Recap: 2026 Senior Dinner Awards

Northwood School celebrated the Class of 2026 with a dinner and awards ceremony on Friday, May 15, the evening before commencement. What follows is a summary of the awards distributed that evening. All photos by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Charles Pigeon ’26 (left) and Anna Monette ’26 at the 2026 Senior Dinner. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

LINDA FRIEDLANDER AWARD

This plaque is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in academics and in women’s sports. The recipient is chosen for their accomplishments and enthusiasm in developing both their intellectual and physical beings.

KATHERINE ELBRECHT

This is an award given in memory of Tim Hyde, who graTIM HYDE HOCKEY AWARDduated from Northwood in 1962. It is awarded to the hockey player who, in the opinion of the coaches, best exemplifies Tim Hyde’s love of the game and his “never quit” attitude, no matter how stiff the opposition.

PARKER THOMPSON

CHARLES HOLT HOCKEY AWARD

Charlie Holt served as a teacher and coach at Northwood School from 1955 to 1962. After Northwood, Charlie was hockey coach at Colby College and the University of New Hampshire. Considered one of the “true gentlemen” of the game, Charlie Holt embodied the best qualities the game has to offer. A plaque is awarded annually by Northwood School to the members of the boys and girls hockey squads who have shown the best sportsmanship in practice and in games.

PATRICK MCCORMICK

OCEANNE THIFFAULT-MICHEL

MALCOLM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

The permanent trophy was given by the late Herbert L. Malcolm, former Headmaster of the Lake Placid School now Northwood School, and the individual plaque is awarded each year to the male and female students who, in the opinion of the faculty athletic committee, have shown the best sportsmanship in athletics throughout the year. The award recognizes qualities of character that enhance the excellence of the teams on which the individuals participate and that reflects positively on Northwood as an institution during athletic competition.

CHARLES PIGEON

MARK “DILL” DRISCOLL SKI AWARD

Mark Driscoll, Class of 1970, was the complete skier, competing in cross-country, jumping, and alpine events. His legacy is one of extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication. As an athlete, a student, and a student leader, Dill was one of the school’s most positively influential characters. The school named the premier ski team award in his honor.

ASTON FERRILLO

TIM SMYTHE AWARD

This award is given to the Northwood student athlete who best displays Tim Smythe’s leadership and courage and who inspires their teammates to rise to any challenge.

MICHAEL (MIKEY) MEZZETTI

WARREN WITHERELL SOCCER AWARD

The Warren Witherell Award is the top award given to a member of the soccer program. Like Mr. Witherell, the recipient of this award has consistently represented Northwood and the program in the finest manner possible as an athlete, student, community member, and leader. This player embodies the full spirit of the Northwood community and the soccer program and has consistently endeavored to improve himself while always setting the highest standard possible for his teammates and classmates to follow.

NOAH MOODEY

DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC AWARDS

ENGLISH PRIZE

The English award goes to a student for whom literature is a passport to all lands and ages, for whom writing is an opportunity to convey worthy ideas with passion and grace.

CLARA BOUTELLE

SCIENCE PRIZE

The Science award is given to a senior who has demonstrated both interest and achievement in the field of science. This student has a strong desire to understand scientific concepts and has an inquisitive mind. In addition, this student thinks about topics beyond the scope of the classroom and completes every assignment with diligence and effort.

DOMINICA SARANDEVA

MATHEMATICS PRIZE

The Mathematics award is given to a student who combines talent with hard work, and whose curiosity and creative thinking provide a lively model for maximizing learning in mathematics.

JAMES MARTIN

SOCIAL SCIENCE PRIZE

The Social Science prize is awarded to a student who has shown deep engagement in the world around them, either looking back on its historic themes and movements or understanding the nuances of current global events. They possess a genuine curiosity to understand why things have developed in the way they have, and a strong sense of how they may go on to shape future events. This prize-winner is a citizen in the truest sense.

RYLIE GRIFFITHS

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS PRIZES

Creativity, passion, energy, and a zest for artistic excellence are qualities that describe the recipients of these awards.

FOR VISUAL ARTS

JACOB SLAGEL

FOR PERFORMING ARTS/MUSIC

REESE COMBE

PEAK PATHWAYS PRIZE

Peak Pathways is a “Rites of Passage” program in which our learners transition from completing their schoolwork to launching their life’s work. Due to the self-designed and self-directed nature of the program, students must learn to chart, navigate, and flourish on their unique path. Though several learners exemplified the spirit of the Peak Pathways program, the following student is being recognized for their exceptional ability to resource their dreams, exert their autonomy, and grow their sense of mastery. The third annual 12^th grade Peak Pathways Prize is awarded to:

FLORENCE RICHARD

WORLD LANGUAGE PRIZE

The World Language prize is awarded to the student who passionately pursues skill in the speaking, reading, and writing of an additional language. This year’s recipient is:

HENRY KRESS

ENGLISH LEARNER PRIZE

The English Learner Prize is given to a senior who has, through engagement in the Northwood Community, demonstrated an increased mastery of the English language.

LOELIE LACHAPPELLE

INNOVATION, ENGINEERING & ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRIZE

This prize, given to a student for whose curiosity, creative problem solving, and teamwork, helped advance the development and growth of the Innovation, Engineering and Entrepreneurial Studies program.

CHARLES PIGEON

DEO B. COLBURN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The Deo B. Colburn scholarships are awarded to students of Essex and Franklin counties who have demonstrated good scholarship and strong character during their years in secondary school. The grants come from the foundation established by Mr. Colburn, Northwood’s long-time neighbor.

Clara Boutelle

Dominica Sarandeva

Uma Laguna-Curtis