2024 Senior Awards

Before graduation, we hold a Senior Award Ceremony to honor and celebrate students who have excelled in academics, music and arts, and who represent the character and mission of our school in leadership, service, and faith. Photos from the ceremony are available online and a description of the awards is listed below.

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English Department Awards

The Emily Lyman Award recognizes a student who embraces literature and loves to write. This award is being given to a student whose creativity shines brilliantly in her writing and captivates her readers from the very first sentence. Her ability to craft vivid imagery and develop compelling characters is truly exceptional. She consistently demonstrates a keen understanding of narrative structure, and her stories leave a lasting impact on her readers. Recipient: Sunshine Clark

The John W. Donoghue Senior English Award recipient has demonstrated incredible resiliency this year and has remained engaged and insightful in English class. His contributions to class are at times insightful, at times humorous, and (almost) always welcome. I am so proud of the progress he has made in English this year in both his writing and in his insights into literature. From beautifully written essays and constructed responses to enthusiastic interjections of “dramatic irony!” and “foreshadowing!” during our class reading of Shakespeare’s Othello, he is a delightful and bright student and I look forward to what the next chapter of his life will bring. Recipient: Kevin McNeill

The Robert A. Brown Excellence in English Award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in the art of writing and communication during her years at Rice. This award is being given to a student who has shown a mastery of writing and communication that is truly impressive. Her ability to convey ideas with clarity, precision, and sophistication reflects a deep understanding of not only the subject matter but also an innate talent for expressing ideas effectively. Recipient: Moorea Lambert

The International English Language Award recognizes the exceptional fluency and facility in English of a student whose linguistic origins lie in another tongue and culture. The English department celebrates the achievements of a student who has grown as a student not only with basic communication but through the oral and written application of our language. This student’s fluency and mastery of English, considering her linguistic background, is truly remarkable! Her ability to navigate the intricacies of a language that is different from her native tongue showcases not only her dedication but also her adaptability and perseverance. Beyond this, she brings a unique perspective to her writing and communication, enriching discussions with insights that bridge cultures and languages. Recipient: Berit Gross

History Department Awards

The history department awards are given in honor of Kristen Charlebois and Lloyd Hulburd. Kristen was an extraordinary student of history and a voracious reader setting a standard of excellence in the history department to which all scholars aspire. Lloyd was a long-standing Rice history teacher of 40 years. His years of dedication, passion for History, and its connection to a larger story through scholarly pursuit were the hallmark of his teaching. 

The Kristen Charlebois Senior Excellence in History Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated enthusiasm for knowledge, strong critical thinking skills, and a passion for the study of history during their senior year. This student has excelled in her analysis of historical trends and her ability to write persuasively. She has been a class leader all year. Recipients: Katherine Doyle

The Lloyd Hulburd Excellence in History Award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated superior achievements in history and social studies at Rice, and who holds the great promise as a future scholar. This student has taken AP and Honors History classes all four years. She is a scholar with a great work ethic and much potential. Her interest in history has made her a joy to teach. Recipient: Gabby Sneddon

Mathematics Department Awards

The Math Team Award goes to a dedicated individual who has been a member of the Math Team for each of her 4 years at Rice. She has attended nearly every meeting, practice and competition over the last 4 years and has put her heart and soul into the team. Her performance the last two years has earned her an invitation to the Regional Math League Competition at Penn State with the Vermont Math League team. Recipient: Eve Neider

The UVM Math Exam Award: in march, high school students throughout the state of Vermont were invited to compete in the university of Vermont department of mathematics and statistics annual high school prize examination. This recipient earned the certificate of merit and best in school recognition. Recipient: Eve Neider

The Senior Excellence in Mathematics Award recognizes a student who has thrived in AP Calculus this year. Without hesitation, he helps his peers solve difficult problems, and regularly participates and asks questions in class. He is an outstanding role model and is a positive presence in the classroom. Recipient: Luke Broussard

The 2024 Excellence in Mathematics Award recognizes a student who has excelled over the last 4 years in the learning of mathematics. This student has a genuine interest in understanding the underlying concepts of Mathematics no matter how challenging or time consuming they may be. This student has demonstrated profound knowledge and deep understanding of a variety of topics in both AP Statistics and AP Calculus, and she will be missed. Recipient: Eve Neider

Science Department Awards

The Senior Excellence in Science Award is presented to a motivated student who excelled in both AP Biology and AP Chemistry during her senior year. This student’s strong interest was evident and she often came up with ideas in class that showed she was applying the concepts learned in class to other advanced topics. She demonstrated a great depth of understanding and went above and beyond on projects and independent research. Recipient: Camryn Benner

The 2024 Excellence in Science Award is presented to a student who excelled in Biology, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Physics in his four years at Rice. He is a consummate consumer of podcasts and served on the leadership team for the Neuroscience Club for the past 2 years. Recipient: Guillaume Bouramia

Doc Dengler Physics Award 2024 This award honors retired Physics teacher Doc Dengler by recognizing a senior who has shown a great depth of interest, character, humor, and thinking in her pursuit of excellence in AP Physics. This student’s resolve and poise guided the entire class and lifted the collective spirit of the room each and every day. Recipient: Lucia Bird Matarazzo
 

Foreign Language Department Awards

The Foreign Language Awards are presented to students who not only have successfully completed the requirements for learning the language but have also exceeded course expectations both inside and outside of the classroom. These students are hardworking, enthusiastic, and exemplify a love of language learning. Three students--one in French, one in Spanish, and one in Latin–are selected for their outstanding work in foreign language study during their Senior year. Recipients: French - Moorea Lambert, Spanish - Zerima King, Latin - Owen Messineo

The Seal of Biliteracy Award is new to Rice this year. It is given by the Vermont Foreign Language Association under the authorization of the Vermont Agency of Education. This award recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in a language other than English by high school graduation. Recipients: Luke Broussard, Moorea Lambert, Emilie Buttolph, Grace Marroquin, and Kevin Howrigan

The 2024 Excellence in Foreign Language Award is presented to a student who for four years has consistently been an exceptional learner of a foreign language. This student has been a hard working and dedicated language learner since freshman year. In addition to being a prepared and positive contributor to every class, she has generously demonstrated her creative powers--as sound engineer, backdrop and prop maker, art contributor–and was a member of the victorious senior probatio team at UVM’s Latin Day this year. This student’s dedication, intensity, and creativity are unique and unmatched. Recipient: Lauren McCabe

Religion Department Awards

Senior Excellence in Religious Studies Award presented to a student who has grown and continues to grow intellectually and spiritually. Through his enthusiasm for philosophical reflection and his attention to the wisdom contained in the Scriptures, this student evidences the wonder that is at the root of both religion and philosophy. This student has a mature and sincere personal faith, evident in his writing and in the way he comports himself both in and outside of the classroom. He embodies the classical ideal of the Christian humanistic scholar who strives to synthesize his knowledge into a coherent worldview and way of life. Recipient: Guillaume Bouramia

The 2024 Msgr. Rev. Bernard Bourgeois Excellence in Religious Studies Award is presented to a student who is willing to explore faith, and exemplifies a compassionate and serious approach to the study of Religion. This year’s recipient has, for her four years at Rice, heeded the Lord’s command to Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. She has walked the halls of Rice radiating the love of Christ and been a strong rock for the classes, athletics, and community organizations of which she has been a part. Her Community Service Learning project was centered on bringing fellow students with her to Jesus, in His presence in the Eucharist through a silent prayer group with a focus on adoration. Her work on this project with Monsignor Richard Lavalley was a constant labor of dedication, prayer, and trust. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “O woman, great is your faith!” Recipient: Gabriella Allbee
 

Fine Arts Department Awards

The 4-Year Excellence in Visual Arts Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated a boundless curiosity for the world of visual art in its many forms. She has not only mastered the skills and techniques taught in her various art classes, but always adds her own creativity to each project, making it something very special and very personal. Recipient: Lauren McCabe

The Senior Excellence in Digital Photography Award is being given to a student that not only learned all he could about photography, but enhanced his approach to each project through his mastery of the technical side. Adding that to his unique and creative photographer’s eye, he has captured images that speak to his viewers. Recipient: Giles Heilman

The Excellence in Visual Arts Award recognizes a senior who demonstrates clear artistic talent, hard work, and creativity. Her work is original and expressive. She clearly demonstrates concepts learned in class, adds her own unique style and artistic flare to each project, and demonstrates true artistic skill. Recipient: Lexi Llanos

The Senior Excellence in Instrumental Music Award is presented to a student who has consistently demonstrated a pursuit of excellence and enthusiasm for music. She has poured herself into the study of her instrument working with various ensembles, teachers, auditioning for several music festival ensembles, and contributing her skills to the school musical this year. This student has persevered through challenge, set-back, thrived under pressure, and has earned the honor of principal chair on her instrument at the All State Music Festival. Additionally, this student has been a leader in the band, bringing her enthusiasm for music, sharing her infectious positive attitude, always aiding peers, and consistently posing thoughtful musical questions that push teacher and student. Recipient: Eve Neider

The Senior Excellence in Drama Award is presented to a student that has dedicated countless hours to the music department and improving her craft. She has a great natural stage presence and makes everyone around her better. She has shown an impressive willingness to help her fellow musicians and actors by choreographing all of the dance scenes in The Music Man last school year, and The Pirates of Penzance and Into the Woods this year. She has helped lead the soprano section of the Chorus, has been accepted into music festivals, while also participating in the musical theater productions over the past four years including the lead role of the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Her portrayal truly brought the character to life. I look forward to seeing where her path takes her and seeing her thrive. For her tireless pursuit of excellence and commitment to the dramatic arts. Recipient: Moorea Lambert

The Senior Excellence in Vocal Music Award is presented to a student who has really developed vocally over the past two years. After having a big breakthrough in voice lessons last summer she performed both Ruth in this year’s production of Pirates of Penzance and Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods. She was accepted into the New England Music Festival and was 6th in the state for the All State Vocal Scholarship Auditions. She is one of the outstanding leaders in the Alto section of chorus. She is an excellent example of what focus and hard work can achieve. Recipient: Zerima King

The Senior Excellence in Vocal Music and Drama Award This award is presented to a senior who excelled in both Vocal music and Drama. In many ways he is the perfect example of what one should do to prepare for a career as a singer. No one has worked harder to develop his voice, and truly study vocal technique. He is an example of how you must fall in love with the process of developing your artistry with the intention of performing. He has completed the hat trick for vocal awards winning the District Scholarship, All State Scholarship, and the New England Music Festival scholarship for vocal music this year. He has performed with Opera Company of Middlebury and their Youth Opera program. While at rice his participation in drama has included the Movie Musical as a freshman, Laurie in Little Women, Javert and Marius in Les Miserables, Marcellus and Harold Hill understudy in Music Man, Frederick in The Pirates of Penzance and most recently as The Baker in Into the Woods. There is no doubt that he is bound for big places and great things to suit his big voice. We are all excited to see where in the world you will go next. Recipient: Connor Trombly

Guidance Awards

The University of Vermont Green and Gold Scholar This program was created by the University of Vermont to recognize the state’s academically meritorious graduating seniors. This select group of high school seniors generally ranks in the top tier of their graduating class, have high-standardized test scores, and most importantly, have immersed themselves in a competitive academic experience throughout their high school careers. Each high school can nominate one student. Recipient: Eve Neider

The Governor Phil Hoff Vermont Honor Scholarship program requires the student to be actively involved in extracurricular activities and/or community service, and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. This award honors a student in the Rice community who has achieved both academic and personal excellence. Recipient: Allison Winslow

The Betsy O’Brien Scholarship was created in memory of Betsy O’Brien, Rice Memorial High School graduate, class of 1979. The award is given to a graduating senior who has set an example of high personal and academic standards and has demonstrated concern for the well being of others. Recipients: Emilie Buttolph and Keira Underwood

The Susan Valley Scholarship is given in memory of Susan Valley, a life long professional nurse. This scholarship will help two students to pursue studies in the nursing profession. Recipients: Sierra Martin and Ileana Weiner MolinaCampus Ministry Awards:

Campus Ministry Awards

The Society of Saint Edmund Peer Ministry Award honors a senior for their exemplary hard work, ministry to their peers, and authentic leadership and modeling of Christian values. This student has led many times by example with kindness and gentleness or strength and courage when needed. Recipient: Owen Messineo

The Kristen Charlebois Humanitarian Award goes to a senior who exemplifies integrity, generosity, and concern for others. This student’s generosity of time, talent and treasure when it comes to helping those in need and her peers goes beyond words. Recipient: Clara Hershey

The Bishop Kenneth Angell Award is given to a student who exemplifies the Christian values of love, kindness, compassion, and service. This senior is genuinely respectful to peers and adults alike. This student embodies the love of Christ in all her relationships at school, and wherever she goes. She is always ready to listen and to serve to the best of her knowledge. Recipient: Gabriella Albee

The Mercy Peer Ministry Award honors the Sisters of Mercy, who have been an important part of the history of Rice and Cathedral High Schools. The young woman receiving this award is recognized for her courageous spirit and her modeling of authentic Christian values, especially when it comes to caring for others and being a good ambassador of Rice. This student has been an authentic Christian and Rice ambassador at many Diocesan events and in our mission/service trip to Lima - Perú. Recipient: Zerima King

Student Council Award

Student Council Award - is presented to a student who realizes that being on the Student Council is more than just winning an election or having something to add to one’s college resume. Rather, it means being a part of a service organization whose purpose is to help make Rice a better place. This year’s recipient has been an enthusiastic member of the council during three of her four years here at Rice and was always willing to do what was needed to help. Love of Rice is quite evident in everything she has done while a member of the council. Whether it was helping to organize Spirit Week, a Pep Rally, helping with a dance, representing the student body to the school board, or organizing the Prom this recipient did everything with energy and fun. She set a great example for those who will follow her. Recipient: Moorea Lambert

 

Principal's Achievement Awards

Four Year Academic Achievement Award is given each year to a student based on academic and personal growth over four years. Though this student was doubted by many, she signed placement waivers so she could take more challenging classes. She dug in and worked with discipline, passion and dedication. She made her own way by working independently and refusing to accept “no” for an answer. Though she was not recommended for Honors classes she would go on to take 11 AP classes and 13 AP tests (and she even canceled her Physics 2 test) and was recognized as an AP Scholar. This student started out Freshman year with a GPA that most of us would be extremely proud of, but she was not satisfied. Astoundingly, she raised her GPA 10 ½ percentage points from Freshman to Junior year! She became the first student to ever take AP Physics as a Sophomore and will continue towards a STEM degree after graduating. Recipient: Kayleigh McCullen

The Principal’s Personal Achievement Award is given every year to one student from each of the four classes, recognized for his or her commitment to becoming a better person and making Rice a better place. This student has been an integral part of virtually everything that has happened at Rice since she arrived four years ago. She has tenaciously yet diplomatically worked to improve the school climate, and specific events for students. She has led by being involved with student council, special one of a kind events, class bonding trips, advocating for student rights and privileges, special committees and task forces, working on Burlington City issues, and even statewide school issues. She is a creative problem solver, a fierce advocate, a charismatic spokesperson and a force for positive change. She is highly intelligent, exceptionally talented, intensively driven and a dynamic influence for constructive transformation. She has completed over 300 hours of community service over the past four years… and she has been an almost daily presence in the office of the last three Principals. She is a truly irreplaceable community leader. Recipient: Hannah Cunningham
 

Athletic Awards:

The Vermont Principals Association Scholar Athlete Awards - in recognition of the student-athlete, the Vermont Principals Association bestows the Scholastic Achievement Award on the students, who excelled in the classroom while participating in a season of a varsity level VPA sponsored sport.  The criteria for the award is a graduating Senior with a 92 or better average and the student must have completed in their senior year at least one full competitive season on a VPA interscholastic varsity team. Recipients: Adele Bounds, Allison Winslow, Anna Hunt, Anthony Picucci, Berit Gross, Bridget Krause, Camryn Benner, Clara Hershey, Derek Wenner, Emilie Buttolph, Eve Neider, Evelyn Quinlan, Gabriella Allbee, Gabrielle Sneddon, Giles Heilman, Grace Marroquin, Guillaume Bouramia, Hannah Cunningham, Henry Adrian, Isabel Bloom, Jacob McCormack, Jaeger Bowen, Joe Rob, Katherine Doyle, Kayleigh McCullen, Keira Underwood, Kelli Cieplicki, Kevin Howrigan, Kevin McNeill, Luke Broussard, Madison Sultzbaugh, Mara Stevens, Maxwell Lowry, Nicholas Newman, Owen Messineo, Raven McCray-Fay, Sophia Roberts, Sunshine Clark, Wilfred St. Francis, William Bourgeois, and Wyatt Wolpert

NFHS Award of Excellence for Exemplary Display of Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity - Sportsmanship is an understanding of and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity, and general goodwill toward an opponent.  It is an affirmation that an athlete is disciplined enough to have perspective, maintain poise and do what is best for his or her teammates.  The player that is chosen to receive this honor is someone who conducts themselves on and off the court or field with fairness and respect towards others.  This player is gracious in victory, and well-mannered in defeat.  This is not an award that is based on skill; but both this year’s recipients are extremely talented in their respective sports.  It is given to the players who most exemplifies selfless dedication to team, tireless enthusiasm, and an unwavering respect and love for sport. Recipients: Gabrielle Sneddon and Wilfred St. Francis

Outstanding Performance by a Senior Athlete in his or her individual sport as nominated by their respective coaches, considering the athlete’s performance both on the field/court/ice and in the Rice Community. Recipients:

Fall Sports:
Field Hockey - Clara Hershey
Football - Kevin Howrigan
Boys Soccer - Luke Broussard
Girls Soccer - Raven McCray-Fay
Girls Volleyball - Gabrielle Sneddon
Boys Volleyball - Drew Bessette and Tommy Colman
Boys Golf - Max Lowry
Girls Golf - Grace Marroquin
Girls Cross Country - Adele Bounds

Winter Sports
Girls Alpine Skiing - Emile Buttolph
Boys Alpine Skiing - Kevin McNeill
Girls Basketball - Kelli Cieplicki
Boys Basketball - Drew Bessette
Boys Ice Hockey - Joe Rob
Girls Ice Hockey - Kate Kozachuk
Boys Prep Hockey - Chris Sager
Girls Prep Hockey - Anita Origlio
Boys Indoor Track - Anthony Picucci
Girls Indoor Track - Sophia Roberts

Spring Sports
Baseball - Wyatt Wolpert
Softball - Gabriella Allbee
Boys Tennis - Wilfred St. Francis
Girls Tennis - Gabrielle Sneddon & Grace Marroquin
Boys Track & Field - Anthony Picucci
Girls Track & Field - Adele Bounds
Boys Lacrosse - Patrick Sawyer
Girls Lacrosse - Sophia Roberts
Ultimate - Kevin Howrigan

Outstanding Male and Female Athlete - these awards are given to two seniors who played multiple seasons and sports at Rice.  They are not only exceptional athletes who may have been recognized as such by other coaches within their sports, but also exhibit leadership and sportsmanship both on and off the field/court/ or ice. 

The Outstanding Female Athlete Award is presented to an all-around great athlete and wonderful young lady. She was a three-year Varsity player in Soccer helping to win 2 state championships and earning a reputation for her dedication and commitment to her team.  In addition to her soccer career, she played Prep Hockey for 4 years and Lacrosse for 3.  In the words of her Prep Hockey coach, “she was a 3-year captain and excelled at Rice as a 3-sport athlete always giving her all”. She showed up with a huge smile on her face and positive attitude ready to take on any challenge – this work ethic helped elevate the play of all her teammates.  Recipient:  Sunshine Clark

The Outstanding Male Athlete Award is presented to player that has been a four-year varsity player in Basketball and a 3-year varsity starter in both Volleyball and Ultimate.  He was named captain in his junior year for both Basketball and Volleyball.  Over the past 4 years he has been a model of consistency both in his sports and in the classroom.  He leads by example whether it is for practice or a game.  He’s constantly looking for ways to improve his own game and brings a sport IQ to help coaches with in-game corrections.  Combine being a leader on the court, in the locker room, and named a captain in his junior year while maintaining over a 91 academic average, and you have a true definition of student athlete. He is taking his dream of playing Division 1 basketball to the campus of UVM. Recipient: Drew Bessette

The Outstanding Male and Female Scholar Athlete Awards are Rice’s highest athletic awards and are named for John Varricchione, who for 40 years taught English and coached football, basketball and baseball at Rice. The awards are given to two seniors, who played multiple sports seasons at Rice including their senior year.  These students are not only great athletes, recognized by their coaches within their respective sports, they excel in the classroom obtaining highest-grade point averages in their senior class.  They exhibit sportsmanship both on the field/court/ice and leadership in the classroom and community.

The John Varricchione Outstanding Female Scholar Athlete Award is presented to a young woman who sets the standard for what striving for excellence looks like and she does this in all areas of her life including the classroom and with her teammates.  Her Alpine ski coach says this about her this year, “she joined the alpine team this year demonstrating her natural ability as she entered a race course for the first time, adapting to the challenge well.  She made progress every single day during the season while always celebrating the fun in the sport.
Recipient: Allison Winslow

The John Varricchione Outstanding Male Scholar Athlete Award is presented to player who over his career has played Hockey while maintaining over a 101 academic average. During his time at Rice he played both Hockey and Lacrosse. He is a quiet leader who led by example and was adored by his teammates. His Coaches, says this: He was an outstanding teammate all season long and helped lead his teammates to a state championship ending a 29 year drought. He was a leader playing one of the most difficult positions in sport always pushing his teammates to do their best. He always had the teams best interest at heart and was someone his teammates listened to when he spoke up. Dedicated in the classroom, attentive and driven on the ice, he will be very successful at the next level academically. Recipient: Giles Heilman