Daniella Kata ’20 has been named as the 2019 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, at the completion of their junior year of high school, has exhibited academic and intellectual excellence in keeping with the highest educational standards of The Waldorf School of Garden City.

A Waldorf lifer, Daniella has a history of academic achievements.  According to Roland Rothenbucher, High School Chair, “[Daniella] has a voracious appetite for learning, and has earned a reputation amongst her classmates and her teachers for being focused, highly organized and self-motivated.”  For her achievements, Daniella was awarded membership in the New York State Science Honor Society.

In addition to her academic success, Daniella is also musically talented. She was inducted into the Waldorf School’s chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society for her many contributions to the musical life of the school where she sings in the chorus and plays in the orchestra. She is proficient with piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, and the erhu. Daniella also performed in our 2017 production of In the Heights. In addition to her successes at the School, Daniella has also performed in concerts at Lincoln Center and she was the first place winner at the New York Concert Festival.

Beyond these achievements, Daniella is also driven to serve her greater community. In her spare time, she volunteered to tutor younger students in Math, English, and German. In addition, during the summer of 2019, she assisted in the painting of the High School wing of the building.  Her commitment and dedication to the Waldorf School of Garden City have shown in all her actions and the School is proud to have her receive this award.

The award was presented by Peter’s sister, Andrea Mascuch who shared with the audience the love and support she and her family have received from all of the Waldorf community members whose lives were touched by Peter. “Peter lived Waldorf values throughout his life, always helping friends, family, or even strangers in need,”  said Andrea. She concluded by saying how grateful Peter would have been to know that his legacy continues to live on 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 significant other, Ellen Sands.

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 to Daniella on this well-earned accomplishment!

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