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Awards & Achievements

At Academy Hill, we celebrate excellence among our students, faculty and administration alike. Here are some of the awards and achievements we’ve earned.

National Finalist History Day Competition:

Elizabeth Hanechak, Class of 2021

Elizabeth Hanechak placed first in the Junior Individual Performance category for the State of Massachusetts. She advanced to the National History Day Competition for her entry “The Blue Dress: Forced Assimilation at Carlisle Industrial Indian School.”

International Dance/Massachusetts History Day:

Farrah Kanorwalla Class of 2021

Farrah Kanorwalla, Class Of 2021

Farrah Kanorwalla traveled to Madrid, Spain, to attend a dance performance class at the Veranos Flamencos Amor de Dios studios. She immersed herself in the technique of the flamenco dance, learning from internationally recognized and widely celebrated artists.

Farrah also earned a Massachusetts History Day Central West Special Prize for the "best exploration of how an advancement in science, technology, engineering or math transformed society" for her MHD documentary on Nikola Tesla.

Recent Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education Nicholas Green Award Honorees:

Emma Earls, Class of 2016

Stephen Cooley, Class of 2019

The Nicholas Green Foundation recognized a gifted student in each state, every year from 2000-2013. The award was made possible through a generous donation from the Green family, which was administered by National Association for Gifted Children. Nicholas was a bright seven-year old who was killed in a senseless shooting while on vacation in Italy. His parents wanted to keep his memory alive, and they donated money they had saved for his college expenses to fund this award.

Although the money ran out in 2013, the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education, together with the assistance of sponsors, has continued this annual recognition.

MAGE feels that it is important to recognize and inspire advanced students. In lieu of a savings bond, the MAGE committee chooses to defray costs for the students to participate in summer institutes, online courses, and other programs for high-ability students. MAGE believes that this option will have an important impact on the student’s life beyond a financial benefit.

Recently, MAGE honored Emma Earls, Class of 2016, and Stephen Cooley, Class of 2019 with Nicholas Green Awards.

Prudential Spirit of Community Award Recipient:

Matthew Balise, Class of 2018

Matthew Balise was honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a Certificate of Excellence from The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national program that honors youth volunteers nationwide for outstanding volunteer service.

The program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), grants Certificates of Excellence to the top 10 percent of all applicants in each state and the District of Columbia.

National Endowment for the Humanities:

Mr. Alan Brody, Humanities Teacher

Mr. Brody has been accepted into the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer 2019 Forge of Innovation: Springfield Armory and the Genesis of American Industry workshop. This workshop is a fully-funded experience that allows successful applicants to immerse themselves in the rich resources of local landmarks with the goal of returning to classrooms in the fall prepared to share robust primary sources and other information with students.

Southampton, Massachusetts "Citizen of the Year":

Ms. Kathy Marks, Music Teacher

The town of Southampton, Massachusetts recognized Ms. Kathy Marks as its 2018 "Citizen of the Year" in recognition of her outstanding contributions and commitment to advocacy on the behalf of its citizens.