Grade 8 Students Honored with the Annual John W. Heagy Award


Head of Middle School Dr. Shannon Mulholland announced Abby and Max as the winners of the John W. Heagy Award, which has been given annually since 1994, during the Grade 8 Virtual Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, June 4, 2020.

“This year’s recipient demonstrates kindness, a high level of personal responsibility, and above all humility,” Dr. Mulholland said of Max. “Growing up in the selfie-generation, boastfulness seems to have risen to the top of the list of admired qualities, whether based on actual accomplishment or frivolous nothings. Yet this recipient is almost never boastful or flaunting and has accomplished so much. Mr. Heagy would have been proud to witness this student’s quiet yet confident humility.”

She described Max as always seeking to learn more, do better, or understand the world. “This student seeks feedback from respected adults and makes adjustments without any defensiveness attached. This student takes personal responsibility for his actions and works to be a model of kindness and leadership,” Dr. Mullholland said. “While hesitant to be pushed into the spotlight, the spotlight is exactly where Max shines. This year's winner of the spelling bee, accomplished performer in the geography bee, master of four musical instruments, and the star of the show, Bye Bye Birdie, our recipient finds joy in his art, and his passion permeates the stage, classroom, and field.”

Dr. Mullholland finished honoring the first recipient by stating, “Your brand of leadership is being a model for others, and I want you to know that while you didn’t set out to get attention, your contributions this year have been noticed. For always taking responsibility, sharing your passions for learning and art, extending kindness to others, and navigating with humility through your middle years, we thank you.”

Sewickley Academy faculty noticed that being nice, empowered, and working hard, the Middle School motto, describe our next recipient. “With the utmost respect and appreciation for our community, classmates, and teachers, this student steps forward on every occasion to support others, to lead, and to achieve at the highest level,” said Dr. Mullholland about Abby.

“This student has grown exponentially over the years and now shows a maturity that many adolescents admire, but few possess,” Dr. Mullholland said. “One teacher explained, ‘Abby lives to learn, she loves to learn, and she doesn’t wait for you to guide her.’ Yet, at the end of every class period, she is often heard thanking the teacher and wishing them a ‘good day.’”

“Empowered to engage her peers in building a strong community and in understanding problems of the world, Abby has led the community builders in their efforts to bring us all together, have fun and promote kindness,” Dr. Mullholland shared. “She has worked alongside one of her classmates for years to raise money for organizations around the country who are doing good work to care for the environment, animals, and community members. She is a person who is called on to speak publicly often because she is prepared, passionate, and empathetic. For all that you have done and for being a model of kindness, empowerment, and hard work throughout your time in Middle School, we are proud to show you our respect and give you this recognition. It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Sewickley Academy Middle School faculty, to award you, Abby, the Heagy Cup,” Dr. Mullholland said.

Mr. Heagy was the much-respected Head of Middle School from 1963 to 1988. He was nicknamed “the bear” and was considered a grizzly bear if you got in trouble, or a teddy bear if you needed help. His leadership was characterized by wisdom, dedication, and integrity. This award, in his memory, is given annually to the students who have made the greatest contribution to Sewickley Academy during the previous year.

Congratulations, Abby and Max!

Back