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Academic Recognition Assembly

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Academic Recognition Assembly
Academic Recognition Assembly

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy faculty and students (grades 4 - 8) celebrated academic excellence during the annual Academic Recognition Assembly on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in the Fontbonne Commons.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

The Academic Achievement Award recognizes students who earn a 93 or above in all their major subject areas and an S in all enrichment classes. We’d like to take the time to recognize the students in grades 4-8 who earned this impressive achievement in the first and/or second trimesters. 

FOURTH GRADE:

  • Jack A. '30
  • Charlotte B. '30
  • Daniel C. '30
  • Elizabeth G. ’'30
  • Brandon G. '30
  • Sage K. '30
  • Margaret L. '30
  • Emilia O. '30
  • Marion O. '30

FIFTH GRADE:

  • Stan B. '29
  • Beverly B. '29
  • Aubrey B. '29
  • Arden D. '29
  • Kylie E. '29
  • Sophie H. '29
  • Burke K. '29
  • Noah L. '29
  • Sydney M. '29
  • Samantha P. '29
  • Ezekiel P. '29
  • Winnie R. '29
  • Ginny S. '29
  • Carolyn S. ’'29
  • Daphne T. '29

SIXTH GRADE:

  • Imani B. '28
  • David B. '28
  • Isla B. '28
  • Miko D. '28

SEVENTH GRADE:

  • Beckett C. '27
  • Maxine C. '27
  • Mica C. '27
  • Elise F. '27
  • Samuel F. '27
  • Sofia H. '27
  • Bobby K. '27
  • Kiara P. '27
  • Dominic P. '27
  • Mila S. '27
  • Megan S. '27
  • Tyler S. '27
  • Julien S. '27
  • Sienna S. '27
  • Lillian V. '27

EIGHTH GRADE:

  • Declan B. '26
  • Gwendolyn B. '26
  • Paige C. '26
  • Sean C. '26
  • Max C. '26
  • Quinn D. '26
  • Charlie E. '26
  • Joey G. '26
  • Nora G. '26
  • Lizzie K. '26
  • Claire K. '26
  • Sean L. '26
  • Lilly M. '26
  • Soren M. '26
  • Ryan M. '26
  • Jennie M. '26
  • Olivia N. '26
  • Maggie P. '26
  • Hannah R. '26
  • Natalia U. '26

SPANISH LANGUAGE AWARD  -  The Bien Dicho! Award

Top modern language experts and educators agree that the most challenging skill to acquire when studying a new language is spoken, interpersonal communication. The Bien Dicho Award is awarded to the student in each homeroom or learning group who places a special focus on proper pronunciation, accent and attention to grammar accuracy in the Spanish language. This award, which means “well said” en español, places a special focus on both proper pronunciation and accent. 

SIXTH GRADE

  • Imani B. '28
  • Conor D. '28

7th Grade: 

  • Kiara P. '27
  • Sienna S. '27
  • Sofia H. '27
  • Julien S. '27

8th Grade: 

  • Johanna G. '26
  • Elizabeth K. '26
  • Maxwell C. '26

READING OLYMPICS

As part of the NFA Book Bears elective, students participated as a team in the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, MCIU,  Reading Olympics program. The MCIU Reading Olympics is a “countywide reading event that encourages students to increase the quality and quantity of books they read for enjoyment. The Reading Olympics Program is based upon the belief that good reading habits form the foundation for a productive and successful life”. 

Congratulations to the team of NFA students who participated and won the blue ribbon!

  • Jaiceon G. '30
  • Lucy M. '30
  • Maisie O. '30
  • Beverly B. '29
  • Aubrey B. '29
  • Burke K. '29
  • Sydney M. '29
  • Carolyn S. '29
  • Winnie R. '29

FUTURE CITIES COMPETITION

The Future City team impressed judges with their innovative city, Veggiedelphia, a forward-thinking design built around a sustainable, farm-to-table system. Their city reimagined transportation as clean, efficient, and deeply connected to the environment, featuring a solar- and biogas-powered monorail alongside autonomous delivery drones that transport fresh food directly to residents. By integrating waste-to-energy systems and reducing traffic congestion, the team demonstrated how transportation can support both human needs and environmental health. Their thoughtful design and strong engineering decisions earned them the Best Transportation Award, recognizing their vision for a greener, smarter future.

  • Jade M. '27 
  • Maricel B. '28 
  • Sofia H. '27 
  • Megan S. '27 
  • Peyton B. '27
  • Mica C. '27

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH COMPETITION

6th and 7th grade students from NFA were invited to compete in a math competition at Holy Ghost Prep. The competition was held on Pi day, and students from 30 different schools in the area participated in various rounds of competition designed to challenge problem solving and mathematical thinking. The rounds of the competition allowed for individual participation and team participation. 

  • Evan T. '27
  • Mica C. '27
  • Sofia H. '27
  • Becket C. '27
  • Tyler S. '27
  • David B. '28
  • Jade M. '27
  • Kiara P. '27

LEADERSHIP IN VISUAL ARTS

As the famous artist Henri Matisse once said  “creativity takes courage.” This Leadership in Visual Arts award is presented to one student in each grade who shows that creative courage by taking initiative and leadership in the visual arts-- both inside and outside of the classroom. These students demonstrate their passion for art by working diligently in class, participating in arts activities outside of class - like theatre set and prop design club or the yearbook committee, and they actively create art in their own time. These student artists exemplify the creative spirit and are always eager to take initiative in the arts. Please step forward to receive your certificate when your name is called. The awardees for Leadership in the Visual Arts are:

  • 4th Grade: Margaret L. '30
  • 5th Grade: Margo F. '29
  • 6th Grade: Kyndal M. 28
  • 7th Grade: Sienna S. 27

And this year for the first time we actually have two 8th grade recipients for this award. Both of these artists submitted extensive art portfolios to accompany their high school applications and were both named as finalists for art scholarships at those schools. They always volunteer to help with all art-related activities such as the yearbook cover design and dinner dance theme planning, and are both such a huge help to me in the classroom. They both create art in their free time, take art classes outside of NFA,  and plan to pursue more art classes in high school. 8th grade leaders in the visual arts for this year are:

  • 8th Grade: Gwendolyn B. '26
     
  • 8th Grade: Maggie P. '26

PIANO STUDENTS

Learning to play an instrument can also stimulate brain cells, which can improve abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for math and science. Music can bring balance and harmony in one’s life. Plus, music makes everyone happy even if you’re just listening to it. 

NFA’s music program has been an exciting one this year. Along with band and piano lessons, NFA also offers guitar and voice lessons. These programs have all levels of learning… from beginners to advanced players. We are very proud of everyone’s accomplishments.

  • Mae R.
  • William L.
  • Michael L.
  • Eleanor F.
  • Shea J.
  • Graham S.
  • Jackson G.
  • Edison O.
  • Emilia O.
  • Maisie O.
  • Quinn J.
  • Taylor C.
  • Margo F.
  • Arden D.
  • Daphne T.
  • Evan T.
  • Quinn D.

BAND, GUITAR, AND VOICE

Many of our students extend their musical abilities by participating in the band, guitar and voice lessons. They attend practices at NFA, and also have to give time to practicing at home. Our students perform solos  and also as a group. We are so proud of the dedication these students have to music. They shared their talents at the band/guitar and voice concert several weeks ago, and we want to recognize them as a school community today. Students, please stand to be recognized when you hear your name:

BAND

  • Imani B.
  • Stan B.
  • Cayden B.
  • Lila E.
  • Eleanor F.
  • Margaret F.
  • Xander H.
  • Lorenzo J.
  • Sage K.
  • Noah L.
  • Margaret L.
  • Caleb M.
  • Liam M.
  • Kiara P.
  • Megan S.
  • Noah S.
  • Matthew S.
  • Graham S.
  • Kindred Z.

GUITAR

  • Charlie B.
  • Sean C.
  • Lilly L.
  • Liana R.
  • Kali S.

VOICE

  • Winnie R.

PEACEMAKER AWARD

This award honors a student in each homeroom in grades four through eight who truly represents the spirit of understanding, kindness and compassion. Each of these students shows confidence in their own identity and takes the necessary steps in order to care for their physical, mental and emotional well-being. They also are attuned to others needs, treating individuals with care and dignity, embracing their differences, and using what they know to be an advocate for all. Congratulations to the following students. When your name is called, please come forward to receive your certificate:

  • 4th Grade: Daniel C. '30
  • 5th Grade: Ezekiel P. '29
  • 5th Grade: Burke K. '29
  • 6th Grade: Zo J. '28 
  • 7th Grade: Camlen C. '27
  • 7th Grade: James S. '27
  • 8th Grade: Sarah M. '26
  • 8th Grade: Paige C. '26
  • 8th Grade: Max C. '2

493 AWARD

The 493 Award is an honor established to recognize students who demonstrate the courage to ask hard questions, the determination to solve real-world problems, and the leadership to take meaningful action for others. Inspired by the work of Norwood Fontbonne Academy’s 7th grade students in advocating for House Resolution 493, this award celebrates those who use their voices to create change.

Recipients of the 493 Award embody a commitment to justice, empathy, and service. They are not afraid to step forward and advocate for issues that impact their communities and beyond. The 493 Award recognizes that leadership is not about waiting, it is about taking initiative, speaking up, and working toward solutions. It stands as a testament to the power of student voice, the importance of civic engagement, and the belief that even young leaders can create meaningful, lasting change. 

Congratulations to the inaugural award winners, the Class of 2027. 7th grade please come forward to receive your award.

  • Class of 2027

THE FIRST PENGUIN AWARD

The First Penguin Award is an honor given to celebrate innovative risk-taking and daring ideas, inspired by the metaphorical first penguin to dive into unknown waters. The first penguin bravely dives into the icy waters, not knowing if there is an orca lurking nearby, ready to strike. It takes a leap of faith and a willingness to face the unknown, knowing that their survival depends on their ability to take risks and explore new territories. The first penguin may be the most vulnerable, but they are also the one who leads the way and paves the path for others to follow. They embody courage, determination, and a spirit of adventure that inspires their fellow penguins to overcome their fears and dive into the unknown with them.

This award recognizes individuals who embrace failure as a necessary step towards groundbreaking discoveries, fostering a culture of fearless exploration within the NFA community. This award serves as a symbol of excellence and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the recipients.

  • 4th: Charlie B. '30
  • 5th: Beverly B. '29 
  • 6th: Desmond B. '28 
  • 7th: Liam M. '27 
  • 8th: Lilly M. '26 

SSJ MISSION AWARD

This award honors one student from each homeroom in 4th through 8th grades, who demonstrated the willingness and readiness to help and serve others. These students exemplify honor, integrity, and 

inclusiveness. Their actions toward others are “of the heart” in the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Joseph toward their neighbors. Each day, they “live and work so that all are united with God and with one another.” They are recognized as Christlike in his or her interactions with others. 

  • 4th Grade: Brandon G. '30 
  • 5th Grade: Beverly B. '30
  • 5th Grade: Stan B. '29 
  • 6th Grade: David B. '28 
  • 7th Grade: Liam M. '27
  • 7th Grade: Sam F. '27 
  • 8th Grade: Mia G. '26 
  • 8th Grade:Ryan M. '26
  • 8th Grade:Declan B. '26

ALTAR SERVERS

Serve others unselfishly with no thought of reward. -Maxim 55

There are many ways to participate in Mass as we have seen here at NFA - readers, choir, participants in processions, bringing up the gifts, and even as an active member of the congregation. Today I want to recognize three students who have been participants in another special role - as altar servers at Mass. An altar server is more than just a person who assists the celebrant during Mass, but also someone who is committed to serving the Church in any way possible. I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you all to consider serving next year! I will offer an altar server training the afternoon before our school Masses in the Fall. Please reach out if you are interested!

  • Gwen B. '26
  • Mia G. '26
  • Bobby K. '27
  • Liam M. '27

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Medaille Servant Leaders: Named for Father Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ who met with those six devout women who expressed a desire to live holy lives, serving their neighbors, but outside of a religious cloister. Referred to as “The Little Design” and “The Congregation of the great love of God” the women were asked to circle the city, find the needs of the day and address them. Likewise, our Medaille Servant Leaders were tasked with a similar vision: circle the school, finding the needs of the day and address them. Throughout the year, our leaders came together monthly to pray, reflect, and plan for our Community Service Corps experiences, as well as, represented NFA to the larger community in acts of service and outreach. 

Thank you to all participants in the Medaille Servant Leader program.

  • Liam A.
  • Peyton B.
  • Nigel B.
  • Gwen B.
  • Sean C.
  • Charlie E.
  • Sam F.
  • Justin H.
  • Sofia H.
  • Ryan M.
  • Nolan M.
  • Jennie M.
  • Maggie P.
  • Dominic P.
  • Nadia R.
  • Megan S.
  • Tyler S.
  • Julien S.
  • Jake S.
  • Sam S.
  • James S.
  • Sienna S.
  • Evan T.
  • Lillian V.
  • Charlie W.

Community Service Corps is an afterschool program that allows students to gather around a shared passion for service and care of the dear neighbor. We were able to come together multiple times over the course of the school year, working together to grow in our ability to demonstrate compassion, respect, and empathy in our care for others. I’d like to thank our moderators who helped our students throughout the year. Please stand when you hear your name: Mrs. Buckman, Mrs. Clark-Binder, Mr. D’Orazio, Mrs. Egginton, Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Guller, Mrs. Nisley, and Dr. Walsh. 

Thank you to all participants in CSC who gave of their time to be a part of this program. When your name is called, please stand to be recognized. Please hold all applause until all names are called.

  • Jack A.
  • Gabe A.
  • Quinn A.
  • Felix A.
  • Major B.
  • Taylor C.
  • Dougie D.
  • Cameron F.
  • Dylan F.
  • Dottie F.
  • Dominick F.
  • Mila F.
  • Kara F.
  • Michael G.
  • Liddy G.
  • Declan G.
  • Mackenzie G.
  • Brandon G.
  • Jack G.
  • Joseph L.
  • Margaret L.
  • Noah L.
  • Cameron M.
  • Brendan M.
  • Lillian M.
  • Joshua M.
  • Maris O.
  • Edison O.
  • Samantha P.
  • Brooke R.
  • Tatiana R.
  • Mae R.
  • Winnie R.
  • Kevin S.
  • Leo S.
  • Matthew S.
  • Ginny S.
  • Graham S.
  • Jace S.
  • Nora S.
  • Jack T.
  • Desmond V.
  • Mary W.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION

Involvement in student council is a privilege, honor and an act of service.  Throughout the year, these students have been involved in planning and helping out with the following fun activities:  Pretzel Days, Candy Grams, NFA’s Got Talent, the Easter Egg Hunt and the upcoming Blue and Gold Day.  Thank you to the following students:

4th Grade
Charlie B. '30

5A
Brooke R. '29

5B
Carolyn S. '29

Student Council Officers
President: Aubrey B. '29
Vice President: Taylor C. '29
Treasurer: Burke K. '29
Secretary: Samantha P. '29
Public Relations: Winnie R. '29

6th Grade
David B. '28

7A
Liam M. '27

7B
Megan S. '27

8th Grade Liaisons
Joey G. '26
Sean C. '26

7th & 8th Grade Officers
President: Nora G. '26
Vice President: Gwendolyn B. '26
Treasurer: Hannah R. '26
Public Relations: Ryan M. '26

STUDENT AMBASSADORS RECOGNITION

  • Lilou S.
  • Taylor B.
  • Lennox A.
  • Dottie F.
  • Dylan F.
  • Anna R.
  • Cayden B.
  • Edison O.
  • Graham S.
  • Eleanor F.
  • Kevin S.
  • Lillian M.
  • Matthew S.
  • Caleb M.
  • Blake S.
  • Charlie B.
  • Xander H.
  • Aubrey B.
  • Ginny S.
  • Dominick F.
  • Burke K.
  • Frankie M.
  • Isla B.

7th & 8th Grade Lead:

  • Liam M.
  • Julien S.
  • Elise F.
  • Sofia H.
  • Kiara P.
  • Nora G.
  • Ryan M.
  • Paige C.
  • Liam A.
  • Joey G.
  • Soren M.
  • Sean L.

SAFETY PATROL PROGRAM

We are proud to recognize our NFA Safety Patrollers for their leadership, responsibility, and commitment to keeping our school community safe.

At the beginning of the year, these students chose to take on an important role. They committed to arriving early each day, helping younger students, promoting safe habits, watching for potential hazards, and serving as positive role models throughout our campus. Being a Safety Patroller is more than wearing a badge and belt — it is about showing kindness, making thoughtful decisions, and leading by example.

Our Safety Patrollers have demonstrated responsibility, teamwork, and care for others every single morning. Their dedication helps make NFA a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.

Please join me in thanking and congratulating our Safety Patrollers for their hard work and outstanding leadership this year.

  • Sofie H.
  • Beverly B.
  • Alex G.
  • Joseph L.
  • Abby D.
  • Samantha P.
  • Winnie R.

ONLINE INTEGRITY AWARD

The Online Integrity Award is an honor given to individuals that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to upholding the values of a Digital Citizen. This award celebrates the efforts made towards ensuring the integrity of online information and the responsible use of digital media. The award acknowledges the importance of maintaining trust, credibility, and transparency in the digital world and recognizes those who have made significant contributions towards achieving this goal. Congratulations to the following students. Please come forward to receive your certificate of recognition:

  • 4th Grade: Brandon G. '30
  • 5th Grade: Stan B. '28
  • 6th Grade: Kyndal M. '28
  • 7th Grade: Sofia H. '27 
  • 8th Grade: Joey G. '26

NFA VISION AWARD

This award is presented to a student in each homeroom who strives to be a positive leader by following the NFA Vision Statement and by actively engaging in morning meetings. This student continuously builds respectful connections. reflecting, sharing, and enjoying their time with their learning community. This student is recognized as a model of actively living the vision statement throughout each day. Congratulations to the following students.

  • 4th Grade: Charlie B. '30
  • 5th Grade: Ginny S. '29
  • 5th Grade: Carolyn S. '29
  • 6th Grade: Kyndal M. '28
  • 7th Grade: Elise F. '27
  • 7th Grade: Julien S. '27
  • 8th Grade: Olivia N. '27
  • 8th Grade: Jennie M. '26
  • 8th Grade: Nora G. '26

MATTHEW HEARN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

President Bridget Bonner presented this award.

"It is my honor to introduce a special guest to present this year's Matthew Hearn '13 Scholarship Award recipient. Since her time as an NFA parent, Mrs. Hearn has been a treasured member of the Norwood-Fontbonne Academy community. During her son Matthew's time at NFA, Mrs. Hearn developed a special bond with our beloved Sisters, and went out of her way to help worthy students access an NFA education. In that spirit, Mr. and Mrs. Hearn established the Matthew Hearn '13 Scholarship to honor their beloved son Matthew's memory. We were fortunate to award the inaugural scholarship last year and are thrilled that Mrs. Hearn could join us today to present this year's recipient with the special award. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Hearn."

Our beloved son Matthew treasured his time at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy. A graduate of the class of 2013, Matthew loved the community of NFA. His fellow students were the world to him, his teachers his light and love. As Sr. Marjorie Lawless so beautifully said “Matthew was a living example of a student who reached out to his classmates and made sure everyone was included and had what they needed. ‘How can I help you?’ wasn’t just a question to Matthew. It was a direct line to his faith-filled desire to be like Jesus, “to live and work so that all people may be united to God and one another”, the SSJ/NFA mission statement, and to share the gospel values in his compassionate heart.”

In 2020, Mr. Hearn and I felt strongly that we had to somehow honor Matt’s memory and thus was born the Matthew Hearn Memorial Scholarship. Grounded in our family’s faith and in the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, the annual award will be made to a rising 8th grade student at NFA, to be applied to their tuition for the following school year.

Applicants for the Matthew Hearn Memorial Scholarship submitted an essay sharing what they have learned during their experience as a student at Norwood- Fontbonne Academy that they believe will be essential for their future. Additional qualifications that were considered included academic achievement, community service, and devotion to Christian values.

The scholarship committee received applications from eight members of NFA’s class of 2027. The committee was impressed by the experiences and commitment to the NFA community exhibited by all of this year’s applicants. Faced with the challenge of selecting one scholarship recipient, the words shared by this year’s awardee reflected Matthew’s commitment to his faith and the transformation he experienced during his time at NFA. This year’s scholarship recipient shared: My relationship with God has really grown during my time at NFA. Every year, I’ve learned more and more about God’s love for me. Through my faith, I’ve become more aware of others and how they feel. One time, when I noticed a friend was upset, I took the time to check in and support him. Moments like that have taught me the importance of compassion and being there for others.

It is my honor to share, on behalf of NFA, the scholarship committee that Jade M.  is the recipient of this year’s Matthew Hearn Memorial Scholarship. Jade, please come up to receive this award!

  • Jade M. 27