Recognizing the 2025-2026 Book Award Winners

May 8 2026

Each spring, the Upper School gathers to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and intellectual engagement. These academic achievement awards (also known as the Senior Book Awards) offer us a moment to pause and honor not only individual accomplishment, but also the values that guide our shared learning: curiosity, collaboration, and care.

We are proud to lift up these Upper School awardees—primarily members of the senior class—whose work reflects both excellence and integrity. As you read their names, we invite you to reflect on the many forms that growth can take, and to join us in celebrating the light they bring to our community.

Greg Salmon Award

Pharaoh Lewis ’27

In December of 2004, this community suffered a devastating loss when Greg Salmon, class of 2006, was killed in a car accident. In our loss of Greg, his place in the community as someone who carried a bright spirit, the unusual ability to put all at ease, to include others, to make others laugh in generous ways, to be a caring and attentive friend to many, his commitment to community service all came into clear focus. The easiest way to describe him was as a “great kid”. With the annual Salmon Award, we remember Greg and these gifts that he shared so freely with others and we honor the deep value of his best qualities to this school community. Each year the Salmon Award is given to a member of the Junior class who reflects these virtues above and beyond those accomplishments that are more typically recognized in school awards.

Soft-spoken and kind, Pharaoh is the quintessential group member, someone who instinctively looks after the well-being of those around him. Whether on a global travel trip to the Yucatán, serving on PromCom, helping shape new Commons norms, or contributing to Men’s Group, Pharaoh leads with wisdom, maturity, and care. He makes sure people feel heard, seen, and included.

His impact stretches across the breadth of our community. When the boys’ swim team needed one more member to compete in relays, Pharaoh stepped up, bringing his characteristic sportsmanship and curiosity to the pool. In theater, he moved from backstage to become an essential performer in Alice by Heart when his aerialist skills were needed.

Pharaoh brings a “pitch in and get it done” spirit to every endeavor. He plays soccer enthusiastically at Kicks for Cancer and then works the concession stand until late into the evening. He designs clothes for CVC fashion shows and stays afterward to help strike the stage.

In all of these spaces, Pharaoh demonstrates creativity, generosity, humility, and deep emotional intelligence. Pharaoh, your goodwill and selflessness make AFS a better place. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

Campbell Family Service Award

Una Davis ’26

The Campbell Family Service Award, established in 2012 in recognition of former AFS parents David and Gwen Campbell, goes to the senior who best embodies the Campbells’ spirit of giving, generosity and leadership through hard work in service to others. This embodiment is best described as the notion of Heart, Head and Hands. That is, this student has demonstrated Heart through a visible passion for service and selfless devotion to others; this student has shown a Head for leadership, initiative, creativity and persistence; and, this student has used Hands for doing what needs to be done and being involved in the work in a deeply personal way. The Campbell Family Service Award recognizes that student whose selfless community involvement has added immeasurably to the quality of life for all of us.

Throughout her time in Upper School, Una has brought a powerful combination of organization, initiative, and deep commitment to community service. Through her work in ChefEx, she began volunteering at People’s Kitchen in South Philadelphia, where she built relationships with staff and continued her service throughout the summer. She later extended this impact by organizing food drives here at AFS.

Her commitment to service also extends to her leadership in Women’s Empowerment, where she helped organize a hygiene drive in partnership with GFS to support Family Promise of Philadelphia. Una’s enthusiasm doesn’t just fuel her own work—it draws others in and inspires participation. She has been active in leading discussions about navigating women’s issues at school.

That same curiosity and commitment to real-world connection led her to share her experiences volunteering with Masa Cooperativa, an immigrant-owned cooperative in Philadelphia, where she helped lead a class discussion that brought language learning to life for her peers. This intellectual engagement, paired with her openness and enthusiasm, made her a natural choice for the cultural immersion trip to the Yucatán, where she confidently engaged with local communities, embraced new experiences, and expressed genuine gratitude for the opportunity.

Una is a student whose positive spirit is felt all around the school community. She brings warmth and energy to those around her, and during her school day she is always willing to help others with kindness and generosity. Her presence has a meaningful impact on our community, and it is clear that she cares deeply for everyone.

Choral Music Award

Theo Parker ’25

When Theo joined us at Abington Friends in ninth grade, his vocal talent was immediately apparent. This was, perhaps, not a huge surprise given that he had pretty much grown up in the Keystone State Boychoir, and he brought with him quite literally years of singing experience, despite being 14 at the time.

Theo clearly loves music. He co-clerked the Music Society for three years, gleefully spreading the gospel of good tunes and good live performance. And, as a four year member of both concert choir and chamber singers, his unflagging commitment to always singing his absolute best raised the bar for all of us.

Strings Award

Noah Schott ’26

The role of the bass in a string orchestra is fundamental- it provides pitch, rhythmic drive, and adds depth to the sound world of the ensemble. Noah has grounded our ensemble through his bass skills, but he has also, through his perspicacious insights into phrasing, dynamics, and innate musicality, shaped our music and helped our ensemble reach new heights.

In whatever community he finds himself in, his intellectual curiosity and empathy will make him a fundamental force in pursuit of their goals.

Photographer Exemplar

Hunter Rems ’26

Hunter, your strongest work is never rushed—it grows through careful refinement, experimentation, and willingness to stay with an idea until it fully takes shape.

What has stood out in your photos is how personal they are. You draw from the things that matter to you and transform them into images that feel honest and compelling. Your appreciation for Korean culture has informed your visual voice in thoughtful ways, and your connection to music has been an important thread in your creative process.

You’ve helped shape room 21, and your thoughtfulness, and sense of humor have made our classroom stronger, and more vibrant. Your photographs and presence have left a lasting mark.

Technical Theater Award

Percy Kent ’25

Percy started as an ASM for Spongebob and I can tell you now that Percy… as a 9th grade ASM…had opportunities for growth. So she did! Percy said “Yes” and “May I have another?” to every opportunity in front of her. Not only did they take on all positions possible in JMASS in their tenure here, but Percy is the known person on campus to call on if you need a good event or show done right. In fact, I bet every one in this room owes Percy a thank you at some point. So Thank you Percy for your support of your Community.

Theatre Award for Performance and Service

Anjali Tremblay ’25

A true multi-hyphenate, they have performed in almost every show at AFS and overseas. The change from the actor they were last year to the actor they are today is remarkable.

Anjali sees what theater can be, that it can illuminate the world as it is now and light a path to the world we want. You will see exactly what I mean if you go to their capstone production in a few weeks.

Art makes culture and culture makes the future. As a writer, an actor, and a producer Anjali is shaping the future. They are, to paraphrase Octavia Butler, “Shaping Change.” We are lucky to be witnessing the start of it.

Studio Art Award

Maya Gest ’26

Since their freshman year, Maya has demonstrated an energetic and serious commitment to advancing their technique, especially in painting. They chose a personal and nuanced topic for their AP portfolio: the exploration of food as a powerful and complex element in family bonds. Maya poured a lot of heart into portraits of her parents, G\grandmother, and brother, and the results are compellingly sweet.

As a leader in the school art community, Maya clerked Mural Club, and Community Design Club, where students painted walls, benches, anything available!. The Pop Up Winter art exhibit would not have occurred without Maya’s effective leadership. We appreciate all the ways that our arts community is stronger and richer thanks to Maya’s efforts.

English Department Award

Serafina Kubersky ’26

An accomplished poet eager to experiment, Serafina began a series of Blue and White articles in her sophomore year introducing readers to “blitz” poems, flamencas, pantoums, and paradelles, as well as other lesser-known forms. Poetry was also an unusual springboard into journalism, where Serafina dove into topics ranging from the value of PDFs vs paper, to the place of opera in contemporary culture.

Serafina pursues and clearly values deep conversation with her peers and her teachers to develop her ideas further. As a founding writing mentor, and as co-editor-in-chief of the Blue and White, Serafina uplifts the work of her peers and makes every piece of writing better than when it came in.

Serafina’s teachers are lucky to get to read her writing, which is always fascinating and surprising—even on dreaded timed AP Language essays.

Mary Helen Bickley Award

Liam Hilliard ’26

Liam embodies the life of a reader.

Liam arrived at AFS in 9th grade as an avid reader and has kept this passion throughout his high school career. In class, Liam is a wildly creative thinker who welcomes others into the conversation, whether in workshops in Creative Writing or in discussions about Exit West in Magical Realism. Liam wrote a book review of Catherine Lacey’s The Mobius Book which took on the same mobius form as the book. The review won a “Best of Student News Online” award, particularly impressive because this honor is rarely given to arts reviews. Liam uses his favorite books by Terri Pratchett and others as launching points for his own explorations in fiction and non-fiction, including the possibilities and limitations of language itself.

I often find myself joyously trying to keep up with all the allusions Liam is able to weave into his comments. Never without a book, Liam is a scholar who will continue to encounter new worlds and ideas long after he leaves our hallways.

Samara Cohen ’26

A wonderful thing about Samara is the class after the class–when Samara and her teachers continue the in class conversation, and then shift over to the latest novel, poem, or topic she’s been passionate about. In AP Language this year, she enthusiastically declared, “OMG! I’m OBSESSED with Tuberculosis!” after finding out about an upcoming unit on public health policy.

Samara’s unique interests, bottomless creativity, and unmistakably wry sense of humor came through again in ExTerm when she wrote a ‘children’s book for adults’ about a spider exploring… existentialism.

She is the kind of student who becomes swept up by Sylvia Plath and Fyodor Dostoevsky, yet just as easily engages with contemporary poets and essayists, finding, in all of them, insight into the human condition. This balance of depth and openness defines her both as a reader and as a person. We hope her curiosity and earnest interest are never sated, and that she occasionally ‘stays back’ to tell us all about it.

History Department Awards

Leila Cohen ’26

Leila thinks about the past with both imagination and empathy. She indulges her passion in wonderfully creative ways: engineering budget tickets so her friend group could see the traveling production of Hamilton; creating a TikTok account where she championed the ideas of a founding father and sparred with his critics, and pursuing a summer program in constitutional history at the University of Montana.

Leila's empathy for historical figures never shades into naivety, though. Her nuanced, hard-won understanding of complex historical actors elevates classroom conversations and pushes her peers to think more carefully alongside her. For her Senior Capstone, Leila is creating a documentary on Philadelphia history, a fitting final chapter from a student who has brought such passion and curiosity to everything she has taken on in this department.

Kylie Firmin '26

Kylie approaches the study of history the way the best historians do: with rigor, empathy, and a writer's instinct for what makes the past come alive. Her analytical writing is exceptional — beautifully organized, compellingly argued, and driven by a distinct voice that never gets lost in the evidence. But what truly sets Kylie apart is her capacity to inhabit the past. When asked to write from the perspective of a WWII soldier corresponding home, she crafted a character of remarkable emotional depth, capturing both the texture of daily longing and the bonds forged in wartime.

That she went far beyond what was asked simply reflects who she is — a thinker for whom curiosity and care are inseparable from the work itself. In class discussion, her contributions carry that same analytical sharpness and human sensitivity, consistently raising the bar for everyone in the room. She volunteers, she listens, she pushes her peers to think more carefully and more generously. The history department will feel her absence, but we know the world will feel her presence.

French Language Award

Junru "Jenny" Niu ’26

In class, Jenny elevates every discussion, connecting neuroscience, philosophy, and current events with effortless fluency. She extends her practice beyond the classroom, turning everyday encounters into opportunities to weave French into our community’s daily life. Always seeking the most precise idiom, she approaches her studies with the discipline of a lifelong learner.

Spanish Language Awards

Nathaniel Taylor ’26

Nathaniel lives Spanish. He became increasingly interested in Mayan communities of Guatemala, learning about pre-columbian history and contemporary experience, an inspiration for his Capstone project. Operating at an advanced proficiency level, he initiates meaningful dialogue through intentional listening and deepening, driving questions. From literary analysis to discussions on economic justice and marginalized communities, Nathaniel’s contributions consistently reflect his vision for a more equitable global society.

Augusto Quiñones ’26

Augusto’s academic leadership is defined by critical thought and a keen ability to navigate the linguistic nuances of economic justice and human rights. Informed by the perspectives of his ancestors, his work reflects a deep-seated vision for a more equitable society. Augusto is described as “breathing life into the language.” Thank you, Augusto Quiñones, for reminding us that the primary purpose of language is to nurture and affirm human connection.

Mathematics Department Awards

Noah Schott ’26

Noah has a fiery mathematical curiosity that is rarely matched in a high school student. He could talk about math all day every day, so much so that his teachers sometimes need to encourage him to stop the conversation and get to his next class. What’s more is that Noah’s curiosity is supported by the highest level of proficiency and hard work.

His hunger for mathematical learning means that he spends extra time doing things “the long way,” so his understanding is profound. There were many times in Multivariable Calculus that he broke out trig substitution techniques for integrals instead of just using his calculator.

In AP Statistics, he couldn’t stop asking about degrees of freedom! And in computer science, he frequently dug into the connections between math and coding. Noah, it’s been a gift to teach you and we are honored to recognize you in the discipline of mathematics!

Jijun "Julia" Ma '26

Julia is a mature mathematical thinker who thinks of problems from new angles that even her teachers have never considered. Her skills shone most brightly when given the opportunity to be an explorer.

In Multivariable Calculus, she often approached problems differently than her peers, and she loved to discuss and debate techniques with them. Julia was the “efficient one,” always searching for the method that would get her to the answer with the cleanest clarity and elegance. Likewise, Julia took concepts to another level in statistics and especially computer science, where her creativity was inimitable.

Outside the walls of the classroom, Julia was one of our greatest champions of extracurricular math. She was the shepherd of the math club, convincing her peers to participate with her in many a math contest. She brought joy to all math spaces, and we are honored to recognize her in the discipline of mathematics!

Science Department Award

Serafina Kubersky ’26

Serafina, you navigate complex scientific challenges with a poise and maturity that are truly beyond your years. While many are content with a fundamental understanding, you possess the relentless drive of a career scientist who will not rest until the truth is uncovered.
In your work, you refuse the path of least resistance, like when you chose to model the blood-brain barrier for your AP Chem final project. Even when a model was deemed "good enough," you pushed further, demanding more sophisticated techniques and greater accuracy. You have a rare gift for synthesizing disparate ideas, communicating your findings with a clear, unique voice that informs and delights your audience. And like a true scientist, you radiate a quiet joy as you uncover the secrets of the natural world.

Dartmouth Award

The Dartmouth Book Award, presented by the Dartmouth Alumni Club of Philadelphia, honors a junior who reflects the values of Dartmouth College through academic excellence, leadership, and strong character. Brought to us by Maggie Lockwood, AFS Class of 1990 and a proud Dartmouth alumna, the award recognizes a student who not only excels in the classroom, but also contributes meaningfully to the school community through integrity, initiative, and care for others. This year’s recipient is someone who consistently leads by example and embodies the values celebrated by the Dartmouth alumni community.

Tiye Abange ’27

Tiye stands out as a scholar whose academic excellence is matched by resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to community. Across a rigorous program that includes AP Chemistry, AP English Language, and AP U.S. History, she consistently demonstrates both intellectual depth and strength of character. One teacher reflected that Tiye has learned “the value of sitting with uncertainty and leaning into the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing,” while another celebrated her ability to “absorb the big picture, then follow the trail of all the little details” to develop a meaningful understanding of complex ideas.

In the classroom, Tiye is “one of the strongest collaborators a classmate could ask for,” someone who “sees the inherent worth of all her classmates’ ideas and finds ways to incorporate the voices of all others in the room.” Her teachers consistently describe a student who is focused, insightful, and deeply engaged in learning. Whether contributing to conversations around justice and advocacy, asking thoughtful questions in science and mathematics, or pushing herself to refine her writing and analysis, Tiye approaches learning with seriousness, humility, and care.

Beyond academics, Tiye models “thoughtful, vulnerable leadership” as a member of the Student Agenda Committee and co-clerk of Interact. She truly leans into the notion of showing up as a Friend in service to the community, leading with empathy, integrity, and care for others both within and beyond AFS. Her leadership is not performative; it is grounded in genuine relationship, deep listening, and a desire to make others feel valued and included.

Faculty Award

Ruby Schumm ’26

Ruby Schumm is a scholar of remarkable range, depth, and purpose, whose presence has elevated the intellectual life of the Upper School in enduring ways. Since joining Abington Friends School, she has distinguished herself across disciplines with a rare combination of rigor, curiosity, and joy in learning. Her academic program reflects both ambition and balance, culminating in work at the highest levels of our curriculum, including Honors Multivariable Calculus, alongside advanced study in physics, biology, literature, and French.

In the classroom, Ruby brings a steady, thoughtful energy that deepens the experience for everyone around her. She is the student who asks the question that shifts the conversation and who approaches complex problems with both precision and creativity. Her teachers consistently note not only the strength of her thinking, but the way she elevates her peers. Her genuine enthusiasm is contagious, and her willingness to support others makes her an essential part of the collective learning environment.

That generosity extends beyond the classroom. As a peer tutor, Ruby supports classmates in math, science, and French with patience, empathy, and clarity, approaching each interaction as an opportunity to build understanding and connection.

Ruby’s contributions to the theater program reflect the breadth of her talents and her commitment to community. Whether on stage, directing, or working behind the scenes, she brings vision, discipline, and collaboration.

Ruby embodies excellence as a shared endeavor. It is with deep respect that we present the Faculty Award to Ruby Schumm.

Director’s Award

Kendall Dixon ’26

Kendall is, quite simply, the glue of this community. Even as a freshman, she galvanized her Outdoor Photography cohort, and in Trig and Topics this year, she has been the steady voice reminding classmates that “we can all do hard things” while helping them refocus when it matters most. In the classroom, she brings focus, curiosity, and a commitment to collective learning. Her positivity is not surface-level. It is grounded, resilient, and deeply relational.

On the stage, Kendall’s presence is magnetic, but her leadership behind the scenes may be even more powerful. Twice nominated by her peers as a Theater Deputy, she has been trusted to hold the emotional center of the ensemble, navigating sensitive moments with care, honesty, and love.

Whether in the classroom, on the field as “the rock that brings our team together,” or in the everyday moments in the hallway, Kendall leads by making others feel seen, valued, and connected. She leads with warmth, integrity, and joy, and we are proud to honor Kendall Dixon with this year’s Director’s Award.