Sophia Conrad ’21 has been named the 2020 recipient of the Peter A. Zimmerman, M.D., J.D. Award in Recognition of Academic and Intellectual Excellence. The award is given to a student who has exhibited academic and intellectual excellence in keeping with the highest educational standards of The Waldorf School of Garden City.

Sophia Conrad has been an exceptional student throughout her high school career. She is both an active participant in all of her academic classes and also in several extracurricular activities. She is a leader, serving as Student Body Co-President, Editor-in-Chief of the School Yearbook, President of the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), and Manager of the School Snack Stand. Additionally, she represented the School at Moot Court, a Nassau County Bar Association-sponsored debate. In the summer of 2020, she took a Political Science course at neighboring Adelphi University, where she impressed the professor enough that he sent the School a letter praising Waldorf for turning out such a fine student and human being. Finally, Sophia recently began an internship with N.Y., Senator Todd Kaminsky, to pursue her passion for politics. You can read more about her internship at this link.

The award was presented virtually over Zoom by Peter’s sister, Andrea Mascuch, who shared with the audience the love and passion that her brother had for the School. “Waldorf defined who [Peter] was…he embraced all of the School, from Eurythmy to Glen Brook,” said Andrea. She concluded by saying how grateful Peter would have been to know that his legacy continues through this award. Peter and Andrea’s parents, Dr. Alan and Mrs. Marcia Zimmerman, who established the award in 2017, were also in attendance, as was Peter’s other sister, Paula Eichberg.

An alumnus of the Waldorf School and member of the class of 1978, Peter Zimmerman exhibited a breadth and depth of intellectualism that was as compelling as it was unique. His academic achievements continued as an undergraduate at Dartmouth College. Peter went on to earn a medical degree from Northwestern University and a law degree from Fordham University School of Law. According to his sister, Peter’s Waldorf core remained an integral part of his being throughout his entire life.

Congratulations Sophia, we can’t wait to see where life takes you!

If you would like to contribute to the Peter A. Zimmerman, M.D., J.D. Award Fund, click here.