Students selected by the high school faculty to be considered for the 2026 Outstanding Upper Dublin Medal are, from left, front row, Samantha Lee, Michelle Gondek, Abbie Hurwitz and Megan Ngo. Back row, are, Jonathan Vu, Noah Cohen, Benjamin Ravitz and Ryan McNamara. (Photo courtesy UD Medals)
Award winners in the 42nd annual Upper Dublin Medals Program have been selected.
The five 2026 recipients are: Robert Windheim, citizen; Abbey’s Bakery, non-profit organization; Christopher Smith, educator; and Megan Ngo and Noah Cohen, student leadership. Student semi-finalists are Samantha Lee, Michelle Gondek, Abbie Hurwitz, Benjamin Ravita, Jonathan Vu and Ryan McNamara.
Educator award
Christopher Smith, an Upper Dublin High School AP Environmental Science teacher, first came to the district in 1998. One nominator wrote that Smith “improved the vertical articulation in the science department and established himself as a hands-on curriculum leader.”
For the past 11 years, he has led the Senior Culminating Project, guiding more than 3,300 seniors through meaningful capstone experiences that prepare them for college, careers, and active citizenship. For 26 years he has served as co-adviser to the Student Government Association, mentoring more than 2,900 students. His leadership role in the annual Volleyball Marathon raises over $3,600 each year for local causes. In addition, Smith helped organize the Big Blue Race, which generated $15,000 to support an injured Upper Dublin police officer.
Citizen award
Robert Windheim has been selected as the Outstanding Citizen. Windheim served as the Upper Dublin Junior Athletic Association President and helped guide programs that provide multi-level opportunities for hundreds of Upper Dublin youth to participate in organized athletics. For decades, his steady leadership has ensured that youth sports remains strong, accessible and centered on the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and personal growth.
Through his mentorship and unwavering dedication to volunteer service, Windheim strengthened the fabric of the community, providing a vital and lasting legacy. He is described as an important “cornerstone of youth athletics and community service in Upper Dublin.”
He is also a lifelong township resident and graduated from Upper Dublin High School.
Non-profit award
Abbey’s Bakery was selected in the non-profit category. The organization promotes mental health awareness, addresses suicide prevention measures and provides resources for individuals who may be struggling. Another thrust aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health matters.
The heart behind Abbey’s Bakery is Abbey Wolf, who silently battled depression and tragically succumbed to suicide in 2020 at the young age of 14. Abbey is described as being compassionate and creative. In addition, her family termed her their own Martha Stewart, as she was happiest when she was baking, seasoning everything with her secret ingredient: Love.
Through the Wolf family’s efforts, Hope Squad, a nationally recognized peer-to-peer support program, was brought to both the middle and high schools to train students to recognize the signs of crisis.
Funds are raised through the sale of Mason Jars that are filled with the necessary ingredients to bake some of Abbey’s favorite desserts. To read more or to contribute, visit www.abbeysbakery.com.
Student awards
Megan Ngo is a National Honor Society member and holds a 4.4 grade point average. Relevant coursework includes AP Biology, AP Psychology and Unified Physical Education. She has been part of the Varsity Girls Basketball team for four years, serving as captain for two and became a 1,000-point scorer and earning the school’s all-time assist record. Ngo received a full athletic scholarship to Farleigh Dickinson University.
Noah Cohen is a member of the National Honor Society, is an AP Scholar and holds a 4.64 grade point average. He will attend Princeton University in the fall. He was captain of the Varsity Men’s Basketball team and helped the team win back-to-back District Championships for the first time in the school’s history. He also plays for the Philly Maccabi Basketball Team and will represent Team USA this summer in Israel.
The annual Upper Dublin Medals program is presented by Upper Dublin School District, Upper Dublin Township and the Upper Dublin Education Foundation (UDEF), which benefits from event proceeds.
Medals will be awarded on May 20, 2026 at the ‘new’ Upper Dublin Township Building. Dessert reception, 7 p.m. and awards ceremony at 8:15 p.m. The community is invited to attend. Reservations online at udefoundation.org/udmedals. The cost is $30 online, $35 at-the-door. For more details, contact Michelle Boas, UDEF Executive Director, [email protected] or call 215-643-8802.
