Cushman’s Athletics Banquets Honors our Student-Athletes

Each spring, the annual Athletics Banquets honor our student-athletes who have made a commitment to team sports while juggling the demands of their academics and community service work. We not only celebrate their athletic accomplishments but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and strength of character. With separate evenings dedicated to both Middle School and High School athletes, this year’s banquets served as a proud reminder of the strength and momentum behind Cushman’s growing athletics program as well as the time and dedication of these impressive students.

A heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated Coaches who are not just committed to training our athletes to achieve excellence in their competitions, but they also work to inspire leadership and strength of character for lifelong success. The skills our students gain through their commitment to organized sports serve them well throughout their lives, and many students attribute their future achievements to the mentorship, encouragement, and lessons from their Coach!

We were honored to welcome alumna and 2024 Olympian Sarah Newberry Moore (Class of 2002) to the High School Athletics Banquet. Sarah shared her journey from Cushman student to professional sailor and two-time Olympic campaigner, crediting Cushman’s strong foundation in character education as a driving force behind her perseverance and growth. She reflected on how her years at Cushman instilled a mindset that prepared her not just for athletic competition but for the lifelong pursuit of excellence.

Speaking with heartfelt sincerity, Sarah encouraged students to dream boldly, work intentionally, and lead with integrity. She reminded them that their time as Cushman athletes is about far more than wins and losses. “You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed,” she said. “But you do have to choose to show up, care, and give your best. That is where it all begins.”

Sarah expressed how much she values returning to Cushman and speaking with students. She emphasized that the school’s focus on character is one of the most powerful tools young people can carry with them in pursuit of any goal, whether in sports, academics, or life beyond school.

At the Middle School Athletics Banquet, Cushman was honored to welcome Kyllene Carter, Science Lab Teacher and former Athletic Director, as a featured speaker. Drawing on her extensive background in athletics and education, Ms. Carter reflected on her time leading Cushman’s Athletic Program from 2001 to 2014, sharing her appreciation to see the tremendous growth and transformation of sports at the School.

She spoke passionately about the meaning of opportunity, describing it as “a chance for progress and a chance for advancement.” With vivid memories of playing basketball at Eaton Park, she highlighted how far the program has come. From building the first basketball court in 2007 in the Middle School yard to now celebrating student-athletes in the dedicated Play to Learn facility. Her words captured Cushman’s journey of perseverance, vision, and steady development.

She closed with a heartfelt message encouraging students to embrace every opportunity and take pride in their growth, both on and off the field. Her remarks served as a powerful reminder that the true strength of Cushman Athletics lies in the character, spirit, and determination of its community.