Here at Friends Select, we have a talented, diverse group of students who perform on stage, create music, construct art and compete in sports. And, in many ways throughout the academic year, these students are acknowledged and applauded. Another opportunity that acknowledges excellence in academic subjects is induction into the Cum Laude Society.

Based on three Greek ideals: Areté (Excellence), Diké (Justice) and Timé (Honor), our school’s Society holds an induction ceremony every May. Each year we invite an alumnus or alumna to speak, and students ask a faculty member or fellow student of their choice to introduce them—making for a very personalized experience.

This year’s induction ceremony was an enjoyable occasion energized by the introductions of eight new members. The keynote speaker was alumnus Gabriel Kuriloff ’96, CEO of Arise Academy Charter High School, whose life and career have embodied the ideals of our community.

I so enjoy the traditions that mark the end of our school year, and the Cum Laude ceremony is one reoccurring event that I’m most fond of. It is indeed a moving experience for those inducted and those who attend. Equally gratifying is that inducted individuals come back years later and pass on the best of what they’ve learned to new generations of Friends Select students.

 

2011 Cum Laude Inductees
The 2011 senior class Cum Laude inductees are Dylan Woloszczuk, Drew Colman, Mariah Burke, Yvonne Hyde-Carter and Emily Johnson. The eleventh grade inductees are Michael Gomella, Lauren Lamb and Alina Drufovka.

These students joined a fellowship of faculty scholars at Friends Select: Head of School Rose Hagan; Ralph Reinwald, upper school math teacher; Jim Brubaker, upper school physics, astronomy, electronics and computer science teacher; Brian Warburton, upper school chemistry teacher; Wendy Buckingham, upper school English teacher; Abbi Smith, upper school math teacher; and Steve Rawls, upper school history teacher.

About Cum Laude
The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906 at a private school in Maryland. It was to be only in "schools of superior academic quality" and only in boys schools at first. Now there are 338 chapters in the United States, most of which are in independent schools.

The Friends Select School chapter was established in 1962. 

To read Gabriel Kuriloff's keynote speaker remarks, click here to his blog.