By Julie Barzilay

President Thomas C. Hudnut awarded the Bishop’s Medal to Ryan Thacher ’08 and the Veritas Award to Madison Stanford ’08 at graduation June 6. Hudnut praised Thacher as a model in the school community for his excellence in both tennis and academics. His name will be inscribed on a large silver Bishop’s Cup with the names of previous recipients. In describing Stanford’s achievements, Hudnut explained that she overcame a serious injury and was forced to switch sports during high school while maintaining high academic standards.

Both Thacher and Stanford are matriculating to Stanford in the fall.

The Bishop’s Medal was created in 1908 to honor a senior boy who demonstrates leadership, scholarship, and involvement in athletic and extracurricular activities, according to its mission statement. The Veritas Award, which honors a female senior, was introduced by former Westlake Headmaster Nathan Reynolds ’51 in 1967. These awards, the only ones presented at the ceremony each year, were given between Justin Kurtitzkes ’08 Salutation and Danielle Kolin’s ’08 Valediction speeches.

Last year’s Bishop’s Medal recipient was Zack Mirman ’07, while Hailey Orr ’07 won the Veritas Award.