MORRISTOWN — On Friday, June 10, the thirty-two members of The Peck School’s eighth grade class graduated. Family, friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and most of the student body of the school attended the commencement ceremony. The Peck School has been preparing bright young minds for matriculation into the nation’s best secondary schools since 1893.
This is the second graduating class under Andrew C. Delinsky, Peck’s eleventh Head of School installed in July 2014.
He warmly addressed the graduates, noting, “This year’s Peck graduating class sets a remarkably high bar for future classes to follow. They’re hard working, kind, and considerate, smart, and exceptional role models. They embraced the role of school leaders this year and led positively and purposely. What’s been most fun to observe, however, is their support for one another — they’re as much a family as one class could be, showing Consideration of Others every day. It’s an honor to celebrate the class of 2016 this afternoon as they depart Peck and move on with all the skills, values and traits needed for success.”
ALUMNI SPEAKER
Alumnus Adam Magistro of Morristown (Peck ’12, Newark Academy ’16) addressed the Class of 2016 as the Commencement Speaker, furthering a longstanding tradition of inviting a Peck alum back to campus to reflect on his or her own journey in secondary school.
At his commencement from Peck, Adam graduated with high honors and was the recipient of both the History and Science Awards. After Peck, Adam continued to excel at Newark Academy where he captained the Panasonic Creative Design Challenge Robotics team for three years, which this year took the honor of second place – the best finish of any Newark Academy team. Adam also served as Captain of his golf team and played soccer and winter track during his high school career.
Amidst his busy academic and athletic life, Adam still found time to serve as volunteer fireman in his community and this year received the honor of a nomination by Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen to attend the US Naval Academy in the fall.
“Live to serve others. Get involved in your community and use Peck’s values to guide your life. Incorporate them into every choice you make, in high school and beyond, and never, never stop trying to make the world a better place,” he told the Class of 2016 as he shared advice on how to take ownership of, and enjoy life, in secondary school and beyond.
GRADUATE SPEAKER
Eighth grader Nicolette Decker ‘16 of Morristown spoke on behalf of the Class of 2016, reading an essay she wrote as a reflection of her time at Peck. “This year, as an eighth grader, I could not be more thankful to Peck for shaping who I have become and teaching me it is okay to be me, my own unique part of the community. We all come from different backgrounds, different experiences. Peck brings us all together to create a diverse community, one big happy family that I am very sad to leave. But I know that the show must go on,” Nicolette related.
CLASS GIFT
Student Council President, Tejas Parekh also presented a Class Gift to the School – a set of special benches designated for an eighth grade outdoor seating area. Funds for the Class Gift are raised through the Class of 2016’s fundraising activities during their seventh grade year.
Several students were recognized for academic honors and special awards. They are:
HONORS
High Scholarship for the Year: Zarah Bari of Towaco, Norman Brown of Summit, Nicolette Decker of Morristown, Julia Dubel of Brookside, Caitlyn Foley of Madison, Eve Gilbert of Chatham, Jack Hepp of Green Village, Shaye Herman of New Vernon, Emma Jaskolski of Summit, Ruqaiyyah Lucas-Caldwell of Newark, Meghana Maddali of Parsippany, Luke Mortensen of Quakertown, Allison Moss of New Vernon, Olivia Nugent of Bernardsville, James Pagano of Short Hills, Tejas Parekh of Towaco, Gianna Porcek of Boonton Township, Sahil Reddy of Boonton, Abigail Sim of New Providence, and Patrick Uket of Irvington.
For Special Service to the Kindergarten, in acting as mentors and “buddies” for Peck’s youngest students: Zarah Bari of Towaco, Sara Blanchard of Morristown, Norman Brown of Summit, Ryan Bush of Summit, Caitlyn Foley of Madison, Eve Gilbert of Chatham, Elisabeth Gilfillan of Madison, Emma Jaskolski of Summit, Jacob Lamb of Chatham, Ruqaiyyah Lucas-Caldwell of Newark, Hunter Moss of Bernardsville, Olivia Nugent of Bernardsville, James Pagano of Short Hills, Tejas Parekh of Towaco, Jack Wilkin of Montclair, and Sydney Wolfe of Madison.
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Julia Dubel of Brookside received the Foreign Language Prize in Latin for her effort, interest, enthusiasm, and academic performance in the study of Latin. Julia also received the Alys H. Olney Music Award for her dedicated interest in music classes and programs, as well as a genuine love of performance. Julia will attend Choate Rosemary Hall in the Fall.
James Pagano of Short Hills was awarded the Malcolm E. McAlpin Science Award for his high curiosity, scientific reasoning, and commitment to excellence in science. James also received the Foreign Language Prize in Spanish for his effort, interest, enthusiasm, and academic performance in the study of Spanish. James will attend The Pingry School in the Fall.
Abigail Sim of New Providence was awarded the The John L. Hopkins Memorial Award for outstanding performance in English composition. She was also awarded the History Prize, as her scholarly achievement in history is matched by a genuine enthusiasm for understanding the human experience. In addition, she was awarded the Rudolph H. Deetjen Jr. InDeCoRe Award. In honor of beloved former Head of School “Rudy” Deetjen, the award is presented to a graduating student selected by his or her peers who best demonstrates consideration of others and the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Loyalty, Perseverance, and Empathy in his or her daily life. Abigail was also awarded the Harriet Stratemeyer Adams Award for Highest Scholarship, an acknowledgement of that student in the graduating class who has maintained the highest scholarship average for the year including final exams. She completed her eighth grade year carrying an outstanding 97.12 GPA. Abigail will attend The Hotchkiss School in the Fall.
Eve Gilbert of Chatham received the Foreign Language Prize in French for her effort, interest, enthusiasm, and academic performance in the study of French. She was also awarded the Lyndsley E. Wilkerson Award, named to honor Lyndsley’s deep love of the Peck environment. The award is presented to a graduating student who has shown significant perseverance and has enthusiastically built a foundation for future success, has demonstrated genuine curiosity about the world, and has led by example. Eve will be attending The Pingry School in the Fall.
Caitlyn Foley of Madison also received the Foreign Language Prize in French for her effort, interest, enthusiasm, and academic performance in the study of French. Caitlyn will be attending The Pingry School in the Fall.
Olivia Nugent of Bernardsville was awarded the Rudolph H. Deetjen Jr. InDeCoRe Award. In honor of beloved former Head of School “Rudy” Deetjen, the award is presented to a graduating student selected by his or her peers who best demonstrates consideration of others and the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Loyalty, Perseverance, and Empathy in his or her daily life. She also was awarded the F. C. Reynolds Sportsmanship Award in recognition of her outstanding sense of leadership, fair play, and good sportsmanship. Olivia will be attending The Pingry School in the Fall.
Emma Jaskolski of Summit was awarded the F. C. Reynolds Sportsmanship Award in recognition of her outstanding sense of leadership, fair play, and good sportsmanship. Emma will attend Deerfield Academy in the Fall.
Jack Hepp of Green Villiage was awarded the F. C. Reynolds Sportsmanship Award in recognition of his outstanding sense of leadership, fair play, and good sportsmanship. Jack will attend The Pingry School in the fall.
Meghana Maddali of Parsippany received the Eighth Grade Art Prize for her outstanding artistic talent and genuine love of art. Meghana will be attending Morris Knolls IB school in the fall.
Gianna Porcek of Boonton Township received the Norman R. Lemcke Jr. Memorial Drama Award for her talent, commitment, and sense of creativity, which have resulted in outstanding accomplishments in the area of dramatic arts. Gianna will attend Newark Academy in the fall.
Tejas Parekh of Towaco received the Caspersen Family Mathematics Award in recognition of his effort, intuition, and creative talents in exploring mathematical concepts and understanding analytical procedures. Tejas also received the Foreign Language Prize in Spanish for his effort, interest, enthusiasm, and academic performance in the study of Spanish. He also received the Rudolph H. Deetjen Jr. InDeCoRe Award. In honor of beloved former Head of School “Rudy” Deetjen, the award is presented to a graduating student selected by his or her peers who best demonstrates consideration of others and the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Loyalty, Perseverance, and Empathy in his or her daily life. In addition, Tejas received the Peck Loyalty Prize. Given in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Lorraine T. Peck, leaders of the School for 27 years, the Peck Loyalty Prize is presented to the student(s) who, in the estimation of the faculty, best exemplify consideration of others and consistently demonstrate the qualities of leadership, loyalty to the School, and all other attributes that make for successful academic, athletic, and personal relationships. Tejas will attend Delbarton School in the fall.
Sahil Reddy of Boonton received The Peck School Technology Award for his talent, innovation, and creativity with technology and his efforts to promote the respectful use of technology by all. Sahil will attend Blair Academy in the fall.
FACULTY AWARD
Following the student awards and recognitions, the Walker D. Kirby Faculty Award was presented to Mr. Dave Carlo, Upper School History Teacher. The award is named for Mrs. Walker D. Kirby, who for nearly sixty years, as a Peck parent, grandparent, Parents’ Association Class Parent and Board of Trustee member, has given generously of her boundless energy and deep devotion to The Peck School. As selected by the graduating class, this award annually honors a member of the faculty whose dedication to the School, its students, and its mission is an exemplary inspiration to the graduates and to the entire Peck community.
Mr. Carlo cautioned the graduating students that, “Life is precious, so enjoy it and live it with your full self. Let go of regrets, learn from your mistakes and move on and live your life, for you are fortunate to have it. Be grateful we have had this chance to share our time together and make the most of all that comes your way. Don’t miss the adventure while searching for the meaning in it all.”
Diplomas were then conferred by Head of School Andrew C. Delinsky and Board of Trustees President Edward James Foley IV.
The Peck School
The Peck School is a co-ed, independent, K-8 day school in Morristown with a century-old reputation for academic excellence and emphasis on character formation. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, The Peck School strives to build in each student the capacity for disciplined learning and consideration of others, while preparing students to succeed in secondary school and to lead healthy, productive, and principled lives.
Find bright beginnings in our Lower School (Grades K-4) and a tradition of leadership in our Upper School (Grades 5-8). Learn more at www.peckschool.org, or call our Admissions office at (973) 539-8660 ext. 117.
