Whitney is a single-purpose high school where students focus on preparing for success in college and beyond. But more than test scores and GPA, college applications and admissions, rankings and reputation, Whitney has always been about our people: teachers who care relentlessly, administrators who guide supportively, parents who nurture cooperatively, and students learning to become the next generation of leaders who contribute productively to society, rather than only being known as the “smart kids” who compete to get ahead of others.

This year, as we celebrate our 50th graduating class, the Whitney Foundation has received generous donations from our alumni to fund 10 awards honoring beloved teachers who served tirelessly for decades to make our school the unique place it is today. You may not have been familiar with their names before, but their legacy has definitely shaped your education at Whitney. Press the name of each award to learn more about that teacher:

The Joel L. Avant Sr. Memorial Prize

The Sandra Bruesch Memorial Prize

The Virginia Pooler Memorial Prize

The David Reller Memorial Prize

The Edward Smilde Memorial Prize

The Fadia Breik Award

The Jodi Improta Award

The Roni Love Award

The Eilene Oyama Award

The Debra Price Agrums Sposa Award

Additionally, we have received donations and committed funds from our Endowment for:

The Advancement Grant, for one or more graduating seniors who come from an at-risk background or have a hidden disability.
For the inaugural year of this grant, the total amount awarded is $1000.
2026 recipient: Vanessa Ejike

The Whitney Alumni Grant, for one or more graduating seniors who have demonstrated they are qualified and motivated to follow in the footsteps of Whitney alumni who have made great accomplishments.
For the inaugural year of this grant, the total amount awarded is $1000.
2026 recipients: Siddhant Khapra and Raphaela Flores

The Whitney Foundation Award, for the graduating senior who best exemplifies the vision and single-purpose mission of Whitney High School, exceptionally prepared for success in university and beyond, as an intrinsically motivated and collaborative learner who takes ownership of their education, to become a responsible and innovative global citizen.
For 2026, this award comes with a grant of $1000.
2026 recipient: Mohnish Sivakumar
2025 recipient: Brandon Wong

The purpose of the Foundation's awards is to continue the legacies of Whitney teachers and alumni, and to promote educational excellence among Whitney graduates by improving their capacity, skill, or talent. Our awards are not scholarships, and are not subject to displacement in financial-aid packages (when a college reduces grant aid by the amount of an outside scholarship). Recipients are not required to use the funds for college expenses.