AustraliaThe Geoffrey Andrew Ladd Discovery Award

The Geoffrey Andrew Ladd Discovery Award was established at Saint Andrew's School in 1996 in memory of Geoffrey Andrew Ladd, a student at Saint Andrew's School from pre-school to sixth grade. Geoffrey's concern for and acceptance of others, eagerness to learn about the world through travel and exploration, and joy in living inspire this award. The Geoffrey Andrew Ladd Discovery Award is presented to that Saint Andrew's School sixth or seventh grade student who exemplifies that same spirit of citizenship, civility, curiosity, and venturesome passion for discovery and learning. This Award is an honorary one, and is made upon nomination by the faculty and selection by a steering committee, appointed by the head of school. The Award provides the student selected and an accompanying parent, guardian, or grandparent an educational, travel/learning experience in Australia. The Geoffrey Andrew Ladd Discovery Award is intended as recognition of the student and as encouragement and support for the student's education through an alternative, learning experience that travel and experience of another country can make possible. The Award is funded by gifts made in Geoffrey's memory by family and friends and by gifts of the family.

Geoffrey attended Saint Andrew's School from 1987 to 1995. During his school years, he participated in the junior service program, represented his school on the fifth grade basketball team and took pride in sharing his computer skills with his classmates. Geoffrey always had the latest state-of-the-art computer technology. The friendships Geoffrey made at school were very important to him. Geoffrey was an avid tennis player and fan of the game. He delighted in discussing famous players and competition, and had the opportunity to visit Wimbledon and the Melbourne Tennis Center in Australia. Geoffrey played baseball with the Saratoga Little League for two years, and, for several years, enjoyed the art of horsemanship. He was always willing to explore and try new skills. Geoffrey loved most to plan international journeys with his parents. He reveled in the discovery and exploration of new lands and during his life had many opportunities to do so. In fourth grade Geoffrey spent a semester in London and attended Hill House School. As part of his Hill House experience, he was selected to spend time at their Swiss campus location where he skied the Alps. His summers were always filled with adventure. He could be found fishing in Scotland or on the Great Barrier Reef, touring the Holy Land or sampling the risotto in Italy. Geoffrey had a profound interest in and concern for the natural environment in all these different countries. During his short life, Geoffrey deeply touched the lives, of his family, friends, classmates and teachers. He will always be remembered for his self-confidence, acceptance of others, innate ease, telling stories about his beloved dog Casey, joy for living and his big, contagious smile. He packed more grins into eleven years than most people manage in a lifetime.