PCD Celebrates Class of 2022

Providence Country Day School celebrated the 43 members of the Class of 2022 during Commencement on June 8, 2022.
The early morning rain could not dampen the spirits of the graduates, who were recognized for their academic, artistic and athletic achievements, their leadership skills, their service to the community, and their enduring spirit in the face of adversity.

“Each of you has a gift unlike anything anyone else can give the world.  And yet, we are all also a part of an extraordinary network who helped us to get where we are,” said Head of School Kevin Folan. “You are one in a million. And you are also just one of the 43 graduates who have made the class of 2022 such a resilient, tenacious, compassionate, curious, superb group of young scholars who will undoubtedly find ways to give to this world in tremendous ways.”

PCD Biology teacher Nancy Gelardi, this year’s Commencement Speaker, told the graduates that what they’ve learned during their time at PCD can be applied outside of the classroom. “My advice is - think like a scientist,” she said. “What is really important is that when you see something in the world around you, you pause to wonder how and why that is. Come up with an idea, test it to see if you are right and repeat. Pay attention to what is happening in the here and now – ask questions and then try to answer them. My guess is that your answers are going to make the world a brighter place.”

At the end of the ceremony, Associate Head of School Mark McLaughlin gave the graduates their charge, with advice from the senior class advisors. The graduates were encouraged to “take advantage of every opportunity you can find. Always remember that you are in charge of your college experience, and you will get out of it what you put into it.” The graduates were also reminded to “always be patient - with yourself and with others. Take mental snapshots of the little moments that bring you joy.  And when you find yourself going through a bad patch, remember that this, too, shall pass.”

The graduates will attend more than 30 colleges and universities around the world.

Lola Sidney Abel - Franklin and Marshall College
Shepherd Brown Aitken - Franklin and Marshall College
Jules M. Anderson -Salve Regina University
Pilar Alma Beerman-Rodriguez - Bryant University
Clemente Carranza - Lehigh University
Rong Chen - Interim Year
Jack Joseph Cordischi - Brown University
Katelyn Michelle Costa - Merrimack College
Preston P. Cunha - University of Rhode Island
Jason DeMacedo - University of Saint Joseph
Jason Alexander Duclos, Jr. - Community College of Rhode Island
Faith Marie Felder - Rhode Island College
Ruben D. Fernandez - Southern New Hampshire University
Jayla Alyse Gadson - University of Rhode Island
Mauricio Javier Gallego Acosta - Bentley University
Addison Duffield Ginn - Florida Atlantic University
Tyler Mora Gomes - The University of Tampa
Naya Habr - Boston University
Calei Patricia Ann Harris - University College Dublin
Nathaniel Harris - Baylor University
Kylee Jean Hicks - Bryant University
Alex Robert Howard - Roger Williams University
Casey Harper Hunt - Fordham University
Rayanns Stephane Joseph - Middlebury College
John Michael Kelleher - Regis College
Aidan Christopher Kerwick - University of Rhode Island
Cole Alexander Kirker - Drew University
Jack Gregory LeBeau - University of North Carolina - Wilmington
William Forest Lillsebbas - Roger Williams University
Caroline Grace Valentina Lucil - Bridgewater State University
Adam Raymond Mamdani - University of Connecticut
Daniel Josue Miranda Duartè - Post-Graduate Year
Raymond Jack Moore - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Ally Elizabeth Murray - Quinnipiac University
Kayla Rose Peckham - Regis College
Jordan Xavier Quiles - Tufts University
Eric Smith Ryvicker - Clark University
Aryana Sadr - University of Rhode Island
Jason James Sturges - Franklin Pierce University
Jennifer Lee Sturges - University of Delaware
Kolby Jackson Vocke - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Trevor Godfrey Weigner - Bentley University
Pengze Wu - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University


The end of the school year also marks a time to recognize PCD students of all grades for their accomplishments in the areas of academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership. The following awards were bestowed for the 2021-2022 academic year.

US - Excellence in Spanish: Jordan Quiles
US - Excellence in Latin: Lola Abel 
US - Excellence in Chemistry: Samuel Kudarauskas
US - Excellence in Chemistry: Maisie McLaughlin
US - Excellence in Biology: Lola Abel
US - Excellence in Physics: Kolby Vocke 
US - Excellence in Mathematics: Rachel Rong Chen 
US - Excellence in Art History: Clemente Carranza 
US - Excellence in Vocal Music: Shepherd Aitken
US - Excellence in Instrumental Music: Zachary Pengze Wu
US - Excellence in Technical Theater: Lola Abel
US- Excellence in Digital Media: Rachel Chen
US - The Sandstroem Book Award - To the  outstanding Senior for excellence in English: Lola Abel
US - The Pell Medal Award - Excellence in United States History: Finley Stock-Guild
US - The Brown University Book Award - Awarded to the top junior who combines a high degree of ability in the field of English, both written and spoken: Jordan Talley
US - The Rensselaer Award - Given by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to a member of the Junior Class  for achievement in mathematics and science: Rainie Li
US - The Richard S. Stanzler Memorial Prize - Given in memory of Richard S. Stanzler, of the Class of 1954, by his family and friends to the student in the  Upper School who has excelled in the humanities in the current academic year: Calei Harris
US - Judith A. Speyer Art Award - For excellence in art in honor of Ms. Speyer whose teaching and passion for the arts inspired students for 31 years: William Lillsebbas
US - Judith A. Speyer Art Award - For excellence in  art in honor of Ms. Speyer whose teaching and passion for the arts inspired students for 31 years: Adam Mamdani
US - Yearbook Award - In recognition of outstanding effort, achievement and leadership on the Yearbook  Staff: R.J. Moore

US - Nancy M. Hanley Award - Given by friends and family in honor of Nancy Hanley, school Librarian. This award is given to that ninth grade student whose spirit, citizenship and academic commitment lift those around them in the way that Mrs. Hanley did for those around her: Nelson Wilson

US - University of Rhode Island Alumni Association Book Award - Awarded to the Junior in our school  whose outstanding personal attributes and service to school and community make this person worthy of honorable recognition: Blake Fuller

US - Dartmouth Alumni Association of RI Book Award - Awarded to that Junior who ranks in the top ten percent of his/her class and who best combines and qualities of scholarship, leadership and achievement: Ama Koran

US - Harvard Club of RI Book Award - Awarded to the outstanding student in the Junior class who  
displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields: Finley Stock-Guild

US - Yale Alumni Club Book Award - Awarded to that Junior in a rigorous college preparatory program whose academic achievement and contribution to the life of the school is testimony to his or her outstanding personal character and intellectual promise: Caroline Demetrakas

US - PCD Community Service Award (Formerly the Kenneth R. Graboys Community Service Award): Calei Harris

US - Academic Excellence Award Given to a member of the graduating class who has been a student at Providence Country Day for two years or more and maintained the highest academic average: Lola Abel

US - Gerald B. Woodruff Progress Award - Given to that student in the graduating class who in his or her years at PCD has displayed the greatest personal growth as an individual and a member of our community: Eric Ryvicker

US - William R. Giunta Memorial Book Award - Given to a member of the graduating class who best exemplifies a spirit of concern and interest in people and the value of community: Lola Abel

US - Perival C. Norris Memorial Award - Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has, over the years, shown outstanding loyalty and constructive leadership in the tradition of Mr.  
Norris: Clemente Carranza

US - Class of 1929 Gold Medal for Excellence (Medal) - Awarded to the student for excellence in  scholarship, participation in athletics, participation in other extracurricular activities, leadership in and influence upon the school, and faithfulness of effort: Kylee Hicks

PCD Alumni Award: Maisie McLaughlin 

Upper School Athletic Awards  
US - Mary Suttell Underclass Athletic Award: Finley Stock-Guild
US - Suzanne Bailey Athletic Award: Kylee Hicks
US - Alex Poulos Memorial Athletic Award: Blake Fuller
US - Robert Arthur Lavan Memorial Athletic Award: Trevor Weigner
US - Charles S. Gwynne Award: Casey Hunt
US - Charles S. Gwynne Award: Shepherd Aitken
US - J. Roberick Eaton Sportsmanship Award: Jack Cordischi
US - J. Roberick Eaton Sportsmanship Award: Jennifer Sturges  
Coach's Citation Award: Ruben Fernandez, Jason Duclos, Jr., Jayla Gadson, Aidan Kerwick, Cole Kirker, Naya Habr, Aryana Sadr, Rayanns Joseph, Daniel Miranda-Duarte
Athletic Director's Sequoia Award: Jason DeMacedo, Jason Sturges, Jack Cordischi, Trevor Weigner, Ally Murray, Cole Kirker, Shepherd Aitken, Pilar Beerman, Casey Hunt 

US - Faculty Citations 
The faculty recognizes Rachel Rong Chen for her resilience and her tenacious dedication to academic excellence and leadership.
The faculty recognizes Zach Pengze Wu for his positivity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to  
school.
The faculty recognizes Naya Habr for demonstrating  remarkable care for and commitment to her community, both at PCD and beyond. 

Middle School Awards 2022
MS Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Instrumental Music: Victoria Vieira
MS Outstanding Effort and Achievement in  Instrumental Music: Zachary Caputo
MS Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Vocal  Music: Greyson Roderick
MS Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Visual Art: Marinn Danis
MS Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Visual Art: Victoria Vieira
MS Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Theatre Art: Ian Treen
MS Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Theatre Art: Marinn Danis
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Spanish: Greyson Roderick
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Latin: Hannah Verskin
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Latin: Maya Verskin
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in History: Hannah Verskin
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in History: Maya Verskin
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in History: Greyson Roderick
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in History: Marinn Danis
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in English: Hannah Verskin
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in English: Victoria Vieira
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in English: Michael Miranda
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Mathematics: Maya Verskin
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Science: Greyson Roderick
MS - Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Science: Zachary Caputo
MS - Progress Award - Awarded to a student who has demonstrated significant academic or social  
growth in their Middle School Careers: Marinn Danis
MS - Progress Award - Awarded to a student who has demonstrated significant academic or social growth in their Middle School Careers: Owen LeBeau
MS - Academic Award - Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest academic average in the class over the past two years: Hannah Verskin
MS - Mary Elizabeth Hunt Award - Awarded to our most outstanding Middle School citizen, in honor of Betty Hunt, our school receptionist for many years, who radiated warmth and sunshine: Ian Treen
MS - Williams College Book Award - Awarded to the most outstanding Middle School student for combined scholastic achievement and extracurricular participation and leadership potential: Victoria Vieira
Back