Newark Academy Announces 2024 Ad Lumen Awards

4/29/2024

The prestigious Ad Lumen Award is presented annually to seniors who, in the eyes of their peers and of the faculty, best represent the ideals expressed in the Newark Academy mission statement. While the award recipients typically excel in the classroom, what truly distinguishes them is their commitment to enriching the NA community.

In often modest yet purposeful ways, these students are the ones who shape and fuel the remarkable achievements of student organizations, sports teams, arts ensembles, and academic classes. They pursue their passions with energy and focus, giving the best of themselves and bringing out the best in others. Congratulations to the Ad Lumen Award recipients from the Class of 2024: Andrew Kapferer, Luka Opacic Rodrigues, Abigail Pacheco and Nicholas Sikellis.

Andrew Kapferer

Embodied with a spirit of boundless generosity, Andrew approaches every endeavor with a blend of respect, kindness, humor, and unwavering determination. His journey at Newark Academy has been marked by the rhythmic strides of a long-distance runner and the empathetic heart of an EMT. In the classroom, Andrew’s curiosity and diligent work ethic have led him to notable achievements in STEM. On the stage, Andrew’s passions for music and acting have entertained us. However, it is in the moments of service to others — whether volunteering on the Junior Board of Overlook Hospital, organizing and marketing a blood drive here on campus, or inspiring the next generation of runners on the cross country team — that Andrew’s character shines most brightly. His dedication to making a meaningful difference has enriched our community, and for that we are pleased to honor him with this Ad Lumen Award.

Luka Opacic Rodrigues

Luka’s impact on our community is as wide as his trademark grin, an expression of confidence and calm that reassures everyone who knows him. A scholar, athlete, and leader, Luka reminds us that the joy of learning and the strength of community are what truly matters. As a Peer Leader, he has demonstrated a commitment to mentorship and the ability to guide younger students with wisdom and empathy. As a member of the Equity and Inclusion Team, Luka champions a cause greater than himself. And as a runner, Luka’s strides are more than physical feats; they are a metaphor for his relentless pursuit of personal growth and his drive to inspire resilience and camaraderie among his teammates. His leadership is not loud or demanding, but kind and unwavering, inviting everyone to cross finish lines they never thought possible. Luka is thus a most deserving recipient of the Ad Lumen Award.

Abigail Pacheco

Whether in the classroom, on the volleyball court, or in a club meeting, Abigail approaches every challenge with an open heart and undaunted perseverance. As a scholar, Abigail seeks to forge connections between topics and disciplines. Her leadership of Mi Casa, work as an Equity and Inclusion Team member, and sharing of her experiences at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference have demonstrated her dedication to inclusivity. Her selection to and service on the Honor Council exemplifies her commitment to academic integrity and empathy. Her role is not only an endorsement of her ethical fortitude but also a testament to her capacity for inspiring educational growth in her peers. In sum, as one of her teachers stated, Abigail is “a gregarious, generous person dedicated to a more-inclusive world.” In recognition of that dedication and her many contributions to our community, we are pleased to honor Abigail with this Ad Lumen Award.

Nicholas Sikellis

Highly accomplished yet incredibly modest, dedicated to his own studies yet always encouraging of his peers, well-rounded yet fantastically talented in so many areas — this is Nicholas. A student of distinct curiosity and intellect, Nicholas models a passion for learning. A polyglot — he knows English, German, Greek and Mandarin — Nicholas is as comfortable exploring the complexities of biology as he is the intricacies of history. Moreover, he supports his peers: his generosity accelerates everyone’s success in a class. Outside of the classroom, Nicholas is a mosaic of service and leadership: an empathic Peer Leader, a skilled Soccer captain, a guiding force within Model Congress, a member of the Honor Council, a pianist in the Jazz Band. Indeed, there are very few corners of our community that haven’t been brightened by Nicholas’ talents and generous spirit. He is thus a most deserving recipient of the Ad Lumen Award.

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