Wayland Historical Society High School Awards
For the past few years, WHS has awarded a $500 gift certificate to a deserving senior and a book award to a junior. The criteria for the senior award requires a student who has demonstrated an abiding interest in United States history and has made significant contributions to the high school and the community of Wayland. The junior book award requires a student who has demonstrated an inquisitive and innovative approach to the study of history. Kevin Delaney, head of the history department at the high school and the teachers determine the recipients. Both students receive the book chosen by Kevin. This year’s book was Eric Larson’s latest work, THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE.
Instead of delivering the awards to the high school for the Senior Awards Night and the Book Award ceremonies, I had the pleasure of delivering the prizes to the students’ homes. Will Gardner was very proud and thankful for the gift card which he will use to buy needed items for his freshman year at Elon. His parents stood by beaming and they were thrilled that Will earned this award. I then proceeded to Nate Smit-Sibinga’s home. When I presented the book, Nate’s smile and the adults’ reactions were heartwarming.
I was quite proud to represent the Wayland Museum and Historical Society and came away from the experience knowing how important it is for the Society to connect with the high school and give back to the Wayland community.
— Kate Jenney
The Splendid and the Vile
Nate Smit-Sibinga
“I’ve always been drawn to learning about History. I love it because of how vast a topic it is. It holds something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in medieval Europe, science, math, or the history of law. History is like the swiss army knife of academics. And that’s why I plan to continue immersing myself in it. History also happens to be essential for me to succeed in my preferred profession. I would like to become a lawyer or public speaker so knowing and understanding the world around me, both past and present is vital. As I continue my studies I can say with certainty I will never lose my passion for history, and the insight it has provided me, that has proven necessary to be able to understand the present.”
Will Gardner
Over the course of his four years, Will Gardner was an active member of the Wayland High School community. Will is a nationally ranked tennis player and played for three years on the varsity tennis team for Wayland High. Will was also a member of the Wayland High School Madrigals A Cappella group during all four of his years at Wayland. Will was in Honors Concert Choir for three years and sang in a couple of state honors choirs during his junior year. Will was also a representative for the Executive Board of his class. Will Gardner will be studying political science and economics at Elon University this coming fall.