The W+H Athletic Department celebrated another fine school year of team and individual accomplishments at the annual Rams Recognition Night on June 4. The event began with a dinner prepared by Sage Dining Services in the AP Room and continued with team and individual awards in the Berry Performing Arts Center. Athletic director Mike Romeo hosted the ceremony, with assistance from assistant athletic director Courtney McClain and athletic trainer Allison O’Gorman. The event was supported by the Booster Club, led by Jessica Nicholls, Youlin Tsai, Erin Maciorowski, Shakti Jha and Kerry O’Neill.
Sixteen athletes who compiled at least nine varsity letters received W+H blankets: Chiara Baldi ’26, Lily Bauer ’26, Sevastian Castillo ’26, Dharren Culver ’26, Nijiany Genao ’26, Mohisha Jha ’26, Justin Lustgarten ’26, Ryan Maciorowski ’26, Elyssa Ortega ’26, Luis Perez ’26, Ethan Pierre ’26, Jayla Presley-May ’26, Sophia Riccio ’26, Giannalise Rodriguez ’26, CJ Strauss ’26 and Mackias Ysaac ’26. The cross country team received the Highest GPA Award and JV basketball coach Luke Burroughs ’99 was honored as Coach of the Year.
Senior athletes who participated for four years in the same sport received special personalized rosewood boxes: Zaid Afridi ’26, Emily Andrews ’26, Chiara Baldi ’26, Lily Bauer ’26, Alex Cagle ’26, Sevastian Castillo ’26, Dharren Culver ’26, Nijiany Genao ’26, Taylor Green ’26, Mohisha Jha ’26, Justin Lustgarten ’26, Ryan Maciorowski ’26, Elyssa Ortega ’26, Luis Perez ’26, Ethan Pierre ’26, Jayla Presley-May ’26, Sophia Riccio ’26, Giannalise Rodriguez ’26, Nitya Sahni ’26, CJ Strauss ’26 and Richard Zhang ’26.
Mr. Romeo, with assistance from last year’s winner Luis Perez ’26, presented the Max Stevens Leadership and Athletics Award to Coco Lee ’27. This award has been endowed by the Stevens family, friends, alumni and former trustees in memory of Max Stevens ’04, who passed away in 2020. Max embodied many of the school’s core values during his many years as a student and alumnus. This award provides funding for the annual recipient to pursue a leadership program of their choice, ensuring that Max’s legacy will live on in our students and graduates.
All varsity teams were called to the risers in front of the stage as Mr. Romeo shared an animated presentation on the large screen including photos, highlights and comments from all the head coaches. Team awards, including MVPs, Coaches Awards, Most Improved and Rookie of the Year, were given to the athletes. Individual all-division and all-conference honors and team championships also were highlighted during the festive evening.