The Citizenship Award will be presented annually to one student in each grade who exhibits inclusiveness and demonstrates respect for peers and adults. This student is one who takes responsibility for herself and others, sets an example for others to follow and makes active contributions to the betterment of the school community.

6th Grade: Isabelle Brockett

It is my honor to present the 2020 Citizenship award to Isabelle Brockett. Once in a lifetime, a student like Izzy comes along- a model student in all aspects. There are endless exceptional qualities about Izzy but what makes her so unique and special is the degree to which she cares about everything and everyone around her. In the classroom, Izzy asks questions and makes comments that require those around her to think deeper or think differently. A teacher recently remarked, “Izzy is the greatest asset to my classroom” and this teacher is not unique in feeling this way. Her curiosity sparks discussion, encouraging students to build connections which creates a rich learning environment for the entire community. Izzy’s compassion and kindness towards others is unshakeable, pure and genuine. After an interaction with Izzy, one can’t help but feel valued, respected, heard, and appreciated. She has left a mark on our hearts which serves as a reminder to be a little kinder, do the right thing when no one is watching and make the world a better place, one interaction at a time. We proudly present the 2020 6th grade Citizenship Award to Izzy Brockett.

7th Grade: Emerson Nestico

It is my honor to present the 2020 7th Grade Citizenship award to Emerson Nestico.  Garrison Forest had Emerson Nestico in mind when the Core Values were developed.  She embodies what it means to be authentic, brave, curious, compassionate and spirited. Her sweet, accepting and soft demeanor allow her peers to feel comfortable in their own skin when she is around. She is the first to show up to support others, the first to stand up for what is right and the first to offer a listening ear. Emerson is the student in the middle school who finds the best in everyone and authentically celebrates the success of those around her, for she finds joy not in being recognized, but in recognizing others. Emerson’s growth and development in the classroom is nothing short of remarkable. She cares about her work and she takes pride in knowing that she did everything she could do to make it her best. This is a true marker of excellence and distinction and an indicator that her future will be filled with opportunity. Emerson’s kind soul and a warm smile is exactly the type of medicine the world needs and we are fortunate to have her in our hallways every day. We proudly present the 2020 7th grade Citizenship Award to Emerson Nestico.

8th Grade: Annie Marshall 

It is my honor to present the 2020 Elizabeth G. Brown Spirit award to the class of 2024. It has taken the faculty three years to figure out who you are, but today it is very clear to us. You are the class that does not complain about what you did not get to do, but rather the class that celebrates the time you had together and the amazing adventures you had together. You are known as the class that ate soggy chicken tenders and fries during a rainy Orioles baseball game, the class that taught the preschool students at Brehms Lane the letter T,  the class that was late to class because you were too busy playing four square, the class who stole our hearts during the Evening in Blue, the class that had undefeated athletic seasons and the class who sold out three middle school musicals. You are the joy that punctured through this difficult time leaving smiles on the faces of your teachers due to your incredible unselfishness and resilient perspectives. We thank you for your unrelenting joy, your fierce leadership, your mature attitudes and your sweet laughter, even if it is behind a computer screen. We proudly present the 2020 Elizabeth G. Brown Spirit award to the class of 2024. 

The F.E. White Award is presented annually to the Eighth Grade student who has demonstrated the highest level of growth in the pursuit of academic excellence. This student should exhibit an awareness of academic strengths and struggles and demonstrate a willingness to seek out assistance from teachers. As a result, this student has made marked and observable academic improvement during the course of her years at Garrison Forest School.

The Faculty Award is presented annually to an eighth grade student who has demonstrated a true passion for learning and has a high academic standing in the class. The recipient is someone whose commitment to intellectual pursuits is evident in all she does. This student has a willingness and a desire to devote time outside of the academic curriculum to engage in creative pursuits for no other reward than learning, growth and the joy that brings. The recipient is a creative thinker, passionate about many fields of study and inspires peers to engage in learning for the sheer fun of it.

The Unsung Hero Award is presented to the Eighth Grade student who has shown exceptional personal qualities of loyalty and dedication to the ideals of the Middle School.  The student who receives this award is one who works quietly behind the scenes and does not seek public praise for her efforts.  This student embodies those qualities that we hold in highest esteem in our school: Honesty, Respect and Kindness.

The Spirit Award is considered the highest honor in the Middle School and it is given to the Eighth Grade student who best exemplifies the spirit of Garrison Forest School.