by WRIGLEY ZBYSZEWSKI
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Chadwick’s annual Tree and Awards ceremony, held this year on May 17, serves as a heartfelt celebration of both the school’s standout students and the impact of each year’s graduating class on the community.
The tradition, which dates back to 1938, originally involved planting a tree on the then-treeless campus for each award given. Recently, alumni like Annie Cushman have helped evolve this tradition, with trees now being planted in various urban parts of Los Angeles, reflecting the school’s commitment to broader environmental and community impact.
The awards recognize a range of achievements, including citizenship, service, athletics, and the arts. Recipients are chosen by department chairs, faculty advisors, and the student body. This year’s Citizenship Award, honoring students who exemplify Chadwick’s Core Values and serve as role models, went to seniors Parker Albarian, Jack Lindquist, and Lizbeth Lopez.
“It’s a great milestone to see these students grow,” said Patrick Wallace, Dean of Students for Grades 11-12. “The awards reflect the cumulative experiences and deep appreciation we have for these individuals.”
Though typically scheduled after seniors return from Outdoor Ed, this year’s ceremony was moved earlier on the calendar, alongside Prom and other end-of-year events. Tree and Awards brings the entire school together, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
The ceremony featured Kindergarteners performing their annual rendition of “This Little Light of Mine,” complete with their own heartfelt advice. Representatives from the Village, Middle, and Upper Schools read Yearbook dedications to beloved teachers Leah Lorenzana, Ellie Donnell, and Andrew Park. The focus, however, remained on the students, who supported each other throughout the awards.
The only award given to juniors was the Lee-Stephens Award, named after a cherished English teacher known for embodying Chadwick’s Core Values. This year’s recipients were juniors Natalie Bernstein, Forrest Steele, and Wrigley Zbyszewski.
“Tree and Awards really reflects our community,” Steele remarked. “It’s amazing to see how the whole school fits together, from the Kindergarteners to the seniors.”
Wallace added, “This event is an important moment for us to reflect on how we live our Core Values and the legacy we create.”
Bernstein echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the ceremony honors both the school’s history and its current students. “The Tree and Awards ceremony beautifully unites the Chadwick community and celebrates students while maintaining our historical traditions. Annie Cushman’s new off-campus tree-planting tradition perfectly embodies the type of student Chadwick fosters and values.”
Ultimately, Tree and Awards showcases the well-rounded nature of Chadwick’s student body, emphasizing that there is no single “type” of Chadwick student. It allows the community to express its gratitude for the diverse perspectives and achievements of its members.
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