Annual Awards Assembly 2018
As our year draws to a close, we enjoy our end of the year traditions. One of our favorites is the Annual Awards Assembly, where we honor our outstanding students and welcome back past winners and other loyal Friends of Grace. Today, we had the pleasure of awarding The Drew Nealley Walkers’ Club Award, The Theolyn Wilson Music Award, and The Daniel Benner Memorial Award.
The Drew Nealley Walkers’ Club Award, given in memory of former Grace student Drew Nealley, is awarded to the student who has logged the most walking miles during recess. Students in all grades are eligible for this award. Drew’s parents Eric and Sarah Nealley were on hand to present the award, and several of Drew’s classmates joined us for the ceremony and reception, too. This year’s award went to multiple recipients in Grade 2. These winners are all about teamwork — as avid walkers, they worked hard to log exactly the same amount of walking so that they would all be eligible to win the award. If anyone in the group was absent, the others waited for her to return before resuming their walking. It was especially wonderful to see them all receive their awards today. Congratulations, walkers!
The Theolyn Wilson Outstanding Student in Music Award is presented to a Grade 5 student who has had a solo in a major performance, has consistently demonstrated exemplary conduct in music class, and has developed excellent performance skills in singing and/or playing an instrument. Ms. Wilson was at the ceremony with us and was delighted to announce this year’s winner, Grade 5 student. Jadyn has a warm, positive attitude toward music learning that – according to Ms. Smith – has made her a joy to teach. Her dedication to music has served her well, as she performed as a lead in the past two spring musicals. Additionally, she has shared her voice during solos and group selections in Christmas Chapels. In music class, she sets a strong yet humble role model for younger, budding music students, through her willingness to master her own music, rehearse with her friends, and also assist others. She truly serves as a representative of Grace’s mission, in that she collaborates with those around her to “promote creativity, self-confidence, and service to others,” through her gift of music.
The Daniel Benner Memorial Award is given to a student in Grade 5 who has participated on a Grace sports team and has exhibited scholarship, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Daniel’s mother, Dr. Gurney, and his father, Dr. Benner, joined us to present the award this year. Amongst a wonderful group of Grade 5 students at Grace this year, Lucas stands out as embodying the qualities that Daniel Benner himself exemplified: scholarship, sportsmanship and teamwork. A very talented athlete, Lucas is a model of grace and poise in competition. He looks out for the whole team and contributes stellar character at the same level. He is dedicated and committed and also loving and kind. A positive example for all around him, he is often leading the pack in all of the right ways.
Congratulations to all award winners, and thanks to all of the Friends of Grace who joined us for today’s presentation.To conclude, we would like to share a wonderful prayer from Ms. Danish that is written just for occasions such as these:
“Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, we meet to honor those among us who have distinguished themselves in various ways. We also honor all of those who have aided in that effort by friendship, sharing of ideas, encouragement, and team spirit. Above all, we bless you who created a world in which such insight, leadership, and hard work are possible. Help those of us who are on the sidelines at this moment not to be so envious that we don’t use it as a time to figure out what draws out the best in us. Help us to be with those whom we honor so that they don’t confuse themselves with notions of superiority in areas other than those for which they are rewarded. Help us to liberate everyone to do as well as we can, and with your help to achieve with integrity and peace. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ who distinguished himself in speaking and living for justice and love. Amen.”
