Class of 2026 Graduate Award & Cup Winners

On May 30, 2026, Rectory School held its graduation ceremony in the Craig Scott Colhoun Gymnasium. Families arrived that morning to a campus filled with excitement. For the first time, guests walked through the newly redesigned Athletic Center. Its open doors welcomed the community it was built to serve, while vibrant flowers and freshly laid mulch marked a final gift from the graduating class to the school they cherished. The morning was full of memorable moments, heartfelt speeches, and more than a few tears as the Class of 2026 bid farewell.

Head of School Julie Anderson, who was celebrating her first graduation ceremony at Rectory School, took a moment to express her deep gratitude to the class for the warmth and welcome they had shown her throughout the year. She spoke proudly of their curiosity, determination, pursuit of knowledge, and the strong Wolf Pack spirit they embodied. The ceremony's most prestigious honors, the Mabel B. Bigelow Memorial Cup and the Father Bigelow Memorial Cup, were awarded to the two students who best represented the values of Rectory. With personal stories and genuine admiration, Mrs. Anderson presented the top female award to Mana E. '26 and the top male award to John L. '26. 

Before the diplomas were distributed, John addressed the students one final time, reminding everyone to appreciate the special community they had all come to love—one built on the foundations and values set forth by Father Bigelow.

 

Below is a complete list of award recipients and cup winners, along with their descriptions.

The Mabel B. Bigelow Memorial Cup named in honor of the School's co-founder is awarded to a female member of the graduating class who displays outstanding excellence in character and who has shown great interest in and has contributed toward the welfare of the School.

Mana E. '26 

 

The Father Bigelow Memorial Cup presented to the male student in the graduating class who "best exemplifies those human characteristics Father Bigelow sought to cultivate in all students. These characteristics are best articulated in John Bigelow's 'Prayer for Rectory,' which reads, 'To work well, to play well; to think clearly, to speak truth; to win without pride, to lose without rancor; to have courage, and to be kind. This is a goal for the greatest: It is a goal that the least may reach. To teach this is the whole purpose of schools. To know this is the whole meaning of life.'"

John L. '26

 

The Alexander C. Vasiloff Memorial Award presented to that Rectory student who best exemplifies those eclectic characteristics which Mr. Vasiloff lovingly brought to this community. They include interest in history, science, mathematics, arts, and literature.

Ethan S. '26

The Adam B. Silver Scholar-Athlete Cup established in honor of Adam, class of 1982, by his parents is given to that student who has demonstrated not only spirit, energy, inquisitiveness, and vigor in the classroom, but determination and commitment on the athletic fields.

Miley L. '26

The Thomas B. Harrison Cup presented for outstanding sportsmanship and consideration for others, not only on the playing field, but in all areas of school life.

Jacob T. '26

The John Frazar Austin Cup given by John Frazar Austin, a member of the class of 1949, is awarded annually to a student who best exemplifies the "fighting spirit" which will not permit him/her to quit, whether in sports, studies, or in striving for general improvement.

Kaiden L. '26

The Goodridge-Barber Academic Cup donated by a gentleman who said he was tired of seeing the handsomest cups at graduation exercises everywhere go to the best athletes, rather than the best scholars. He was determined that Rectory would have a truly splendid-looking cup to present to its top student.

Kailey L. '26 

The Charles Rockwell Cup donated by Mr. Charles Rockwell, the father of three Rectory graduates: Charles, Jr., 1928; Henry, 1930; and Paul, 1935. It is to be awarded to "that person in the graduating class who has done the most for Rectory."

Logan H. '26

The Mr. And Mrs. John Character Cup donated in 1952 in honor of Mr. and Mrs. John Bigelow and was intended for a member of the graduating class who has made great progress in all areas of school life, and who has displayed the kindness, compassion, and spirit which is exemplified in the "Rectory child."

Chris K. '26

The John and Millie Green Cup presented to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has brought an uplifting spirit and a sense of joy to the School community.

Emilio G. '26

John Bloodworth Mobley, Jr. Class of 1991 Cup given by his parents to the proctor who, while wholeheartedly embracing all of the responsibilities associated with the proctor position, best represents the characteristics by which John is recalled here; specifically, tolerance toward, support of, and enthusiasm for their peers throughout their career in the School.

Max S. '26