2026 Underform Awards Announced

After the community celebrated VIth formers at the Cum Laude Society Induction Ceremony on Thursday, it was time for the underformers to be honored on Friday in the Underform Awards Ceremony. With family in town for Spring Family Weekend, the Chelsea Morrison Theater was filled to capacity to recognize Vth form achievements in academics, arts, and leadership.

Below are lists of the awards and their recipients, and photos of all the winners are available in our online photo gallery:

FOUNDERS’ PRIZE – Liz Alcantara

Given in honor of Millbrook’s founders, Edward and Lucy Pulling, the Founders' Prize is given to a Vth former who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. It’s the only Millbrook award voted on by the entire faculty, and the winner receives a scholarship to Nols, Outward Bound, or a similar leadership training program for the summer before their VIth form year.

On behalf of the entire faculty, Head of School Jonathan Downs ’98 awarded this year’s Founders’ Prize to Liz Alcantara. “Liz gives and gives and gives,” Mr. Downs said. “She embodies non sibi sed cunctis, not just for oneself, but for all. Liz, our faculty selected you because you give your whole self to this community and never shy away from the many opportunities of responsibility that we put in front of you. You are an exemplar student and citizen, and I'm sure our founders, Mr. and Mrs. Pulling, would be proud to know that you will be forever connected to this honor.”

Assistant Head for Academics Jarratt Clarke presented the college book awards, which recognize the outstanding accomplishments of high schoolers across the U.S. and include significant scholarships. As Ms. Clarke explained, “Each award is a reflection of the hard work, endless curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm that characterizes the class of 2027 as a whole.”

 

 

“A high school art building, even as beautiful as the one we're in, would be a sad place if it weren't filled with students engaged in the joyful pursuit of artistic discovery,” said Art Department Chair Joe Raciti as he prepared to present the awards. “Today, we honor students whose artistic passion and dedication inspire their peers and teachers to reach ever higher.”

 

 

A new addition to the awards, the students listed below received commendation for papers that displayed excellence in originality, research, analysis, and depth of argumentation.

 

 

More Millbrook news: