Southside High presents Laurel, Byers and PTA awards at commencement

At Southside High School’s commencement ceremony, school and district officials presented several of the school’s top student honors, including the PTA Southside Strong Centennial Award, the Dr. Richard Byers School and Community Service Award and two Laurel Awards.

Those awards singled out seniors for academic achievement, leadership and service. Marina Iowanu received the PTA Southside Strong Centennial Award; the presenter said, “Congratulations, Marina Iowanu.” Aaron Weisenberger was named this year’s Dr. Richard Byers award recipient; the presenter said, “Congratulations to the recipient of the doctor Richard Byers award, Aaron Weisenberger.” Superintendent Matthew Gavin presented the Laurel Awards to Elena Megan Gorasek and Ryan Baruso and praised their combination of academic and extracurricular accomplishment.

The awards highlighted recipients’ college and program plans and notable extracurricular work. The presenter noted that Iowanu had participated in advanced science research and would enter the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program at City College of New York this fall. The Byers Award citation described Weisenberger’s leadership in student government, research work and volunteer activities; Gavin’s remarks about the Laurel Award recipients cited Gorasek’s research and community programs and Baruso’s musical achievements and service work.

Those recognitions were part of the commencement program’s broader focus on student accomplishments and next steps after graduation. The district and school did not take formal votes or make policy decisions during the awards portion of the ceremony; the segment consisted of presentations and remarks.

Representatives said the awards reflect sustained student efforts across academics, arts and community service and asked the audience to applaud the recipients.

The school plans to publish the full ceremony video and photo highlights on the district website and YouTube channel.