On April 23, the ICSEEU Awards were announced, recognizing graduating students who best represent our school’s six core values: Integrity, Creativity, Service, Empathy, Excellence, and Unity. These traits reflect not just ideals, but the very heart of our community, and this year’s recipients truly brought them to life.

Among the six recipients was senior Maddie Coleman, who received the Empathy Award, voted by her peers for her outstanding support of her peers and her constant presence as a source of comfort and connection.

“I got the email about the general award ceremony while I was at lunch,” Coleman recalled. “I thought maybe it was about theatre. But then one of my friends told me who got nominated for theatre, so I was like, ‘Wait… did I get an ICSEEU?’”

Coleman was extremely grateful to receive this award.

“It was super exciting to get the empathy award. I was extremely happy and honored. I believe I reflect empathy because I go out of my way to connect with new people in my classes and extracurriculars, and I try to be there for them when they’re feeling down.”

Although Coleman didn’t expect to receive the award at first, she said students soon started telling her they had nominated her. The moment her name was announced at the ceremony felt “surreal.”

“I think I was nominated just for being someone who talks to people and supports them, especially my friends in theatre,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful to have received this award, and I hope it leaves a meaningful legacy behind as I graduate.”

Her friends weren’t surprised. 

“I knew Maddie would get it the moment the nominations came out,” junior Kaeden Johnson said.  “She’s well liked and always there when someone’s going through a tough time, especially in the theater department.”

As an active member of the theater program, Coleman regularly interacts with students from a wide range of backgrounds, clubs, and communities within the school. She believes this exposure has helped her spread empathy far and wide.

“Theatre can be really tough,” Coleman said. “It’s draining, and when you’re new or not getting the roles you hoped for, it can feel isolating. I’ve been there, so I try to be someone others can talk to, especially when things get overwhelming. I think that willingness to support people no matter what they’re going through really represents empathy.”