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Students, families, counselors and teachers gathered in the Lecture Hall on April 22 to celebrate academic achievement at the All School Awards.

Around 60 students received recognition, including National Merit Finalists and recipients of scholarships and departmental awards. The event also featured remarks from history teacher Dylan Wedan and baked treats acknowledging the students’ efforts.

Junior Jony Li received the Rochester Institute of Technology award for taking advanced computer science courses and participating in programming and software development activities outside the classroom.

“I liked that the teachers were able to recognize each student and give every awardee well-deserved praise,” Li said.

The social studies, math, English and science departments honored students across grade levels and subject areas.

Guidance counselor Kathleen Otal said the ceremony showcased the students’ varied talents and gave teachers an opportunity to see achievements beyond their own departments.

“For example, [it’s nice] to see the English teachers see students win awards for math,” Otal said.

For many students, the ceremony provided encouragement before weeks of preparation for final exams and AP exams.

Senior Annie Wang received the National Merit Scholarship Finalist Award.

“I’m super grateful to be acknowledged alongside my classmates, who are all very talented,” Wang said.

Wedan, who teaches AP U.S. History, also recognized junior Maggie Farrell for her dedication to the demanding course. In his speech, he reflected on how frequently he asks students to do more reading, pay closer attention during lectures and spend additional time studying.

“And, generally, my students honor these requests for more,” Wedan said. “But by nominating a student for this prestigious award, I get the opportunity to pay that honor back.”