of wisdom, integrity, respect, and compassion. ANGELICA RICH & LUKE PENNINGTON

Scholarships

Thomas A. Grunwald Alumni Scholarship Awards

The endowed Grunwald Alumni Scholarships were started by a dedicated group of Sayre Alumni in honor of Mr. Grunwald’s commitment and service to the school. The recipient must be a child of an alumnus, have a GPA average equal to or exceeding 2.5, and must excel in one or more of the following areas: leadership in extracurricular activities, community service, and/or athletics; intangibles such as a sense of decency and purpose will be taken into account. These scholarships are awarded to the well-rounded student, paying homage to the Jeffersonian ideal of the “renaissance” person.               
Rising sophomore: SHEP MCLEAN
Rising junior: WOODS NAHRA  
Rising senior: ELI POWELL

Sayre School Scholarships for Academic Excellence

The Sayre scholarships are presented to two or three students per grade level who throughout the present school year have accumulated the highest grade point average in the first three marking periods. Each of these students will receive $500 tuition abatement for the 2022-23 school year.  
Rising sophomores: GRAHAM MAINOUS & THOMAS DUNCAN
Rising juniors: GIGI DEROSSETT, MOLLY ROBERTSON, & HADLEY LURING
Rising seniors: GRIFFON CALVERT & MEREDITH ROUSE

National Merit Award

Library Award

The Judy Offutt Library Award

Photos by Phillips Mitchell