WPHS celebrates student achievement during annual Senior Awards Night

Nearly 90 scholarships and awards were presented to members of the Class of 2026 during White Plains High School’s annual Senior Awards Night, celebrating graduating seniors “who have contributed richly to White Plains High School and to their community.”

About $360,000 in scholarship money was awarded during the nearly three-hour ceremony on Thursday, as a steady stream of donors and presenters took the stage in the WPHS auditorium. Assistant Principal Sara Hall introduced the presenters throughout the evening.

Click here to view the full photo gallery from the celebration!

According to the program, Senior Awards Night “recognizes those students who have distinguished themselves in various subject areas, overall academic achievement, community service and in other areas of exceptional merit.”

As students’ names were announced, the auditorium repeatedly erupted in cheers from among hundreds of classmates, friends and family members gathered to celebrate the honorees.

The evening concluded with Principal Emerly Martinez stepping to the podium to recognize valedictorian Nathan Beck and salutatorian Eliana Lieber.

“Two individuals that are at the top of the place,” he said as he called them to the stage, presenting them with gift bags before posing for photos. “What they have there is the medals that they’re going to be wearing proudly at the County Center.”

Principal Martinez also thanked the families of the students honored throughout the evening.

“Thank you for the support that you’ve shown your children in our schools over the years to our soon-to-be graduates,” he said. “Hopefully you got a sense to see what White Plains High School is all about.”

Click here to view the full photo gallery from the celebration!

List of Award Recipients (names of scholarships and awards below)

• Sherly Acosta Arias
• Mary Alexan
• Sean Alfalla
• Deya Allen
• Michelle Alvarez (Rochambeau)
• Olivia Amador
• Paul Aquino Huaman
• Joshua Arauco Conde
• Brandon Archer
• Sofia-Camila Argote
• Stephanie Arriaga Villanueva
• Kayla Arscott
• Synthia Azad
• Ipsita Barnwal
• Yasmin Barranco
• Andre Barrientos
• Nathan Beck
• Angela Bediako
• Fernando Benites (Rochambeau)
• Ashley Benitez
• Lillian Benitez
• Sofia Bertini
• Christian Boateng
• Kingston Boykin
• Declan Brown
• Julian Bystricky
• Helen Camacho Flores
• Stephany Camargo Ruiz
• Charis Choi
• Jacob Cohen
• Dalina Conn
• Emily Cozza
• Dariana Cuautle
• Rubi De La Cruz
• Justin Djelosevic
• Amy Dominguez Encalada
• Jose Dominguez Resendiz
• Eryn DuBois
• Sara Espaillat
• Gerard Fernandez Anazgo
• Jonathan Ferrell
• Francis S. Fokoue Nkoutche
• Jordan Ford
• Daystelin Garcia
• Daniela Garcia Rodriguez
• Holly E. George
• Brianna Gilzene
• Sarah Godoy
• Guido Gomez Humpire
• Daniela Guzman
• Damaris Guzman Gutierrez
• Raul Guzman Zavala
• Leeana Hall-Willis
• Alina Hara
• Declan Hazen
• Yuliana Heredia Castillo
• Adolfo A. Hernandez
• Piero Herrera
• Afrozah Hossain
• Caitlyn Hyatt
• Miles Ingram
• Jaylen Innis (Rochambeau)
• Nia Kershaw
• Catherine King
• Angel Larios
• Rayshawn Leonard Jones (Rochambeau)
• Sophia Letizia
• Eliana Lieber
• Adelisa Lopez Orozco
• Ava Magneson
• Adrianna Mancuso
• Chloe Manning
• Olivia Manorqui
• Sulayman Mboge
• Nai Nitsue McCaw
• William McDermott
• Gianna McMahon
• Edwar Mejia Conza
• Wilber Mejia Conza
• Mariah Mendez
• Joaquin Mendoza Ramos
• Ethan Menothumalil
• Sophie Mercer
• Gracelyn Misaray
• Danielle Mitchell
• Olivia Morales
• Maximilian Mui
• Gael Munoz Ortiz
• Roland Nkansah (Rochambeau)
• Lily Obligado
• Molly O’Donnell
• Neela Older
• Osvaldo Perez Carrillo
• Jadynn Person
• Maeve Pochat
• Maximilian Pollio
• Vincent Poon
• Alex Porcelli
• Milan Ragin
• Rafael Ramirez
• London Randolph
• Chelsea Reid
• Alejandro Reluzco
• Jeremy Remicio
• Dominick R. Rivas
• Isabella Rodas-Flores
• Rebecca Rosignoli
• Brissa Ruiz Rodriguez
• Mary Grace Ryan
• Krystal Sanchez
• Jacqueline Sandoval
• Allison Sanguino
• Yazmin Sarabia Flores
• Oliver Schmidt
• Alessandra Silva
• Valerie Sosa
• Haliya St. Vil
• Madison Steptoe
• Rachel Stone
• Christopher Tandazo
• Dania Tandazo
• Brooke Thomas
• Charly Tibillin Chacha
• Jayden Tineo
• Alondra Torres Martinez
• Olivia Tuzel
• Diego Urzua
• Winemi Valdez-Sanchez
• Emanuel Vanegas Ocampo
• Abigail Vega
• Layla Vergaray
• Julia Vieira
• Valeryn Villamarin Romero
• Gyanna Villa-Mendez
• Prysais Walters-Russo
• Riley Westlund
• Lucy Wright
• Nasir Wright

Click here to view the full photo gallery from the celebration!

Scholarships and Awards Presented 

• Friends of White Plains Public Schools Awards — Awarded to two students who have completed an extraordinary number of community service hours. Recipients will have a brick engraved and installed outside the High School Media Center. Presented by Meryl Stevens and Silvia Viciedo.
• League of Women Voters Scholarship — Presented to a senior who has led by example and action to promote participation in government. Presented by Doris Dingott.
• Philip Barnett Memorial Scholarship Award — Given in memory of Philip Barnett, who dedicated his life to making the world a better place through engineering. Presented by Ruth Barnett.
• Class of 1957 Scholarship in Memory of Ed Furtick — Given in memory of Ed Furtick, former president of the Class of 1957, a student-athlete and leader. Presented to a male student who is both an athlete and student government leader. Presented by Keith Bronitt.
• E. Glenn Creative Writing Scholarship — Presented by former middle school English teacher Ernestine Glenn to recognize excellence in expository and creative writing.
• E. Glenn HBCU Scholarships — Presented to two seniors planning to attend a Historically Black College or University. Presented by Ernestine Glenn.
• E. Glenn Local Scholarship — Presented to a male student planning to attend a local college or university. Presented by Ernestine Glenn.
• Keller Williams Realty Award — Awarded to a student who demonstrates good character, kindness and care for others, and who gives back to the community. Presented by Peggy Shea.
• Matthew DeFilippis Scholarships — Given in memory of former WPHS student Matthew DeFilippis to a student attending a four-year college who is active in co-curricular activities. Presented by Constance DeFilippis.
• El Centro Hispano Scholarship — Presented to motivated Hispanic seniors who give back to their community and show promise for postsecondary education. Presented by Judith Aucar.
• Grandpas United Civic Awards — Presented to seniors who have developed the skills, values and motivation to make a difference in the community. Presented by Jim Isenberg.
• The Woman’s Club of White Plains Foundation Scholarships — Presented to academically accomplished young women planning to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. Presented by Claudia Melo and Margaret Eiden.
• Barbara O’Garro Memorial Business Scholarship — Presented to a student pursuing a career in business. Presented by Jason Bayuk.
• The Rita Varian Art Scholarship — Presented to a student devoted to developing creativity and skill in the visual arts during high school. Presented by Thomas Varian.
• Patsy Havlin Memorial Scholarship — Presented in memory of teaching assistant Patsy Havlin to a female student who has worked hard and maintained high academic standards. Presented by Sarah Havlin Devine.
• Order of the Sons of Italy–Antonio Meucci Lodge #213 Scholarship & The Vito Cirioni Memorial Scholarship — Presented for dedication and pursuit of excellence in the study of the Italian language. Presented by Camille Tarone, Rosemary Cirioni and Rita Carolini.
• Frank Tarone Vocational Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a student pursuing vocational school after graduation. Presented by Camille Tarone and Rita Carolini.
• The White Plains Highlands Civic Association Scholarship — Awarded to a student who embodies community pride through service and involvement. Presented by Sonia Tatlock-Gagnon.
• Steve Shell & Mark Stagg Business Scholarship — Awarded to a student entering the business field who demonstrates a strong awareness of the business world. Presented by Ashley Stagg.
• Arthur “Mickey” Stagg Service Award — Presented to a student who exemplifies service to others and the meaning of being a “True Humanitarian.” Presented by Ashley Stagg.
• The Jazmeene Sanchez Heart of Care Scholarship — Honors a dedicated student pursuing a career in nursing. Presented by Ashley Stagg.
• The Sue Adams Scholarship — Established in memory of longtime WPCSD teacher, coach and mentor Sue Adams to support a WPHS student-athlete. Presented by Kim Adams.
• The Rafaello Pantanelli Scholarship — Celebrates students who demonstrate determination and resilience while overcoming challenges to achieve educational goals. Presented by Rafaello Pantanelli.
• Dorothy Ann Peters Memorial Scholarships — Presented in memory of nurse Dorothy Ann Peters to students pursuing careers in nursing. Presented by Andrea Robinson.
• George H. Kleinberger Memorial Scholarship — Awarded to a student with a B+ average or higher who is active in co-curricular activities. Presented by Thomas Kleinberger.
• Margaret Kurtz Memorial Scholarships — Given in memory of longtime North House secretary Margaret Kurtz to students recognized for hard work and perseverance. Presented by Mayra Jadan Ludizaca.
• White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations Scholarship — Presented to a student dedicated to community service throughout high school. Presented by Michael Dalton.
• Tiger Fans: Dan Woodard Memorial Scholarship — Given in memory of respected WPCSD administrator Dan Woodard to a student-athlete. Presented by Sarina Russell.
• Renoda Hoffman Honorary Award by the WP Historical Society — Presented to a senior who has supported and participated in civic affairs. Presented by a White Plains Historical Society representative.
• Dr. Dan Arnon Memorial Scholarship for Medicine/Nursing — Presented to a senior aspiring to work in medicine or nursing. Honors Dr. Dan Arnon, a psychiatrist dedicated to helping patients with mental health challenges. Presented by Jeremy Arnon, Ben Arnon and Joslyn Arnon Crowe.
• Sara Miller Arnon Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a senior pursuing education, honoring educator and longtime PTA leader Sara Miller Arnon. Presented by Jeremy Arnon, Ben Arnon and Joslyn Arnon Crowe.
• Rotary Club of White Plains Scholarships — Awarded based on academic achievement, co-curricular involvement, community service and future promise. Presented by Nicholas Wolff.
• Rotary Music Awards — Presented to seniors for excellence in music. Presented by Nicholas Wolff.
• White Plains Retired Educators Organization Scholarships — Presented to students pursuing careers in education who demonstrate excellent citizenship and character. Presented by Ellen Epstein and Lori Mollo.
• WPHS PTA Recognition Awards — Presented to seniors who have dedicated time to community service. Presented by Lynn Ryan and Annalisa Weigand.
• Hillair Educational & Leadership Scholarship — Presented by WPHS alumni from the Classes of 1973 and 1975 to assist a senior with college expenses. Presented by Diane Schonberger and David Schonberger.
• The Frederick J. Maudsley “GRIT” Scholarship — Awarded to a varsity hockey player demonstrating grit, perseverance and determination. Presented by Diane Maudsley and John Maudsley.
• It’s Her Time Scholarship by the White Plains Youth Bureau — Presented to young women demonstrating leadership and commitment to community causes. Presented by Raina Kadvil.
• Dr. Leonard G. Rhodes Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a senior attending a four-year college who is active in co-curricular activities and helps others. Presented by Donna Rhodes Joseph and Jonathan Joseph.
• Arlene Greenbaum Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a student showing motivation and academic improvement. Presented by Dr. Joan Greenbaum.
• Hope Engine Company No. 1 WPFD Volunteer Division Scholarship — Presented to a senior with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who has community service experience and plans to attend college. Presented by John Cambreli.
• The Anthony & Dolores Cardon Memorial Scholarship — Awarded to a Cross-Country or Track Team member who overcame academic challenges and plans to attend college or trade school. Presented by Chip Cardon, Rose Marie Hogan and David Brown.
• Harry Jefferson Scholarship — Honors student-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, resilience and community service. Presented by Grace Jefferson.
• The Richard Liebson Journalism Scholarships — Presented in memory of longtime Journal News reporter Richard Liebson to students pursuing journalism. Presented by Victoria Hochman.
• The Pep Talk Scholarship — Presented to a well-rounded student demonstrating academic achievement and positive community impact. Presented by Melissa Preudhomme.
• Wegmans Scholarship Program — Awarded to a student working part-time while pursuing higher education. Presented by Matt Schneider.
• Excellence in American History Award—The White Plains Chapter—Daughters of the American Revolution — Presented to a graduating senior demonstrating civic involvement and excellence in American History. Presented by a committee representative.
• The Stephen Michael Sules Foundation Scholarship — Awarded to a student pursuing culinary arts who plans to give back to the community. Presented by Chelsea Nicholls.
• James A. Barrego Scholarship — Presented in memory of beloved former WPHS teacher James A. Barrego. Presented by Ron Knell.
• Glenn Loucks Memorial Scholarship Award — Presented to a male student demonstrating excellence in athletics and academics. Presented by Matthew Cameron and Mike Chappas.
• Eleanor Loucks Memorial Scholarship Award — Presented to a female student demonstrating excellence in athletics and academics. Presented by Matthew Cameron and Mike Chappas.
• Charlie Jenkins Memorial Award — Presented to a student who exemplifies humility, respect and graciousness in victory and defeat. Presented by Matthew Cameron and Mike Chappas.
• Lois Van Epps Scholarship — Given in memory of beloved English teacher Lois Van Epps. Presented by Khali Murrell.
• CSEA Barbara Barnes Scholarship — Presented to the student with the highest GPA whose parent is an active CSEA member. Presented by Ilka Marino and Jimmy Serrano.
• CSEA Clair Strati Spirit Award — Presented to a student whose parent is a CSEA member and who excels academically and athletically. Presented by Ilka Marino and Jimmy Serrano.
• CSEA Civil Service Employees Association Union, CSEA Unit 9200, Westchester County Employees Award — Presented to a student whose parent is an active CSEA Unit 9200 member. Presented by a CSEA Unit 9200 representative.
• David R. Cultice Scholarship for Engineering — Presented to a student planning to major in engineering. Presented by Justine Shewbarran.
• Brian M. Robinson Foundation Scholarships — Presented to students demonstrating sportsmanship and commitment to community. Presented by Justine Shewbarran.
• North Broadway Citizens Association Scholarships — Presented to seniors demonstrating strong citizenship, attitude and future promise. Presented by Gaetano Vitiello.
• Jason Soury Memorial Scholarships — Honors the memory of Jason Aaron Soury and supports students reflecting his generosity, friendship and love of life. Presented by Gaetano Vitiello.
• Frank A. Schmidt Memorial Music Award — Presented to an outstanding instrumentalist planning to pursue music education. Presented by Gary West.
• Idan Greenstein Memorial Music Scholarship — Presented to a senior active in the WPHS music program or orchestra. Presented by Gary West.
• Frank Becerra Art Scholarship — Presented to a promising art student in memory of renowned illustrator Frank Becerra. Presented by Gary West.
• Jonathan Larson Scholarship — Honors the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning former WPHS student and supports a senior continuing in the performing arts. Presented by Gary West.
• Thomas McGovern Performing Arts Scholarship — Presented to a student pursuing performing arts studies. Presented by Gary West.
• White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival Awards — Presented to seniors majoring in visual arts who demonstrated excellence through portfolios and interviews. Presented by Gary West.
• Dr. Earl & Ada Robacker Scholarships — Honors achievement in English and journalism and contributions to student publications. Presented by Douglas Cronk.
• Jill E. Solomon Memorial Scholarships — Presented to students in need of assistance achieving academic goals. Presented by Douglas Cronk.
• China Institute Scholarships — Presented to students who studied and excelled in Chinese language studies. Presented by Yolanda Rodriguez.
• Rosa Kittrell Carver Center Award — Presented to a student pursuing postsecondary education in memory of White Plains community leader Rosa Kittrell. Presented by Yolanda Rodriguez.
• Julia Marr Wadsworth Scholarships — Supports students achieving excellence in science. Presented by Cesilie Vega.
• Marjorie Swayne Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a student planning to major in education in memory of beloved chemistry teacher Marjorie Swayne. Presented by Cesilie Vega.
• My Brother’s Keeper Awards — Recognizes participants in the national mentoring initiative focused on education, empowerment, leadership and community service. Presented by Monique Adams.
• Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators Scholarship — Supports excellence in education and overcoming obstacles to success. Presented by Monique Adams.
• W. Lee Tuller Memorial Education Scholarships — Presented to students distinguished in academics and co-curricular activities who serve as positive role models. Presented by Mark Russo.
• Harry D. Triantafillu Scholarships — Presented to students showing academic promise and dedication to community service. Presented by Mark Russo.
• Maureen Brown Memorial Scholarship & Robert J. Brown Memorial Scholarship — Honors students demonstrating determination and perseverance in overcoming challenges. Presented by Laura Sileo.
• Louis & Rose Massaro Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a student active in sports and civic activities. Presented by Laura Sileo.
• University Club of White Plains Excellence Award — Recognizes responsible citizenship and exemplary social skills within a diverse school community. Presented by Emory Davis.
• William Clark Terry Scholarship — Presented to a senior demonstrating strong moral character and loyalty to family, school, community and country. Presented by Emory Davis.
• Antonio & Anna DiBenedetto Award — Presented to a senior who demonstrates faith in democracy, academic achievement and responsibility. Presented by Rocco Varuolo.
• Mary June Bayuk Nursing Award — Presented to a student pursuing nursing and a life of helping others. Presented by Rocco Varuolo.
• White Plains Teachers Association Memorial Scholarships — Presented to seniors pursuing careers in education who demonstrate strong character. Presented by Raegan Figueroa.
• NYS Department of Education—Academic Excellence Scholarships — Based on class ranking and awarded to students attending New York State institutions. Presented by Raegan Figueroa.
• WPHS Senior Alumni Community Service Award — Presented to a senior who volunteered more than 100 hours during senior year. Presented by Juan Herrera.
• Administrators & Supervisors Award — Presented to a student whose citizenship, academics, motivation and attitude indicate strong future potential. Presented by Juan Herrera.
• WPHS Valedictorian of 2026 — Presented by Principal Emerly A. Martinez.
• WPHS Salutatorian of 2026 — Presented by Principal Emerly A. Martinez.