Special Commencement Issue • May 22, 2026
Congratulations, Class of 2026! Berkshire bids a fond farewell to its 119th graduating class. Longtime science teacher, mentor, coach, and school leader Peter Quilty delivers commencement address after nearly three decades of service.
The Graduation Prizes Emmanuel C. Marmolejo of Milton, Ontario: The Berkshire Cup, the highest distinction Berkshire confers on one of its graduating seniors. It is given each year to the student who is considered by the faculty to have made the greatest contribution to the success of the school year. William D. Reynolds of Winnetka, Illinois: The Head of School Prize, awarded to the student whose particular contribution to Berkshire has distinguished the school year in a special way and whose leadership led others and influenced many. Runqi Zhang of Beijing, China: The Peter Lance Anderson Award, decided by the membership of the Cum Laude Society and given to the student who best exemplifies the qualities of personal excellence, integrity, and academic scholarship.
Madeleine T. McCready of St. Catharines, Ontario: The Robert A. Powers Award, which recognizes a sixth former who has demonstrated personal growth, loyalty to the school, and dependability of performance which has distinguished their career at Berkshire. William L. Mulder of Sheffield, Massachusetts: The Morris Trophy, awarded to the sixthform male student who has best exemplified proficiency and sportsmanship in interscholastic athletics. Chloe L. Egan of Bronx, New York: The Herger Trophy, awarded to the sixth-form female student who has best exemplified proficiency and sportsmanship in interscholastic athletics. Nathalie P. Fenton of New York, New York: The Anna S. Barrasch Prize, awarded for unselfish interest in people and loyalty to Berkshire.
Chidera U. Okeke of Bronx, New York: The Calvin Fentress Citizenship Award, given for exemplary personal performance, loyalty to Berkshire, and outstanding citizenship in the school community. Claire Yura Kim of Seoul, South Korea: The Princeton Cup, the top sixth-form academic prize awarded for diligence in studies and success in co-curricular activities. Jason M. Gappa: The Aliis Non Sibi Award. Selected by members of the graduating class, the recipient of this award follows the motto “for others, not themselves.” It recognizes a member of the faculty who, through a love of teaching and abiding commitment to enriching the lives of students, embodies the ideals and spirit of an engaged and treasured member of both the faculty and, equally important, the Berkshire community.