Upper School Scholars Inducted Into Cum Laude Society

Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr welcomed a virtual audience to The Benjamin School’s ninth annual Cum Laude Society induction the morning of April 15. 

With 382 chapters across the country and only 20 chapters in Florida, the Cum Laude society is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence, justice, and honor. 

“This is the highest outside academic honor bestowed upon a Benjamin student,” said Carr. “We congratulate those of you who will be inducted today. Your accomplishments are significant. Your recognition is well deserved. Your pursuit of academic excellence in our school community has been a product of exceptional intellectual curiosity and hard work developed over years of effort,” he said.

Upper school English teacher Mr. Perry Feyk served as this year’s induction speaker. Feyk, who will retire at the end of the year following three decades of teaching, said the graduating Cum Laude inductees will be well prepared for college in the Fall. He encouraged students to use what they have learned at Benjamin as a foundation for advancement. 

“Don’t forget to explore. Don’t be afraid to look in a different direction than the one you think is yours,” he said. 

Head of School Mr. David Faus was welcomed into the Cum Laude Society as an honorary member. In closing remarks, he congratulated students on their achievements in all areas of school life.

“[These achievements] do not simply materialize out of thin air. They are the product of remarkable individual efforts supported by the enduring and interwoven framework of school, family, and friends,” said Faus. “Ultimately an institution is only as good as its people. To that then I say to all of you, well done.” 

Congratulations to the following newly inducted members of The Cum Laude Society.

Brandon Davis
Caitlin DeGraff

Ran “Steven” Gu

Madeline Hart

Siddharth Jasti

Alexandra Kahn

Kaitlyn Lower

Alexander Michelon

Julie Moquin

Grace Myers

Holden Neer

Aidan Neidoff

Hannah Perez

Nadia Poncy
Emma Shirzad

Nichaela Williams

Skyler Zur