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Recap: The 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Mirror Staff

The 119th Northwood School commencement was held on May 16, 2026. What follows is a summary of the awards and distinctions from the event.

Speakers

Head’s Council Recognition

 

VANDERLYN R. PINE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

The Pine Award is given to the faculty member who: “Demonstrates dedication to his or her students; exudes energy and enthusiasm for learning; fosters respect for scholarship and provides a consistency of preparation and classroom delivery which stimulates students to want to learn.”  The members of the Northwood student body select the faculty winner through nomination and vote.

Dr. Benjamin LeBlanc

 

THE IRA A. FLINNER AWARD

Ira Flinner served Northwood School as its headmaster from 1926 to 1951.  During his long and legendary service, he fostered excellence in academics and character.  His influence is with us today, and it lives on through the achievement of this year’s recipient of the Ira A. Flinner Award.

DOMINICA SARANDEVA                     

 

THE HARRY MacDONALD AWARD

Harry MacDonald served behind the scenes at Northwood School for thirty years.  The award in his name honors students for whom giving is more important than receiving and who put the greater good in front of his or her own interests.

FLORENCE RICHARD

 

LUSSI FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

A $4,000 Scholarship, $1000 per year for four years, is awarded to a student who has achieved outstanding performance in academics, demonstrated excellence and achievement in a co- or extra-curricular activity, and who is attending a four-year college or university next year.

LILY PRATT

 

THE ANNE EDWARDS AWARD

There’s an essence to Northwood School that cannot be put into words.  Instead, it shows itself in the actions and character of its community. For thirty-four years, no one displayed this essence better than Anne Edwards.  Inspiring community service, offering a maternal shoulder to students in need, even teaching hockey players to knit, Annie wasn’t just an instructor.  She was a living personification of the school itself.  This year’s award goes to those students who, like Annie Edwards, understood and fully lived the Northwood experience.

HENRY KRESS

ANNA MONETTE

 

THE JUDITH K. GOOD STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Judith K. Good Student Leadership Award is given in honor of Mrs. Judith Good, who served the Lake Placid community as a mediator and conflict resolution specialist for more than twenty years.  The recipient is chosen, and the award given, by students themselves in recognition of the qualities of character they see in a fellow classmate.

CHARLES PIGEON

 

URFIRER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This plaque is awarded annually to a member of the Senior Class who, over their last three years at Northwood, has shown the greatest academic growth through their hard work and determination to succeed.  The award is given in memory of Mr. Roland Urfirer of Lake Placid, who served on the school’s Board of Trustees from 1973 to 2014.

MICHAEL MEZZETTI          

 

THE DON MELLOR AWARD

The Don Mellor award goes to that student whose participation in outdoor activities embodies Don’s love of our Adirondack environment, his determination to push himself and others to expand the boundaries of their courage, and his sense of the importance of supporting and trusting others in undertaking any adventure, whether scaling a rock face, rafting in whitewater, or simply living a worthy life.  Hundreds of Northwood’s students are braver, more prudent, and kinder people after their adventures with Don.

UMA LAGUNA-CURTIS      

 

THE EDWARD M. GOOD HEADMASTER’S PRIZE

This prize is awarded to the students in the graduating class who, in the opinion of the head of school, advised by the faculty, are individuals who have, through their character and enthusiasm, contributed in positive ways to enhance the culture of Northwood School.

ASTON FERRILLO

JACK KROLL

UMA LAGUNA-CURTIS

NOAH MOODEY

PARKER THOMPSON

 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Mirroring Lake Placid’s rich Olympic traditions, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the three graduating seniors who have achieved the highest cumulative academic averages over the past two years.  The medals are just a representation of success – that these students were dedicated, made the effort, and excelled in their academic endeavors.

This year’s Bronze medal goes to:

JAMES MARTIN

The Silver medal goes to:

DOMINICA SARANDEVA

And the Gold medal goes to:

KATHERINE ELBRECHT

 

SCHOOL SEAL PRIZE

The School Seal is the visual representation of what we are and what we stand for.  The annual prize is awarded to the senior who has exemplified the high ideals of our Core Values: Responsibility, Courage, Compassion, Integrity, and Respect

Just as the School Seal represents our school, so does the work and influence of this year’s winner embody all that we aspire to be.

KATHERINE (KATE) ELBRECHT

 

THE NORTHWOOD AWARD

This award is given to a senior who has been, through influence, character, and service, an outstanding citizen of the school, embodying our highest ideals and showing a consistent will to work for the betterment of the entire Northwood community.  This is our highest award.

JACOB SLAGEL

 

 

THE NORTHWOOD SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025:

 

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