AUWCL Celebrates Class of 2025 with Annual Commencement Awards Ceremony
American University Washington College of Law honored the exceptional achievements of its graduating students at the third annual Commencement Awards Ceremony held on the eve of commencement.The ceremony, led by Senior Associate Dean Brandon Weiss and Interim Dean Heather Hughes, celebrated students who have demonstrated academic excellence, professional responsibility, outstanding scholarship, and significant contributions to the law school community.
“Although we will celebrate tomorrow as an entire class, we wanted to take an additional opportunity to recognize particular graduates for their hard work, dedication, and achievement,” said Dean Hughes. “Congratulations on these remarkable accomplishments.”
Honoring Excellence Across Disciplines
- Jayla Mack received the prestigious Mooers Trophy for excellence in trial advocacy.
- Elliott Schwinn and E.C. Bell received the Anthony Morella Professionalism Award for exemplifying the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
- Massimo Prudente and Margorie Merel Nakamura received accolades for their outstanding work in the International Legal Studies Program (LL.M).
- The Clinical Program Dean’s Award for Professional Responsibility honored seven students for excellence in clinical practice. Elizabeth Clinch; Andrew Gamble; Tyler Melton; Siena Roberts; Ellaina Sanders; Melannie Sandoval; Bair Srivastav
- Samuel Grimsley and Sarah Pape earned the CLEA Outstanding Clinic Team Award.
- MacKenzie Gallagher received the Human Rights Brief Award
- Nicholas Capri received the Professor Andrew E. Taslitz Award for a graduating student who has been outstanding in criminal justice
- Harrison Ferachi received the Corrine Parver Health Law Award which is presented to a student who has been outstanding in health law
- Adonte Yearwood received the Clair A. Cripe Award for a graduating student who has been outstanding in correction law
Adonte Yearwood displays his award - Victoria Maamari received the Pro Bono Excellence Award for a graduating student who has contributed the most hours to pro bono service during their time at WCL with 800 hours
Celebrating Scholarly Impact
- Sophia NavedoQuiones – Administrative Law Review
- Dalia Wrocherinsky – Business Law Review
- Molly E. Smith – International Law Review
- Hannah Seligman – Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law
- Ellaina Sanders – Law Review (Lura E. Turley Prize)
Faculty-Voted Distinctions
- The Outstanding Graduate Award (JD) was presented to Andrew Gamble and Victoria Paul.
- The WCL Alumni Award was awarded to Molly Armstrong for her substantial contributions to student life and institutional progress.
The ceremony concluded with a reception in the Commons, where students, faculty, and families gathered to celebrate. Graduates were also invited to officially join the newly formed AUWCL Alumni Association.
“This is a wonderful day in the life of American University Washington College of Law,” said Dean Hughes. “We are so proud of you and excited to see all you will achieve as graduates.”