Sewickley Academy Senior School Graduates Class of 2013

Sewickley Academy's Senior School Class of 2013 graduated Sunday afternoon.

Erica Dhawan, a 2003 alumni and CEO of Erica Dhawan Group, advised the class to pick a path, choose excellence and never let mediocrity become cool or fashionable.

"I must say that the lessons I learned at the academy truly made the next decade the best years of my life," Dhawan said, asking the class to choose excellence, thought, ambitions, innovation and action. "Each and every one of us up here know that you are up for it."

Sixty-one students received their diplomas before family, friends, faculty and fellow classmates.

"I've never been more prouder to count myself among you the graduating Class of 2013," said Campbell David Sebastian, president of the Senior Class.

• The Faculty Award this year was given to two students: Jerome Watts Jr. and Luke DiLuigi. The award is given to the graduating student who has consistently displayed unselfish service to the entire school community and a sincere concern for others.

• The Headmaster's Award recipient was Sarah Rooney, whose service and accomplishments in academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities have made a significant contribution to the life of the school and who best exemplifies the ideals and spirit of Sewickley Academy.

• Amanda Nocera was the Academy Award recipient, an award presented to a senior who displays the qualities of moral goodness, perseverance, and dedication to the Academy, and who, above all, is sincere in his or her academic pursuits.

• Amy Kolor was the recipient of this year's Cavalier Cup, first given in June 1966 in honor of James E. Cavalier, head of the Senior School from 1963 to 1989 to commemorate the graduation of the first senior class. The trophy was designated first to Cavalier for his leadership, guidance, and inspiration and is awarded each year to a student in the Senior Class who has achieved a record of combined excellence in scholarship, sportsmanship, and citizenship, thereby bringing credit to the Academy and distinguishing himself or herself the best all-around graduate.