2024 ELI KANE SPIRIT AWARD RECIPIENTS

DARBY CURRAN AND OLIVER NEEDHAM

Berkeley High Class of ‘24

 

DARBY CURRAN

Outgoing, Leader, Older Sister, Friend, Charismatic, Easy To Talk To, Humorous.

We appreciate Darby’s love of learning and the value she places on friendships. She’s a natural leader who positively impacts everyone she encounters. Darby’s ability to see people for who they are and create meaningful moments at unexpected times reminds us of Eli. She’s a bright light and we honor her authenticity.

“Some students change the energy in a classroom and Darby is that type of student. She truly sees people and works well with students in class. She smiles, laughs, and makes her classmates do the same. She is proof that one can be an academic with a lighthearted, friendly soul.”

— BHS Teacher Karl Kaku

 

OLIVER NEEDHAM

Musician, Older Brother, Hard-Worker, Fun-Haver, Basketball Lover, Old Soul, Kind, Explorer.

We love Oliver’s confidence, positivity and joyful love of life. His ability to connect with people of all ages and make them feel valued and heard is a gift. Empathy was incredibly important to Eli and he believed that it’s not hard to make someone feel valued. We see that same spirit in Oliver and know he will continue to make the world a better place.

“Oliver is joyful, collaborative, mature, thoughtful, hard working, and kind. He is very well liked by peers and teachers, and treats everyone with respect. He is a supportive leader who is able to bring people together and make sure that everyone’s voice is heard.”

— BHS Teacher Sarah Cline

2023 ELI KANE SPIRIT AWARD RECIPIENT

 

ANNA EISEN

Happy, Creative, Older Sister, Enthusiastic, Optimistic, Stubborn, Social, Funny.

We are honored to announce that Anna Eisen (BHS Class of ‘23), stood out among her extraordinary peers and is the recipient of the 2023 Eli Kane Spirit Award. Anna’s down to earth authenticity and generosity of spirit reminded us so much of Eli. We are impressed by her small gestures of kindness, quiet compassion and infectious outlook on life. She’s a filmmaker, film lover (Dog Day Afternoon!), older sister, and lover of life. We honor her for being her.

“Anna brightens every room and approaches her work and life with joy and enthusiasm. She takes the littlest things and makes them wonderful and she is a fantastic person who deserves celebration as she brings so much to her life and the lives of others.”

— BHS Teacher Amanda Marini

 

2022 RECIPIENT

 

NOLAN WHITE

Friend, Goofball, Brother, Athlete, Rock Climber, Son, Positive Thinker.

Nolan White (BHS Class of ‘22), is the recipient of the 2022 Eli Kane Spirit Award. We appreciate that Nolan is comfortable in his own skin and brings his authentic self to every situation. He’s both goofy and sensitive to the people he surrounds himself with, and has a special bond with his sister, family and friends. He’s a positive person with a big smile, bigger heart and even bigger spirit, and we’re privileged to honor him with this award.

“He’s a great leader who loves music, works hard, encourages everyone around him and is well liked by all. He’s an outstanding human being.” 

— Sarah Cline, Director, BHS Jazz Band