Many Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart students – and one of their teachers – were recognized for numerous achievements this school year during the Prize Day honors ceremony on June 3, the 166th annual distribution of awards.

“Prize Day is a special Sacred Heart tradition that dates back to the first Sacred Heart Schools over 200 years ago,” said Associate Head of School for Academics Rocco Gargiulo in his opening remarks.  “Today, on Prize Day, we gather as a community and take time to proudly celebrate each other – our academic achievements, our hard work and our good choices. Our collective drive and determination to learn, along with the love and care shown for each other, are what makes Woodlands such a special place.”

Highlights included presentation of the 2024-25 Woodlands Award, the highest honor a Woodlands Academy student can attain. Based on the votes of faculty and students, this award recognizes outstanding service, leadership, character and scholastic development. This year’s recipient is senior Avery Drehkoff.

The Distinction in Studies Award was presented to Yue Pan for maintaining the highest scholastic average during her four years of high school. She is the Class of 2025 valedictorian.

Zara Dimovski and Clare Pinnow, who are this year's co-salutatorians, achieved the second-highest grade point average after four years of high school.

The Frances de la Chapelle Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 1992 by the Lawrence Haggerty family to honor Sister Frances de la Chapelle, a former head of school at Woodlands Academy. Its purpose is to acknowledge and promote excellence in teaching. The winner is chosen by a vote of Woodlands’ adult community from among faculty members nominated by students. Science teacher Julia Dunn is this year’s recipient. This honor closely follows Dunn’s selection for the DePaul University College of Education’s inaugural Early Career Alumni Achievement Award. 

Other honorees included:

2025 Global Scholars Avery Drehkoff, Grace Jennings, Giuliana Popoff and Ida Psencik. Their diplomas and transcripts will include the designation of “Global Scholar” in recognition of their successful completion of this Center for Global Studies program for students with a keen interest in and passion for global issues. 

Avery Drehkoff, recipient of the Woodlands Academy Service Award in recognition of a passion for service and dedication to the poor and marginalized of our society in the true spirit of Sacred Heart Schools’ Goal III, “a social awareness which impels to action.”

 Ida Psencik, recipient of the Peggy Haggerty Award in memory of the Class of 1971 alumna who modeled the Sacred Heart values of “courage and confidence” and “generosity and gratitude,” leaving behind a rich legacy of strong leadership, service to others and good humor.

Arina Tverdokhlib, recipient of the Janet Erskine Stuart Award given to a senior boarder who consistently fosters community building through her leadership, service and generosity.   

Denym Kynard, recipient of the American Legion Award given by votes of the faculty and students for courage, character, leadership, honor, and service to the community and country.

Yue Pan, recipient of special recognition for achieving perfect attendance during all four of her years at Woodlands Academy.

Congratulations to all our 2024-25 honorees!

[Pictured (from left) Clare Pinnow, co-salutatorian; Yue Pan, valedictorian; Zara Dimovski, co-salutatorian; and Avery Drehkoff, Woodlands Award. (James A. Vitullo Photography)]