By Ashley Bradway '18
This year's recipient of the Frank Chapin Cushman Memorial Award, Jordana Iryzk, leads by example.
Jordana is many things—a head delegate of Model UN, a member of Model Congress, a founding member of Harmonia, a top Gold Key tour guide, and a Global Scholar. She has also been involved in student government as both a class representative and the student body vice president, all the while maintaining highest honors. Jordana describes, "I always consider myself a hard worker. I try to be a good person for myself and the community and to set a good example."
The Frank Chapman Cushman Memorial Award was created "to honor right living achieved and to keep high purpose glowing in the soul youth." It is awarded annually to the member of the graduating class who best exemplifies the ideals of Frank Cushman: "LIVE CLEAN, SPEAK TRUE, WORK HARD, PLAY FAIR." The Cushman Award, although there is no strict hierarchy of awards presented at Commencement, is considered one of the highest honors awarded at WMA.
"At first I didn't know really what the award was about," remarked Jordana, "but now that I heard Kathryn Schmidt and Brian Popovich also got [the Cushman Award], I feel really honored since I looked up to them as a freshman."
Now, it is Jordana's turn to be recognized as a role model.
According to Head of School Brian Easler, "An unparalleled work ethic, a heightened sense of duty and compassion, and a remarkable level of poise in all of her endeavors match Jordana's strong intellect. Quick to laugh and perpetually upbeat, she has excelled in all aspects of academy life— academics, athletics, student leadership, citizenship, and community outreach."
Jordana will attend the College of the Holy Cross this upcoming year.
- Story written by Ashley Bradway '18