Achievement Opportunities

The St. Mark’s Cup is presented to the 8th grade student who best embraces the challenges of a robust educational experience and is ethically and spiritually motivated to make a positive contribution to the school community and the world. This student goes above and beyond what is expected by displaying leadership, respect for others, and exhibits inclusivity.

The Ambassador Award is given to the 8th Grade Ambassador who most exemplifies outstanding character and demonstrates what it means to be Respectful, Responsible, and Kind. This student embodies the Portrait of a St. Mark’s Graduate through his or her representation of our school to prospective families and other guests, demonstrating flexibility of thought and action, empathy, self-awareness, gratitude, and respect for all people. This Award is chosen by the Director of Admission.

Presented in honor of Dorinda Howard. Dorinda personified the Characteristics of Professional Excellence, the standards that guide our work as teachers, lifelong learners, and community members. She engaged children and inspired learning; she was passionate and selfless in her dedication to St. Mark’s; and she was always respectful in her interactions with parents, colleagues and students. For over 30 years, she was the master teacher at St. Mark’s. The Dorinda Howard Faculty Award is presented to the 8th Grade Student who consistently strives for and attains high academic achievement through their resilience, ownership of learning, initiative, and a fearless pursuit of knowledge.

Presented to one 8th grade female athlete and one 8th grade male athlete whose actions and attitude most exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship; including fairness, civility, honesty, selflessness, respect and responsibility towards their teammates, coaches, officials, opponents and fans.The award is voted on by the entire coaching staff.

Presented to the 8th Grade Hospitality Club member who was most consistent and enthusiastic in their role as Middle School greeter this year. This student arrived on time for Hospitality duty with a positive attitude and a smiling face to welcome our community to school.

The Academic Excellence Award is presented to one 8th grade student who demonstrates a consistent effort in producing high quality work, participating appropriately in class, and has achieved a high record of academic performance across all subject areas.  The recipient of this award is chosen by the grade level teachers.

Content Area Awards are presented to 8th grade students who take risks to further their learning, consistently display a growth mindset, and show a passion for discovery in a specific content area. The recipients of these awards are chosen by the content area teacher.

The Growth Mindset Award is presented to an 8th grader who has shown consistent will and effort to take challenges head on, ask questions, and learn from mistakes, and who demonstrates a positive attitude toward self improvement.

Presented to a male and female athlete in each of the middle school grades, whose actions demonstrate what it means to be a leader on the field of play. After all, leadership is not a title, it’s an action.

Leadership and Pride in athletics at St. Mark’s is defined as such:  Athletic Prowess / Mutual Respect / Integrity / Devotion / Empathy.

The award is voted on by the entire coaching staff and embodies the concept of competing for your teammates rather than with your teammates (multiple sport participation preferred, but not required).

This award goes to the student that has a unique understanding of the creative process, elements of design and fundamentals of art. This student enthusiastically approaches each art project, and their passion is reflected in their work.

The Performance Arts Awards recognize students for their growth and skills shown through our two musical performances this year. For each show, awards are given for Outstanding Lead, Outstanding Supporting Lead, Outstanding Singer, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Dancer, Outstanding Honorable Mention, Outstanding Stage Management, Outstanding Scenic Design, and Outstanding Sound.

The National Junior Honor Society chapter of St. Mark’s Episcopal School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Standards for selection are established by the national office of NJHS and have been revised to meet our local chapter needs. Students are selected to be members by a six member Faculty Council, appointed by the Head of Middle School, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school each March. 

Students in the second semester of 6th Grade or students in 7th and 8th Grade are eligible for membership. For scholarship consideration, a student must have a cumulative grade average of 93 in core classes at the time of consideration. Those students who meet this criterion are invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form that provides the Faculty Council with information regarding the candidate’s leadership and service. A history of leadership experiences and participation in school or community service is also required.

To evaluate a candidate’s character, the Faculty Council uses two forms of input. First, school disciplinary records are reviewed. Second, members of the faculty are solicited for input regarding their professional reflections on a candidate’s service activities, character citizenship, and leadership. These forms and the Student Activity Information Forms are carefully reviewed by the Faculty Council to determine membership. A majority vote of the Council is necessary for selection. Candidates are notified regarding selection or non-selection according to a predetermined schedule.

Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held at the school to recognize all the newly selected members. Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the same level of performance (or better) in all five criteria that led to their selection. This obligation includes regular attendance at chapter meetings held monthly during the school year, and participation in chapter service projects. Students or parents who have questions regarding the selection process or membership obligations can contact the chapter adviser.