The Frederic A. Flichtner Prize for Excellence in History

By Anouk Shin Class of 2026

Editor’s Note: The Flichtner Prize is awarded to the most outstanding history student and given in memory of a member of the faculty for 35 years.

Parties and the Press: How Newspapers Expanded Democracy during Constitution Ratification

“The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold,” wrote American minister Henry Ward Beecher in 1887. Today, newspapers, along with social media and TV, are integral to how Americans interact with and digest the partisan politics that plague contemporary America. Just as the media plays a large role in modern American politics, the press was crucial in the late 1700s, especially when Anti-Federalist and Federalist parties started to emerge over the ratification of the Constitution (1787-1788). In particular, the press during the ratification of the Constitution was vital in expanding democracy by printing both the ideas of political leaders and the opinions of the public.

Click here to continue reading: Parties and the Press: How Newspapers Expanded Democracy during Constitution Ratification

The Roy Irving Murray Prize for Excellence in Sacred Studies

By Joya Xu Class of 2025

Editor’s Note: The Murray Prize is awarded to the student who has demonstrated commitment to and excellence in the study of Religion and Philosophy and is given in memory of a St. Mark’s chaplain from the 1920s and 1930s.

Click here to listen to the podcast: Why Everyone Should Learn About Genocide

The Ely Prize in Public Speaking

By Ethan Mendez Class of 2028

Editor’s Note: The Ely Prize was originally given by a member of the Class of 1892 in memory of his mother, and is presented to the student who gave the best speech in the Global Seminar Public Speaking Competition.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice if It Were Universal?

As a little kid, life wasn’t what most people would call normal. I spent a lot of time in hospitals, appointments, surgeries, and long stays at the hospital that made the walls of those hospitals feel almost like home, knowing the nurses and doctors who treated me with care, always being playful with me. At the time, I didn’t understand what was happening or why. All I knew was that I had to keep going, keep showing up, even when I didn’t feel like I had the strength to. 

And in these moments, the scary ones, the painful ones, the quiet ones at midnight when all I could hear was the machines beeping and I couldn’t sleep, there was always someone with me. My mom, my family. Through every hardship, they were there. Supporting me, comforting me, just… BEING there, even when they couldn’t fix whatever was going on with me. And back then, I never realized just how lucky I was.

Click here to continue reading: Wouldn’t It Be Nice if It Were Universal?

Frederic R. Avis Anna M. Plicz Science Prize

By Hannah Cha Class of 2025

Editor’s Note: The Plicz Science Prize honors two revered St. Mark’s biology teachers whose love of teaching and learning set examples for both colleagues and students. The Avis-Pliscz Science prize is awarded to the student who, through curiosity, determination, passion, and practical application of ideas, has acquired a deeper understanding of particular scientific processes.

Effects of GABA Treatment on Locomotive Behavior Recovery in Sleep-Deprived Drosophila Melanogaster

Abstract

The prevalence of sleep disorders and chronic sleep deprivation in modern society has become a significant public health concern as the consequences of inadequate sleep extend beyond mere fatigue, impacting various aspects of human health and function. This study investigates the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the recovery rate of locomotive behavior in sleep-deprived Drosophila melanogaster, utilizing the open-field assay to observe their movements. Wild-type flies were categorized into eight groups: female and male, put in an 18-6 LD cycle or 12-12 LD cycle, observed under GABA treatment, and no GABA treatment. Results revealed that the substitution of GABA in wild-type flies results in an increased rate of activity, whereas flies fed a traditional diet showed a continuous decrease in locomotor activity. Although the data collected supports the hypothesis, further research is needed to confirm the relationship between GABA application and locomotive behavior.

Click here to continue reading: Effects of GABA Treatment on Locomotive Behavior Recovery in Sleep-Deprived Drosophila Melanogaster

Coleman Prize for English

By Seoyeon Kim Class of 2026

Editor’s Note: The Coleman Prize is awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the English Department, submits the most outstanding original essay written during this academic year.

The Process from Rebellion to Resignation, Examined through Michel Foucault’s Lens

Through the lens of Michel Foucault’s theories on power and knowledge, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale illustrates how Gilead systematically breaks down resistance, turning the fiercest rebels into docile bodies that serve the regime’s needs. Moira, once the icon of rebellion and hope, epitomizes this transformation. She was the legend who escaped the Red Center, tricking Aunt Elizabeth and inspiring Offred with her daring spirit. Offred often recalls Moira’s defiance in times of plight — “Chickenshit, Moira would say” and “Idiot, says Moira” (Atwood 232-233). But when Offred encounters Moira at Jezebel’s, wearing an absurdly demeaning outfit of black satin and net stockings with a tail and two ears, the image of rebellion collapses. Moira has become resigned, broken by the system she once fought. How did Gilead manage this overturn? Through Moira’s fall and the breakdown of rebellion among women more broadly, Atwood reflects Foucault’s theory of biopower, disciplinary power, normalization, and knowledge and power, which dismantle rebellion and create obedient, docile bodies that serve the ruling class.

Click here to continue reading: The Process from Rebellion to Resignation, Examined through Michel Foucault’s Lens

Henry Redmond Prize for English Narrative

By Jangwon Yoon Class of 2025

Editor’s Note: The Redmond Prize is awarded to the student who, in the judgment of the English Department, submits the most outstanding piece of original narrative written during the academic year.

“Thank You for Remembering”

It wasn’t supposed to be a big deal. Not many people actually go through with it. It’s too new, too permanent. The warnings are clear: residual bleeding, identity fragmentation, and the list goes on. The billboard outside his window pulsed anyway: YOU’RE MORE THAN YOUR STORY. LIQUIDATE NOW.

So he did.

Cluster 001. Ages 5–9. Harvested, rehomed.

Sixty-two grand. Enough to pay off the landlord, the hospital, the sharks, and still have some leftover for bottles of amber glass and velvet burn, the kind that didn’t pretend to love you back.

Click here to continue reading: “Thank You for Remembering.”

William Otis Smith Prize for English Verse

By Carey Huang Class of 2025

Editor’s Note: The Otis Smith Prize is given in memory of a member of the Class of 1907 and is awarded to that student who, in the judgment of the English Department, submits the most outstanding original verse/poetry written during the academic year.

confetti doesn’t file reports

the coffee—screams sweetly

(it’s the only one 

that tells me the 

Truth)

walls flicker in their neon tutus

and call me by the wrong name

— again.

i tapdance

on keys that pretend

to make meaning.

can work save the whales

(or at least teach them

to

juggle?)

the air hiccups with delight

(it remembers when i used to laugh

before the printer memorized my password)

i inhale a stapler,

exhale confetti —

celebrating. 

still — 

existing.

i throw the window shut

(not because i want to stay but)

because tuesday

just moonwalked past me

without saying hello 

(I hate him).

By Divi Bhaireddy, Class of 2025

Editor’s Note: Chapel talks, given primarily by VI Formers and community adults, are a central part of our all-school chapel services held twice a week. They can be informative, personal, thought-provoking, and even constructively critical—but they always aim to strengthen and inspire our community. Chapel presentations aren’t limited to speeches; they can include music, drama, dance, and other creative performances. They offer a meaningful “pause” from our busy routines—a chance to reflect, learn something new about a person or issue in our community, and appreciate the talents and passions of others. At their core, chapel talks help us live more thoughtfully, connect more deeply, and recognize the many blessings within our St. Mark’s community.

Click HERE to read the chapel talk