Ad Lucem Award

  • Ad Lucem (“toward the light”) is the underlying principle that guides our district and all our students. This is represented in the annual high school graduation award - see below for the criteria and past recipients.

    Ad Lucem Award Criteria

    • Positive role model that demonstrates integrity, compassion, and empathy for others
    • Outstanding commitment and service to the school that motivates others to get involved
    • Selflessly contributes to the school’s culture 

    2023 Winners:
    Faculty: Robert Smeltzer
    Support Staff: Tara Lee
    Students: Hope Jorgensen and  Maximus Weinberg
    Community Member: Derrick Spurrier

    2022 Winners:
    Faculty: Michelina Oliver
    Staff: Taylor Murray
    Students: Grady Howell, Courtney Kelley, and Zihan Rao
    Parents: Jodi Blute, Michelle Canto

    2021 Winners:
    Faculty: Dr. James Otto
    Staff: Gibson St. John
    Students: Andrew Davock and Maggie Dever
    Parent: Jill Notaro 

    2020 Winners
    Faculty: Jennifer Police
    Staff: Jonathan Randall
    Students: Emma Santoni and Liam Mawn
    Community Members: Ed McManus and David Whitcomb
    Parents: Kathy Currie and Simon Evans

    2019 Winners
    Faculty: Denise Creedon
    Staff: Nicholas Seeley
    Students: Erin Starkey and Samuel Yuskaitis
    Community Member: Kat Szmit

    2018 Winners
    Faculty: Richard Houston
    Support Staff: Katie Kelly
    Students: Grace Boyle and Tommy Graham
    Parent: Julie Santoni

    2017 Winners
    Faculty: Angelina Chilaka
    Support Staff: Joanne Weekes
    Students: Colleen Cronin, Jack Watson

    2017 Awards News Release

    2016 Winners
    Faculty: Kelly Terrenzi
    Support Staff: Holly Thyng
    Students: Matt Hall, Molly Doncaster

    Origin of Ad Lucem Award

    At a Culture Committee meeting in 2015, Principal Bill Burkhead suggested that we establish Monomoy HS traditions. Teacher George Sowpel mentioned the idea of starting an Ad Lucem award, an award that would be based on what our district motto signifies. Teacher Lisa Forte Doyle added that the award be granted to those who spread the most light.

    When Monomoy came together in 2012, the new district chose a lighthouse as its symbol to convey the mission of why we are here today: To be that beacon, that light - that not only guides and helps students on their journey but also to be that safe harbor against the raging storms and difficulties that life sometimes brings to all of us.

    Teachers Bob Smeltzer and Rich Houston then proposed a Latin motto for the new district. Bob shared the idea with his 7th-grade daughter, Erin, and using Latin reference materials, she suggested Ad Lucem, toward the light, to complement the lighthouse theme and to reflect the values that we share as an educational community.

    We trust this award reflects the essence of who we are as a school and community. The award recipients are selected by students, faculty, and staff.