On Friday, Dec. 20, nine Shady Side Academy seniors were honored by their peers as "unsung heroes" of the school community with Fides Awards. An annual Senior School tradition, Fides Awards honor seniors who exemplify responsible citizenship and who, through their quiet, unassuming actions and positive attitudes, have a significant impact on those around them and inspire others to do the same.

Seniors may nominate classmates for Fides Awards, and winners' names are kept secret until the Fides Awards assembly each winter. Each presenting student shares with the community why his or her "Fides" is deserving of the award and revealing the winner's name. Tears of joy and friendship are often shed at this moving community event.

The 2019-2020 Fides Awards recipients were Aaliya Aga, Jack Del Sole, Sanjna Narayan, Sean Kelley, Arusha Nirvan, Charlie Brunner, Molly Skvorak, Jack Naughton (in abstentia) and Julia Lazzaris. Junior Raymond Zheng served as the emcee of the ceremony and gave the keynote address.

Congratulations to all of the 2019 Fides Award recipients!