Alumni Awards

Each year Rectory recognizes the outstanding service and accomplishments of its alumni and community members. During our Alumni Reunion Weekend dinner, Rectory celebrates individuals who have distinguished themselves by achieving the high levels of professional and community accomplishments and who possess absolute standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance Rectory School and the world around them.

Distinguished Service Award

This award is presented annually to an alumnus, faculty or staff member (past or present), or friend of Rectory who has demonstrated outstanding characteristics and compassionate qualities in their communities, professions, and philanthropic endeavors. The person to receive this award lives the Rectory School Creed: Responsibility, Respect, Honesty, and Compassion.

Creating Opportunity, Inspiring Change: Honoring Barbara and Sebastian Scripps with the Distinguished Service Award

At Rectory, we often say that doing good comes in many forms—through professional achievement, athletic excellence, and inspiring others by example. Some of the most meaningful acts of service are those done quietly, without the need for recognition. That’s why, as former Head of School Fred Williams shared during this year’s celebration, it’s especially important to honor those who continue to “do good” in ways that shape not only the present, but the future.

Few exemplify this spirit more fully than Barbara and Sebastian Scripps, this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Service Award. Their legacy at Rectory spans decades—and countless acts of generosity, leadership, and vision.

Their journey began as elementary parents, with Sebastian also serving on the Board of Trustees and playing key roles on the Executive, Strategic Planning, and Facilities Committees. During his tenure, Rectory saw significant renovations to Dining Dorm, DGB, and Brittain House, and the addition of major new buildings including Hamilton Dorm, the Tang Center for Performing Arts, and the Scripps Auditorium.

Even after retiring from the Board, the Scripps family remained deeply engaged—championing each new phase of the school’s Master Plan. Their support helped make possible the construction of the new Learning Center and Elementary School, the establishment of the Tang Endowment for Excellence in Teaching, and the arrival of Centennial Dorm and the Brewster Odeum.

But perhaps their most transformative gift is still unfolding. A few years ago, the Scripps envisioned bringing the Horizons summer academic program to Rectory—an initiative focused on advancing educational equity by partnering with under-resourced families and communities. Thanks to their generous start-up support, Horizons at Rectory launched its first class last summer. Now in its second year and growing steadily, the program welcomes local students into a joyful, supportive learning environment that builds academic confidence and long-term opportunity.

“With the Scripps’ help, that foundation is becoming available to more and more students,” Fred Williams noted.
“Because of their leadership and commitment, students—both at Rectory and Horizons—are realizing futures previously unavailable and unimaginable.”

This belief in the power of education to unlock doors—what George Washington Carver once called “the golden door of freedom”—has guided the Scripps family’s giving and shaped the very core of our school. From bricks and mortar to moments of inspiration, their influence is seen and felt in classrooms, dorms, performance halls, and in every note of encouragement passed to a young learner at Horizons.

Rectory is honored to recognize Barbara and Sebastian Scripps for their enduring impact and extraordinary commitment to doing good—for our students, our campus, and our future.

2024 Distinguished Service Award: Kevin Tubridy '60

From envisioning the Campus Master Plan to bringing it to life, Kevin Tubridy ’60 has transformed Rectory’s campus with creativity, vision, and heart. His leadership has shaped spaces where students learn, live, and thrive—leaving a legacy that will impact generations. This year, we proudly honor him with the Distinguished Service Award.

Dan Newman receives the distinguished service award from Fred Williams accompanied by John Frank

2023 Distinguished Service Award: Dan Newman, RN

For more than four decades, Nurse Dan Newman has been the heartbeat of Rectory’s Rogers Infirmary—caring for students with compassion, serving the wider Pomfret community as an EMT, and embodying the values of service and dedication every day. From lifesaving moments to the creation of the Lucy Wang Memorial Garden, his impact reaches far beyond medicine. This year, we are proud to honor him with the Distinguished Service Award.

Head shots of Peter and Nathaniel Hamilton. Peter stands before a mountain landscape and Nathaniel is in a function room.

2022 Distinguished Service Award: Peter '67 and Nathaniel '98 Hamilton

For two generations, Peter ’67 and Nat ’98 Hamilton have shaped Rectory through leadership, philanthropy, and vision—leaving their mark on campus projects, fundraising efforts, and the very spirit of service. Together, they exemplify “like father, like son,” and we are proud to honor them with the Distinguished Service Award.

Jay Milnor sits on a chair and gazes at the camera. He wears a light blue button down shirt.

2022 Distinguished Service Award: Jay Milnor, Past Trustee

At 98 years old, Jay Milnor embodies a lifetime of service—from decorated WWII veteran to beloved educator and longtime Rectory trustee. With courage, compassion, and integrity, he has left an indelible mark on every community he’s touched.

2021 Distinguished Service Award: Lisa Levesque

With nearly three decades of service, Lisa Levesque has shaped Rectory as an educator, leader, innovator, and our first archivist. From building the school’s earliest website to preserving its history and guiding its future, she embodies excellence in every role.

Michael Kempner standing with wife and son on the mezzanine of Rectory's Tang Center

2020 Distinguished Service Award: Carl and Mike Kempner ‘70

For more than half a century, Carl and Mike Kempner ’70 have exemplified what it means to serve with vision and generosity. Carl’s leadership as Board Chair helped establish Rectory’s strong endowment and iconic spaces like Colhoun Gymnasium, while Mike carried forward that legacy as trustee—refinancing bonds, advancing the campus master plan, and guiding major fundraising campaigns. Together, this father-son duo has left an enduring imprint on Rectory’s strength and future.

2019 Distinguished Service Award: Oscar Tang '53 and Kevin Tang '82

As the first father-son duo to receive Rectory’s Distinguished Service Award, Oscar ’53 and Kevin ’82 Tang embody a legacy of philanthropy and impact that stretches across education, the arts, healthcare, and beyond. Their generosity—most notably the Tang Endowment for Excellence in Teaching—has transformed Rectory and inspired countless others to give back.

Athletics Wall of Honor

This award is presented annually to people whose contributions and accomplishments have brought prestige and honor to Rectory School and its athletic program. Recipients are individuals of outstanding quality, high moral character, and fine leadership qualities and are held in high esteem by their colleagues, coaches, and athletes.

From Rookie to Champion: Honoring John on Rectory’s Wall of Athletic Honor

In the spring of his first year at Rectory School, John faced a decision that would shape his athletic future—choosing a spring sport. Though he had never held a lacrosse stick before, a nudge from fellow student Drew Fox led him to try the unfamiliar game. What began as a leap of faith quickly grew into a lifelong passion.

John’s determination and athletic instincts propelled him from complete novice to varsity player by his ninth-grade year. That same season, he was named co-captain—an early indication of the leadership and drive that would define his athletic journey.

After graduating from Rectory, John continued to chase excellence on and off the field. He went on to Kent School, where his athletic accomplishments earned him a place in the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He then advanced to the University of North Carolina, capturing a national lacrosse championship as part of one of the country’s most elite programs.

From Rectory to Kent to Chapel Hill, John has been surrounded by top-tier talent—but it has always been his self-awareness, charisma, and innate leadership that elevated every team he joined. As Fred Williams, former Head of School, reflected, “John’s legacy is not just in the games he played or the championships he won—but in his enduring ability to bring people together, inspire his teammates, and lead with heart.”

As his name graced the pages of The Rectory News graduation issue in 1986, it was clear that his impact reached far beyond the field. He earned honorable mentions for five student awards, including Best All-Around Athlete, and was the recipient of two of Rectory’s most prestigious honors: the Harrison Cup, for outstanding sportsmanship and consideration for others, and the Father Bigelow Memorial Cup, awarded to the graduate who best embodies the values of character, compassion, and community.

This year, we are proud to celebrate John’s journey by welcoming him into the Rectory School Athletic Wall of Honor—joining the ranks of our school’s most respected and accomplished athletes.

2024 Athletic Wall of Honor: Chris Lowry '11

From sprinting across Rectory’s tennis courts to sinking threes on the varsity basketball team, Chris Lowry '11 quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike. His journey carried him to a state championship at Woodstock Academy and a Division III National Championship at Babson College—yet what stands out most is his humility, gratitude, and kindness off the court. This year, we are proud to recognize him for both his athletic achievements and the character that truly defines him.

2024 Athletic Wall of Honor: C. Sanford “Sandy” Murray

From building Rectory’s wrestling program in the 1960s to inspiring generations of athletes at St. Johnsbury Academy, C. Sanford “Sandy” Murray left a legacy defined by grit, growth, and care for his athletes.

Fred Williams presents an athletic wall of honor plaque to Theron Foley class of 1987

2023 Athletic Wall of Honor: Theron Foley '87

When does greatness first appear in life? And what allows some to maintain this greatness as the ponds get bigger and bigger? These questions are easily answered when considering Theron Foley, this year’s inductee into the Rectory School Athletic Wall of Honor.

Terrence Clarke reaches for a jump ball. He wears his Rectory uniform and has his eyes fixed on the ball.

2022 Athletic Wall of Honor: Terrence Clarke '18

Terrence Clarke ‘18 was enshrined posthumously on Rectory’s Athletic Wall of Honor at a ceremony held on April 23, 2022. Hailed as a generational talent, we are grateful for all Terrence did for Rectory while here, and we miss him everyday. Many of Terrence’s family members, including his mother traveled to Pomfret for the occasion.

A black and white photo of Rory Burke from his teenage years. He smiles at the camera wearing a dark suit jacket and tie.

2022 Athletic Wall of Honor: Rory Burke '60

Rory Burke was an exceptionally talented and successful athlete, one of the best, in fact, to attend Rectory School. His recognition is an acknowledgement of that and of an era where youth sports were truly amateur and recreational. Rory excelled across three seasons on three different teams playing three different sports then served his country with distinction as a Marine. For these reasons, we are proud to induct Rory Burke into the Rectory School Athletic Wall of Honor.

Norm Riker '85 standing in front of Connecticut College's soccer field.

2021 Athletic Wall of Honor: Norm Riker '85

By the time he graduated Rectory in 1985, in addition to finding his groove in the classroom, Norm Riker was a multi-sport star on the fields of athletics. He led two of Rectory’s all-time great teams to great heights and is remembered by coaches and teammates for his unquestioned playmaking ability and his class-act demeanor.

George Groom standing in front of the Rectory School sign.

2020 Athletic Wall of Honor: George Groom

He is one of the most recognizable figures in Rectory’s 100 year history. For over forty years, he was a fixture in the classroom and on the fields. He has devoted his life to the care and support of multiple generations of students. Now, Mr. George Groom takes his place on the Rectory School Athletic Wall of Honor.

2019 Athletic Wall of Honor: Lewis Smith ‘71

Lew Smith was already big when he arrived at Rectory--as tall or taller than most faculty. Trained early on by his father, by the time Lew arrived at Rectory, he had nearly all the tools he needed to dominate on the football field and on the wrestling mat. Dominate Lew did, to the point that his coaches and headmaster all but forbade him to return to Rectory for his ninth grade year because, in one of their words, “he has literally outgrown it.” Lew’s athletic career blossomed further at Avon Old Farms and culminated with a scholarship offer to play football and wrestle for the Michigan Wolverines. Lew’s posthumous induction to the Rectory Athletic Wall of Honor was received by his family.

Genevieve Richardson '96 with Fred Williams. She is holding her award for induction into Rectory's Athletic Wall of Honor.

2019 Athletic Wall of Honor: Genevieve Richardson '96

Genevieve Richardson made a name for herself at Rectory by excelling in every sport she played. She used her athleticism to earn team MVP honors in both soccer and ice hockey, and she exhibited leadership qualities that earned her captainship of both. She did all this as the only girl on each team. After Rectory, Genevieve was a two-sport Division I collegiate athlete, and her career accolades include being invited to work out for Team USA in ice hockey. At every level, teammates and coaches alike marveled at Genevieve’s skill and unmatched positive attitude. She is the first woman inducted to Rectory’s Athletic Wall of Honor.

Emerging Leader

This award is presented annually to a Rectory alumnus who is in the first five years of his or her career and has demonstrated inspiring leadership qualities, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community involvement across their academic and professional lives.

Lighting the Way Forward: Tianshu Wang '16 Named Rectory’s Emerging Leader

In every chapter of his journey, Tianshu Wang has shown that success isn’t just measured in accolades—it’s reflected in attitude, character, and the way one uplifts others. While his résumé is filled with academic honors and professional achievements, what resonates most is his unwavering positivity and deep-rooted sense of purpose.

After graduating from Rectory, Tianshu continued to excel, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Brooks School. He began his college career at Boston College before transferring to Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, where he earned his degree. Now pursuing a master’s at Stanford University, Tianshu remains on a path of constant learning and innovation.

His professional ascent has been no less impressive. As an Autopilot SoC Silicon Validation Engineer at Tesla, Tianshu is contributing to the cutting edge of autonomous vehicle technology—helping to power the AI systems that shape the future of mobility. Yet even amid this high-stakes, high-tech environment, he remains grounded in gratitude and growth.

Former Head of School Fred Williams put it best: “What I most appreciate is that Tianshu is an incredible human being and an unbelievable example of positivity.”

This same spirit shines through in Tianshu’s own reflections, which he shares publicly to encourage others. On his LinkedIn profile, he offers the lessons that have guided his journey: Enjoy every day and learn something new. Appreciate the company of your friends—you never know when it will be the last time you see them. And lastly, be confident, be hopeful, and just be yourself.

In recognition of his achievements, leadership, and the light he brings to every community he’s part of, we are proud to honor Tianshu with Rectory’s Emerging Leader Award. His journey is already extraordinary—and it’s only just beginning.

Maddy Hutchings looks to her left and smiles. She wears glasses, dangly earrings, and a light blue top.

2022 Emerging Leader Award: Madeleine Hutchins '11

Focused, inquisitive, and perceptive since her days on campus, Madeleine Hutchins ’11 has carried her love of learning and storytelling into a career that bridges scholarship, the arts, and her Mohegan heritage. From theater projects to cultural preservation, she continues to reflect light from the past to inspire the future. This year, Rectory is proud to honor her with the Emerging Leader Award.

2021 Emerging Leader Award: Jamel Torrence '09

From Pomfret to pitching campaigns with sports icons, Jamel Torrence ’09 has built a career in sports marketing fueled by creativity, grit, and hard work. A former dorm proctor and Creed Award recipient at Rectory, Jamel carried his kindness and leadership into a career. His journey is a testament to perseverance, seizing opportunities, and outworking challenges at every step. This year, we proudly recognize him as Rectory’s Emerging Leader Award recipient.

Yeo-Bi Choi '10, a beautiful young Asian woman, sits in front of a duck pond with trees and a stone bridge in the background

2020 Emerging Leader Award: Yeo Bi Choi '10

From captain of Rectory’s first girls golf team to groundbreaking autism researcher, Yeo Bi Choi ’10 continues to inspire. This year’s Emerging Leader Award recipient is pursuing her PhD at Dartmouth, advancing research that brings hope for more personalized treatments—and a deeper understanding of the autism spectrum.

Min Jae Yoo '09 standing with Headmaster Fred Williams.

2019 Emerging Leader Award: Min Jae Yoo '09

From award-winning student and campus leader at Rectory to peacekeeper in South Sudan and now a public policy specialist at Merck, Min Jae Yoo ’09 has always led with vision and purpose. This year, we proudly honor him with Rectory’s Emerging Leader Award for his extraordinary drive to make healthcare more accessible and improve lives around the world.

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Alumni Awards

Distinguished Service Award

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