News
GPS Seniors Inducted into Cum Laude Society
Fifteen receive the school's highest honor
Yesterday, 15 GPS seniors were inducted into the Cum Laude Society during a ceremony held in Frierson Theatre. These students were honored for their academic excellence and dedication to personal growth, values that align with the vision GPS Founders set over a century ago.
In 1906, GPS was founded with the intention of empowering girls to carve their own futures, pursue challenges, and excel in ways that were once seen as out of reach for women. Today, GPS girls continue to embody this spirit of growth, intellect, and character in every aspect of their lives—whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the studio, or through the relationships they build and the personal reflections they make.
This year’s Cum Laude inductees are celebrated for achieving academic excellence through engaging with rigorous coursework and rising to meet high standards of intellectual accomplishment. During the ceremony, the GPS community gathered to honor these young women who represent the best of what the school stands for.
In a speech given by Dr. Beth Creswell Wilson ’96, Head of Upper School and Associate Head of School for Academics, she shared words of inspiration from fashion designer Tory Burch, a fellow graduate of an all-girls school. “There are many things you can do overnight, but there is no overnight success,” Burch once said. “These students are embodiments of Ms. Burch’s point. They have invested time, energy, resilience, passion, courage, discipline, and yes, likely moments of self-doubt, to achieve success. Their excellence was not achieved overnight but through years of dedication.”
The Cum Laude Society, founded in 1906, recognizes outstanding academic achievement while encouraging the core virtues of Excellence, Justice, and Honor, as embodied in the Greek words arête, dike, and timē. These values are not merely about perfection or competition but about fulfilling one’s potential with integrity and dignity.
“These 15 young women have not only excelled academically but have also developed strong character, making them well suited for this prestigious honor,” Beth said. “Their success is a result of not only their own hard work but also the support they’ve received from faculty, staff, families, and friends.”
As the ceremony continued, Dr. Brandon Noel and Dr. Erin Montero announced the names of the inductees. For each student, a faculty mentor shared a brief passage, highlighting the unique qualities that made the student deserving of this honor. The inductee and her mentor then met at center stage, a moment that symbolized the strong relationship between teacher and student.
The following GPS seniors were inducted into the Cum Laude Society:
Khadeeja Agha
Dr. Covino wrote:
“Agha is a force - of intellect, of insight, and of the perfectly timed, devastatingly effective comment. She elevates every discussion she joins - sometimes with just a single raised eyebrow. Her style is clear and precise and you always know where you stand with her. I appreciate that her curiosity is boundless, her dedication unwavering. From investigating geopolitics to probing the mysteries of the tensile strength of hair, she pursues knowledge with relentless purpose. We have cherished her presence; now the world beyond should brace itself - it is clear she is just getting started.”
Ani Bhushan
Ms. Berotti wrote:
“Mirroring her commitment and talent as a dancer, Ani Bhushan earned her spot on this stage by engaging gracefully with ideas and classmates, balancing her own high standard of excellence with compassion and humor. Her voice is as lucid and her logic as deliberate when writing as her movement is when dancing. In discussion, Ani listens with curiosity then offers nuanced expansions and questions, gently probing assumptions – such as whether shared feelings and experiences are equal – to hold herself and others accountable. Nurturing and organized, Ani has grown into a poised, effective leader.”
Frances Bohner
Mr. Lyons wrote:
“Frances is a scholar-athlete who brings fierce determination to both pursuits. Whether in the pool or the classroom, she consistently gives 100% effort. I've had the privilege of teaching her in Honors and AP Physics, where her intellectual curiosity and drive shine daily. Frances has a remarkable aptitude for STEM—she not only masters complex math but also grasps the deeper concepts that guide problem-solving. Beyond academics, she is a leader admired by her peers, known for her warmth, optimism, and quick wit. Her dedication and character make her a worthy inductee.”
Ella Brandon
Mrs. McClelland wrote:
“Ella may seem quiet, but when she speaks, her words carry weight. Thoughtful and concise, she offers insights that are always accurate and well-considered. Her dedication is evident in everything she does—whether it’s in her studies or as a committed runner. She approaches challenges with persistence and a quiet determination, never shying away from tough problems. Her ability to persevere and maintain focus sets her apart as a student who consistently excels. She is a true example of quiet strength and dedication, deserving of this recognition.”
Mabry Cook
Mr. Zeller wrote:
“Mabry is the embodiment of authenticity, a quality that defines both her character and her approach to learning. She is an engaged, curious, and dedicated student who approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Her intellectual curiosity drives her to seek deeper understanding, ask thoughtful questions, and fully immerse herself in the learning process. Yet, her excellence extends beyond academics—her kindness, sincerity, and integrity make her a valued friend and an inspiring presence. Mabry’s genuine character and relentless pursuit of knowledge set her apart as both an exceptional learner and an extraordinary individual.”
Kerrigan Coverly
Dr. Montero wrote:
“Kerrigan can express her intelligence, compassion, and creativity in not one but four languages. As a budding linguist, she moves agilely in and out of English, French, Spanish and ASL throughout her days at GPS. From her ability to articulate the abstract and concrete in English, to her capacity to discuss her definition of beauty in Spanish, and finally, to her kindness and leadership while interacting with her French classmates, Kerrigan teaches us that words are not merely words. She teaches us that words are a way to connect with others and a tool to discover others’ humanity.”
Ellie Crowe
Mrs. McClelland wrote:
“Throughout her time at GPS, Ellie has consistently demonstrated exceptional intellect and a remarkable ability to think critically. Her clarity in expressing complex ideas, paired with her thoughtful approach to problem-solving, has made her a standout in every class. She excels not only because of her strong work ethic but also because of her willingness to engage deeply with the material. A natural leader, she contributes not only in the classroom but in every endeavor she pursues. With her drive, kindness, and clarity of thought, she is, without doubt, deserving of this recognition.”
Cat Feeney
Dr. Harrison wrote:
“Two of Cat's many talents are nuance and joy. When we explored the subject of domestic terrorism, she was able to offer a nuanced view on the radicalization process as well as prevention strategies. In AP European History, she looked beyond the surface issues of Catholicism vs Protestantism to touch on the real social issues impacting daily life. Layered onto this nuance is considerable joy. Whether she is leading a Model UN committee on environmental policy, throwing out Shakespearian insults such as "You ragged wart!", or creating crowns for her friends to remind them how powerful they are, Cat is there, creating joy.”
Caroline Grant
Mr. Lyons wrote:
“Caroline’s drive to excel is clear in her commitment to taking the most challenging courses. She meets every academic hurdle with grit, determination, and a can-do attitude. Even when faced with difficulty, she perseveres, refusing to settle for less than her best. Her passion for learning and concern for academic success make her a standout student. Caroline also balances varsity athletics with exceptional achievement in the classroom—a testament to her time management skills. Beyond academics, her kindness, compassion, and cheerful nature make her a beloved friend and a role model among her peers.”
Blythe Lavin
Ms. Berotti wrote:
“Creative and compassionate, Blythe Lavin is deeply invested in lifting up others, frequently offering her voice in support of classmates. In AP Lang, she connected favorite authors and activists to her values, engaging in thoughtful, exuberant dialogue about Baldwin’s words, another book she read, or a speaker she heard. Once I laughed at her for gesticulating while writing; it was a prompt about closing libraries, and she was livid, excited to impress upon her imaginary antagonist how important public, welcoming, book-filled public places can be. In short, Blythe is the type of young person who restores my faith in humanity.”
Gwyneth Parks
Mrs. Webb wrote:
“How many balls can YOU juggle? Gwyneth Parks is Student Council president, Mock Trial co-president, Be the Change Youth Initiative Ambassador, drum major, and leader in countless other positions. Gwyneth sets the standard. Yet, it is not the titles she holds but her quiet strength that sets her apart. Steadfast faith guides her with wisdom and grace. Her selfless devotion to others reveals a heart as genuine as it is resolute. It is no wonder her peers entrusted her with the highest honor at GPS, May Queen. Gwyneth doesn’t just lead; she elevates, leaving a legacy of compassion, excellence, and purpose.”
Charlotte Parsley
Dr. Montero wrote:
“Running requires mental fortitude. As a member of both the track and cross country teams, Charlotte tests her strength weekly. But this mental fortitude doesn’t conclude when she’s not running. Naturally, Charlotte brings this level of focus to the classroom, as evidenced by her challenging STEM and Humanities coursework and thoughtful contributions to class discussions. While her mind is always running full force ahead during academic interactions, she also knows when to pause to savor the beauty of learning. Even setbacks don’t phase her, for she quickly resets, returns to her place of mental fortitude, and strategizes her comeback.”
Gilly Shumate
Mrs. King wrote:
“Swift in both mind and motion, Gilly moves through the world with quiet intensity, always seeking, always questioning. She doesn’t just learn—she explores, imagining possibilities beyond the obvious, chasing ideas the way she races across the track: with speed, precision, and an unwavering drive. Sharp yet humble, her intellect is matched only by her kindness, never flaunted but always present, lifting up those around her. Whether she’s unraveling complex concepts or envisioning new worlds, she brings a depth of thought and creativity that is truly exceptional.”
Eliana Tabibiazar
Mr. Zeller wrote:
“Eliana exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence, approaching her studies with unwavering industriousness and intellectual zeal. Her dedication to learning is unmatched, setting her apart as a scholar who not only embraces rigorous coursework but also actively seeks out challenges that push the boundaries of her knowledge. Rather than opting for the easy path, Eliana thrives in complexity, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of growth and mastery. Her passion for academic achievement, combined with her tireless work ethic, makes her an inspiration to peers and educators alike, embodying the very essence of scholarly excellence.”
Ella Beth Wiedmer
Dr. Covino wrote:
“Wiedmer is a polymath, excelling at all that she does. With me, she beat Latin, history, geography, and the Taylor Swift ticket allocation system without breaking stride. She radiates unrelenting joy and positivity as she goes about her day. She is bold, confident, and completely and utterly herself. This creates a ripple effect which lifts up her peers and urges them to aspire and to take joy in being as well. Her essential energy is inexhaustible, her interests wide-ranging, her potential without limit. She has much to give and does so freely; we are fortunate to have shared in it.”
The GPS community congratulates these 15 seniors for their dedication and remarkable achievements. Their success is a testament to the values of excellence, integrity, and resilience that define both the Cum Laude Society and the Girls Preparatory School experience.
Click here to see photos from the ceremony and reception.
