The Thomas J. Ellis Service Award is given to one student from any division of Roycemore School who truly embodies the core value of Community. 

This student must not only serve as an ambassador for Roycemore School, displaying excellent citizenship in our school community but go above and beyond Roycemore’s campus to serve the community at large. 

This award is named in honor of Thomas J. Ellis, who served on Roycemore’s Board of Trustees as its chair for 14 years, ensuring that the many transitions under his leadership were smooth, supported, and provided a foundation for the continuation of Roycemore School. His devoted service, kindness, and compassion for our mission serve as an inspiration to all. This award was established in 2020, in his honor and is the only student award given at the annual Celebration of Dedication and Excellence ceremony.

This year's recipient of the Thomas J. Ellis Service Award is lifer, National Honor Society member, Palio performer, and graduating senior, Maya Tenzin Nyima.

Over her years at Roycemore, Maya’s participation has spanned many different areas of the school, including student committees and activities. She volunteered in Early Childhood and Lower School until she could be employed there and has been a leader in tumbling and volleyball. Maya is an Eisner Scholar, a yearbook editor, and a Student Ambassador. She has built shelters for feral cats with the Math Club, and she represented the school as a selected Exelon Foundation Women in STEM Academy participant.

Outside of Roycemore, she is a force to be reckoned with. As president of the Tibetan Youth Council and Students for Free Tibet, she serves her community as a dancer and vocalist in cultural performances. She is captain of the Nomad Women's basketball team, creating literature, education, and advocacy for the Free Tibet movement. She has interned for the International Campaign for Tibet and participated as a campaign track student for Free Tibet's Cross Movement Action Camp. She has traveled to DC to participate in lobby day and met with representatives in Illinois and Wisconsin. 

Congratulations, Maya! Thank you for all of your contributions to the Roycemore School Community.