The Headmaster’s Award and the Betty Bruce H. Hoover Award are Berkeley’s two most prestigious awards. Awarded annually to two Upper Division students who embody the true culture and spirit of Berkeley, these honors are given out at the Convocation for the Recognition of Excellence. This year, the Headmaster’s Award was given to Lexi Brown ’25, and the Betty Bruce H. Hoover Award was given to Collin Cook ’25.
Headmaster’s Award:
The Headmaster’s Trophy is presented each year to a student who never fails to represent the true spirit of Berkeley. This award is considered the most prestigious award given to a student, so the selection process involves both faculty and the Upper Division student body. During the nomination process, students were asked to recommend a fellow student whom they believe represents the Berkeley spirit and makes a positive difference in the community. Faculty members then vote on these nominations to determine the recipient of the award. This year’s winner of the Headmaster’s Award was Lexi Brown ’25.
“Honestly, it was super shocking in the moment to win the award, but also incredibly meaningful. Since the Headmaster’s Trophy is one of the highest honors at Berkeley, I just felt so grateful and honored that all my hard work over the years had led to something so significant,” said Brown.
Brown was an integral part of the Berkeley community: as Co-Head Guide, she inspired prospective students to become Buccaneers for life. When asked about her favorite part of her Berkeley experience, Brown emphasized the relationships she has built. She described the bonds formed with her classmates, faculty and administrators, such as Associate Director of Admissions Beth Mariani, as making it very difficult to say goodbye to Berkeley.
In addition to her commitment to the Guides program, Brown lent her talents to the swim team, Student Forum, the Hoover Writing Center and SADD Club. Brown stated that she is proud to have been able to serve as a leader in different areas on campus.
“Being a familiar face on campus or a helping hand was incredibly fulfilling and was something I had always hoped to be,” said Brown.
Betty Bruce H. Hoover Award:
The Betty Bruce H. Hoover Award, first given in 2000, was established to honor the former Upper Division director. Each year, the award is given to a student who selflessly inspires others and makes a positive impact on the community. This year’s recipient of the Betty Bruce H. Hoover Award was Collin Cook ’25.
“When I received the Betty Bruce H. Hoover Award, I felt a mix of pride, anxiety and joy. It was incredibly validating to know that the impact I’ve tried to make at Berkeley was recognized in such a meaningful way,” said Cook.
When The Fanfare spoke with Cook about his favorite parts of his Berkeley experience, he emphasized the friendships he made during his time as a Buccaneer.
“As for my favorite part of the Berkeley experience, without a doubt, it was becoming friends with Yosef Halawani (’25). That friendship truly shaped my time here in the best way,” said Cook.
During his time at Berkeley, Cook was involved in the theater program and served as president of both the Modern Board Game Club and Tech Ambassadors, but his presence has been felt all around campus. When asked what his proudest moment as a Berkeley student was, Cook said that it was the recognition of his efforts to make an impact in the community.
“My proudest moment during my time at Berkeley has to be just that – feeling like I was able to make a lasting impact on the community, enough to be honored with this award,” said Cook.
Read the transcript of the interview with Lexi here.
Read the transcript of the interview with Collin here.
