Peddie’s 162nd Year Opens with Inspiring Convocation

On September 1, the Peddie community gathered outside Ayer Memorial Chapel to mark the beginning of the school’s 162nd academic year with Convocation.

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Student Body Co-Presidents Luke Chon ’26 and Julisa Lugo ’26 challenged their classmates to think of the new school year as a road trip. Lugo described it as the “final stretch of the drive to graduation” for seniors, while Chon reminded students that the journey matters as much as the destination. “At the end of the road trip,” he asked, “what kind of legacy will you leave behind?”

The ceremony also marked a historic moment for Peddie: the first Convocation address from new Head of School Jim Hamilton.

Hamilton reflected on his visit to campus for his final interview, which took place almost exactly one year ago. “I walked this campus imagining what it would feel like to stand where I stand now,” he said. “I had hoped to have the chance to join you. Today, that hope becomes real, and I could not be more excited.”

In his remarks, Hamilton emphasized the uniqueness of each academic year. “Look around,” he said. “Every face, every voice, every presence here makes this a year unlike any other. That is the beauty of a place like Peddie. No two years are the same, because no two communities are the same. This year belongs to us, together.”

Speaking directly to seniors, Hamilton urged the Class of 2026 to embrace their leadership role with integrity. “Remember that leadership is not about power or authority; it is about service, responsibility and setting a positive example for others to follow,” he said. “Be kind, inclusive and supportive of your fellow students. Your actions will shape the culture of our school, and your legacy will be remembered long after you graduate.”

The program concluded with the presentation of academic and citizenship awards honoring students for their outstanding contributions during the 2024–25 school year.

Swetland Honor Cup given to the member of the freshman class who has made the greatest contribution to the school: Zachary Phelan ’28
Potter Cup to those students who demonstrate strength of character, leadership, citizenship and scholarship: Luke Chon ’26

Wintersteen Math Award (Precalculus): Michael Wu ’28
Wintersteen Math Award (Calculus): Alvin Lyuh ’26

Austin Kelly Award for the student who has submitted the research paper that best combines complexity of historical analysis, extensive original research and scholarly use of primary source materials: Sanai Parrish ’26
Christensen Cup for outstanding work in U.S. History: Neil Kathuria ’26
Doherty Prize for outstanding sophomore research paper: Chloe Yang ’27

Chinese: Fred Sullivan ’26
Latin: Kira Pramanik ’26
French: Xuan (Claire) Lin ’26
Spanish: Sophie Winn ’26

Miller Reading Prize for demonstrating the greatest progress in English during the 2023-24 academic year:

English department award for completing the most outstanding work in English during junior year: Tevin Zhou ’26

The Spirit of the Arts Award: Abby (Yuyan) Sun ’28