Peddie’s 161st Year Begins with Inspiring Convocation

On September 2, Peddie ushered in its 161st academic year with a stirring Convocation ceremony in Ayer Memorial Chapel. The event brought together a student body of 527, including 132 members of the Class of 2025.

Student Body Co-Presidents Matilda Kardhashi ’25 and Ethan Yang ’25 welcomed new and returning students, with Kardhashi emphasizing the importance of community building. She encouraged her peers to “cultivate friendships, to learn from one another and to build memories with and for each other.”

Kardhashi also stressed the significance of everyday interactions, advising students not to overlook “the bonds that will form and the daily opportunities that will present themselves” amidst the excitement of significant school events.

Head of School Peter Quinn P’15 ’18 ’21 delivered his final Convocation address before his planned retirement in June 2025. Quinn challenged students to take charge of their personal journeys, encouraging them to “be the artist of your own life.” He elaborated, “Let the artist in you create a life of fulfillment and contribution in such a way that you are happy and inspire the happiness and fulfillment of others.”

Following the remarks, faculty members presented academic and citizenship awards to students for outstanding contributions during the 2023-24 school year.

Swetland Honor Cup given to the member of the freshman class who has made the greatest contribution to the school: Samantha Forte ’27

Potter Cup to those students who demonstrate strength of character, leadership, citizenship and scholarship: Matilda Kardhashi ’25

Academic Excellence in Science: Sarah Tong ’25

Wintersteen Math Award: Jayden Li ’26 (Precalculus)

Wintersteen Math Award: Justin Wang ’25 (Calculus)

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: Anjali Sudarshan ’25

Christensen Cup for outstanding work in U.S. History: Matthew Luo ’25

Doherty Prize for outstanding sophomore research paper: Natalie Muenzen ’26 and Luca Romanelli ’26

Seungwoo (Jullien) Raillot ’25 (Chinese)

Sarah Tong ’25 (Latin)

Rishi Seth ’25 (French)

Matthew Luo ’25 (Spanish)

Miller Reading Prize for demonstrating the greatest progress in English during the 2023-24 academic year: Anh Tran ’27, Liam Ruiz ’26 and Jasmine Bogenrief ’25

English department award for completing the most outstanding work in English during junior year: Imani Jones ’25