Celebrating Excellence: Northridge Honors Student Achievements

At the conclusion of each school year, several awards are bestowed on deserving students, some as determined by faculty vote. These awards represent an integral part of the historical fabric of Northridge. Students receiving these honors take their place in Northridge history among some of the school’s most distinguished alumni. After a year filled with accomplishments in academics, athletics, the arts, and service, last week, Northridge recognized some of our outstanding students at the annual Awards Ceremony.

In Middle School, Academic Achievement awards went to Nicolas Ramirez (8th), Michael Carpenter (7th), and Harvey Wyton (6th). David Barder (8th) received the Joseph Benedetto Award for his dedication to faith, academics, and service to others. Named for a beloved former faculty member, this award is given to the most outstanding middle school student who has shown extraordinary devotion and commitment to his school work and exemplifies a spirit of service to God and others.

Four senior athletes who will go on to compete in their given sport in college were also recognized. Joseph Morales will play baseball at University of Mary; Peter Kipp will run Track at Boston College; Thad Quinley will play baseball at Franciscan University; and Billy Arnold will play basketball at Dominican. 

Academic honors were announced for each high school class. The Highest Academic Achievement Awards went to Blase Reitzel (9th), Tim Archibald (10th), and Rufus Kowara (11th). 

Finally, several standout seniors were recognized for their academic success, leadership, and lasting contributions made to Northridge. The teachers from each academic department awarded the most outstanding senior within their discipline. The following were the Department Award winners: 

English: Eamon Faherty
History: Ryan Holler
Latin: Peter Kipp
Math: Luke Ahne
Philosophy: Michael Reiff
Science: Max Herbster & Peter Kurkowski
Theology: Eamon Faherty

Michael Reiff was named the class of 2026’s Valedictorian with a cumulative GPA of 98.78%. Peter Kurkowski was named the Salutatorian with a cumulative GPA of 96.99%. 

Javier Rodriguez was given the Magnanimous Leadership Award for his exceptional character, generosity, humility, and service-oriented leadership. In presenting this award, Headmaster Niall Fagan said, “There came a time in Javi’s sophomore year when he had a turning point and he locked in on his grades, relationships, co-curriculars, and even his faith. This was evident, when, as Hall Leader, Javi never hesitated to step up and lead, especially in mentoring younger students.” 

The Dave Burns Scholar Athlete Award was created in honor of a faculty member whose career at Northridge was tragically cut short, this award is given to a senior who has excelled in academics and athletics while demonstrating intelligence, integrity, fortitude, and selflessness. Ryan Holler was this year’s recipient of this prestigious award for his exceptional achievements in the classroom as well as a Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Track teammember, and, of course, his outstanding character. Headmaster Niall Fagan said of Ryan, “I would be surprised if he has ever said a negative word about anyone.” 

The final award of the day went to Eamon Faherty who earned the Roy Wauck Service Award, named after one of the school’s founding fathers and bestowed upon the senior who has shown the most initiative and spirit of concern in contributing to the life of the school. In many ways this award represents Northridge’s highest honor. Eamon has proved himself a man of exemplary character and integrity that could not go unnoticed. Headmaster Niall Fagan said, “I’m guessing his classmates know they can always ask him for help, and I’m guessing the answer is always, ‘Sure, happy to.’ No matter what issues he may have been facing, he always stayed cheerful. In part, I think, because being cheerful is a service to those around you. So, in both quiet and visible ways, this man has served all around Northridge: acting in theater, leading Service Club, as a Superfan, as Captain of the Scholastic Bowl team, as a reader at Mass, as the Voice of Northridge, and as a great friend to his classmates.” 

Congratulations to all of these outstanding young men and their families on these remarkable achievements!