WMA Awards

Athletes of the Week

September 9 - 16

BOYS

Ethan Clark '25
Water Polo
Ethan has helped get the Water Polo team off to a solid start. He stepped up and asked to be captain and has embraced that role in practice and in play. He has pushed himself to become a better swimmer and a more versatile player. Last year, Ethan was limited in the deep end, but this year he has shown that he can play both ends and help his teammates in tough situations. As the season progresses, expect to see him become more of a force on offense and defense. He had a great block in the third period last week against Hamden Hall which pumped up the rest of the team.

Michael Dorunda '24
Soccer
Michael has experienced a great start to the season for the Boys Varsity Soccer team. As the center of our entire formation, we depended on Michael to hold us in our shape and to keep the back line straight and strong. He did a great job of both during our one game last week against Vermont. He is a hard worker in practice and has shown strong leadership.

Other nominations
Gage Graybill ’24 - Football
John Crocker ’25 - Cross Country

September 9 - 16

GIRLS

Mae Lempke ’25
Field Hockey
Mae has been a true role model and leader on the Field Hockey team. She played the first half of our first game in the goal for us (after not playing goal for 1 1/2 years) and kept us competitive, only allowing two goals. She then transitioned to midfield for the second half. In our last game vs Miss Porter's, Mae started and played on our defensive line playing a pivotal role in our defensive corner unit. Mae's teammates hold her in high regard, describing her as someone who includes everyone, leads by example and will consistently put forth her best effort.

Kayla Makkiya ’25
Volleyball
Our junior setter, Kayla has had a strong start for the Volleyball team. Playing a new position, Kayla has adapted very well in her new role as starting setter. Not only has Kayla done a fantastic job setting, but her defensive leadership has been contagious with the rest of the team. Always willing to put the team first, Kayla is going to have a breakout season for the Titans this year.

Other nominations
Gabrielle Cooper ’27 - Soccer
Emma Landry ’25 - Cross Country

Commencement Awards

Dr. George E. Rogers Scholar Athlete Award

In 1966, the Monson Academy faculty established the George E. Rogers Award to honor a member of the graduating class for scholarship and participation and sportsmanship in athletics. The members of the faculty have recognized the following students as having those qualities indicated in the award.

2023 - Ava Aguiar
2022 - Kyle Filipowski
2021 - Khalil Kamara
2020 - John Adams
2019 - Ania Axas
2018 - Wenjun Chang
2017 - Emma Kindblom
2016 - Julian Alexis
2015 - Margaret Harrington
2014 - Jackson FrenchRobitaille
2013 - Phillip Antonacci
2012 - Michael Mendes
2011 - Jeremy Gilfor
2010 – Adrianne T. Hanson
2009 – Russell Dinkins
2008 – Brigid M. Jurgens
2007 – Matthew D. Pentkowski
2006 – Olivia C. Clement
2005 – Alexander Ely
2004 – Stacie Brzoska
2003 – Anthony Choquette
2002 – Kathryne Scyocurka
2001 – Jennifer Reid

Phil Shaw Award

Phil Shaw joined the Wilbraham faculty in 1934 and served well as a teacher, Chairman of the Science Department, varsity soccer and track coach, and Athletic Director until his retirement in 1969. His portrait hangs in an honored place in our Athletic Center Board Room. Mr. Shaw dedicated his life to developing character in young people. He believed in healthy competition and a high degree of sportsmanship. This award is presented by the faculty to the male and female students in the junior or senior class who have shown hard work, perseverance, unselfishness, and a spirit of cooperation in athletics.

2023 - Madeleine Hong; Keigo Koyasu
2022 - Cara Murphy; Deven Austin
2021 - Rhaymi Porter; Conor Murphy
2020 - Xin "Julie" Xiong; Will Crocker
2019 - Alana Perkins; Idan Tretout
2018 - Kayla Mokwuah; Andrew Nagle
2017 - Katelyn Cronin; Alexander Claudio
2016 - Sydney Liptak; Wenyen Gabriel
2015 - Molly Socha; Evan Roy
2014 - Megan Pehoviak; Olexandr "Sasha" Oliinyk
2013 - Carly Cronin; Joe Thibault
2012 - Marissa McDermott; Ryan McLarney
2011 - Chloe Snyder; Derrick Barnagian
2010 – Michaela A. Rollings; Adam J. Ginsberg
2009 – Chelby J. Wakefield; Aaron P. Haas
2008 – Rosalyn C. Chesky; Joseph T. Salomone
2007 – Kristin M. Coderre; Gregory J. Balicki
2006 – Laura E. Coderre; Jacob R. Eddy, David J. Kreps
2005 – Katelyn Stolpinski; Benjamin Primo
2004 – Marisa Barone; Colin Cook
2003 – Stacie Brzoska; Jeffrey Adams
2002 – Angelique Kelley; Sherod Harris
2001 – Lauren Pinkston; Charles Bridge

Trustees Cup

The annual Trustees Cup is the most coveted athletic team award at the Academy. The award takes into account a team’s success on the field, grade point average, team spirit and community service.

2022-23 - Girls Basketball
2021-22 - Girls Track & Field
2020-21 - None chosen (COVID-19)
2019-20 - Boys Basketball
2018-19 - Boys Track & Field
2017-18 - Riflery
2016-17 - Girls Basketball
2015-16 - Softball
2014-15 - Baseball
2013-14 - Softball
2012-13 - Boys Lacrosse
2011-12 - Girls Swimming
2010-11 - Girls Volleyball
2009-10 - Girls Lacrosse
2008-09 - Girls Soccer

Hall of Fame

Harold 'Bud' Porter '44W

Harold Bud Porter '44W was honored for his remarkable athletic ability. At Wilbraham Academy, he was a five-sport athlete, playing both baseball and track in the spring. More than once he trotted across the field from his baseball game, changed his footwear, and ran a heat in a track meet. Bud had a 75-year association with the Academy, having entered the Winchester School as a fifth grader.

Capt. Timothy Jessup '87 USMC

The late Captain Timothy Jessup '87 USMC was the heart and soul of the Varsity Water Polo team during his tenure at the Academy. Coach Steve Gray '70W credited Tim's energy and magnetic personality for the longevity of the water polo program, which celebrated its 35th season in 2019.

Philip H. Shaw Sr.

Former coach and faculty member Philip H. Shaw Sr. of Wilbraham Academy was posthumously inducted into the WMA Athletic Hall of Fame during inaugural ceremonies held on campus. Philip H. Shaw Jr. '57W gave an eloquent induction speech to honor his father of his coaching prowess in football, soccer and track as well as his time as Athletic Director at Wilbraham

Track & Field 1989

The 1989 Track & Field Team were New England Champions. Coach Jeff Siekierski remembered the runners, jumpers, sprinters and throwers as all having the four elements of team success: passion, work, knowledge and a common goal.

Philip J. Cardone

Phillip J. Cardone, former coach and faculty member of both Monson Academy and WMA, was honored for his many legendary contributions to the football, wrestling, and lacrosse programs before a large gathering of alumni, family, and friends. Andrew Bazarian '86 gave the induction speech, which pointed out the many ways that Coach Cardone formed the characters of the young men and women he taught. Phil remained a fixture around campus as a volunteer landscaper, keeping WMA beautiful before his passing in Jan. 2019.

Monson Football 1966

The Monson Academy Football Team, coached by WMA Hall of Fame coach Phil Cardone and Ed Baker, was undefeated in 1966. Coach Baker remembered the transformation of the players from a "ragtag group that were not a pretty sight" into a team of self-confident athletes who completed a season that "changed them forever."