Class of 2023
Singer Family Prize for Excellence
Singer Prizes recognize high school teachers’ influence on graduating seniors
Four high school teachers who have impacted graduating seniors from the University of Rochester’s Class of 2023 will receive the Singer Family Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, presented by the College in Arts, Sciences & Engineering.
The annual award was created in 2006 and is a Rochester commencement week tradition. Graduating seniors in the College nominate high school teachers who have made a dramatic difference in their lives.
Paul Singer ’66, ’17 (Honorary) and his son, Gordon Singer, established and support the prize through the Paul Singer Family Foundation. Recipients are chosen by a committee chaired by Jeffrey Runner, dean of the College, and receive $4,000 and two plaques (one for their office and one for their school), plus another $3,500 for their school.
This year’s ceremony will take place on May 12 in Strong Auditorium.
Here’s a look at this year’s recipients, in the words of the Rochester students who nominated them.
Jennifer Brakeman
Biology teacher at Head Royce School in Oakland, California
Nominated by Alex Fegler ’23 (biology major)
“I met Jen in ninth grade as my varsity swim coach, but my sense of safety increased when I took her classes my junior and senior years. She was aware of my struggles with anxiety, especially in academic settings, and would always find small ways to encourage me to speak up in class. The first time I asked a question without prompting, she walked by with a big smile and stuck a gold star sticker on my worksheet. Her teaching methods were unconventional and unique, but our class finished the AP biology curriculum a month early, and every student received a 4 or 5 on the exam. Because of her, I strived to be a mentor to underclassmen on the varsity swim team and provided them the same self-belief she gave me. Because of her, I graduated high school with a newfound confidence and love of biology research. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
Stephen M. Brown Jr.
Chemistry teacher at Branford High in Branford, Connecticut
Nominated by Aidan Kropiwnicki ’23 (chemistry major)
“As a high school sophomore, I walked into Dr. Brown’s room the first day of school and picked a seat with a few of my buddies. Knowing next to nothing about molecules and isotopes, I just knew this was another class I had to pass. Within days, I was enthralled by his teaching and knew this would be no ordinary semester. His passion for all things chemistry was impossible to miss. His lessons were vibrant, filled with varying levels of challenges, and often intermixed with his willingness to entertain a student’s curiosity and tangential questions. He brought a ‘Meliora’ attitude to education that could not be missed.”
Wendy Dyment
Social studies teacher at Cassadaga Valley Central School in Sinclairville, New York
Nominated by Anna Grace Wenger ’23 (English and history double major)
“Wendy Dyment is the reason I went to college and have become the passionate academic I am now. Her sophomore year global studies class changed everything for me. She was the first person I wanted to learn from, and I decided to be the student she deserved, starting to raise my hand to answer questions, staying after class to learn more about the topic, and being an active learner. She was patient, kind, always welcoming, yet firm. I know that there are many more students, just like me, that had their lives sculpted by this fantastically passionate woman in a small-town high school.”
Jeffrey Warzecha
English and theater teacher at Northbridge High School in Whitinsville, Massachusetts
Nominated by Wesley Mawn ’23 (environmental studies major)
“Jeffrey Warzecha is so much more than a teacher. He helped me understand my potential and inspired me to pursue everything in my life today. His approach to teaching literature was much deeper than words on a page but distinctly shaped my worldview. He genuinely cared about his students and our future. When my father died my junior year, he took me under his wing and helped me become a stronger person for myself and my family. Without him, I would not be a college student or the man I am today. I would not have applied to Rochester and received the Handler Scholarship that changed the trajectory of my life.”