Uma Laguna Curtis ’26 is a 4th-year senior at Northwood who has participated in many activities here, including rock climbing, hiking, freestyle skiing, and dance. She has done trips to places like Red Rocks, Japan, and more. Last week, Uma had her final high school dance recital at Saranac Lake High School, which many people attended. Here’s what she has to say about how dance has influenced her life so far.

“Ballet has taught me a lot of discipline,” she said. “It has also taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to. Having started so late, I was doing ballet for three and a half hours a day my sophomore year, so I could improve enough to take it maybe professionally one day. I no longer have interest in taking it professionally; however, it still brought me so many skills I will continue to use for the rest of my life,” she added.

Ballet isn’t a very noticed sport here at Northwood. However, it is just as important and strenuous as any other, so Uma’s experience has been somewhat personal and unique to the Northwood community.

“I think taking ballet while at Northwood has had its ups and downs. I have had a handful of people tell me it is an unathletic activity.” Laguna-Curtis said. “That is frustrating to hear, considering how strenuous ballet is on your body. It is not only mental but very physical. I have also had a fun time sharing this thing I love doing with my peers. It is cool to have people who have never seen a dance show come to watch,” she added.

“My current ballet studio has been so welcoming and supportive and has been a place I look forward to going to. I have been constantly inspired by the girls around me, and every day I dance, I create new memories of happiness and joy,” she said.

Uma has learned that as a ballerina, you are heavily influenced by your studio. This is what she had to say about that, “I think within ballet culture you may find a harsh competitive nature, and I had to experience that in my past studio. I think it is a great way to develop yourself as an athlete and person, but I also think the joy of it is contingent on the studio itself. If you have a mean teacher or the people around you are less supportive, it makes it a difficult thing to enjoy.”

Her last recital was a mix of emotions and made her consider pursuing ballet after high school. “I don’t think I have fully processed the fact that that was my last recital. I know it made many of the people I dance with very emotional, but many of them have done it their whole lives. I love ballet, and I will never forget when I found it. It has helped me through really hard times, but at times it has put me through some hard times. Though I don’t want to do it as a career anymore, I will definitely keep it up in the future through clubs in college and drop-in classes. I hope dance stays in my life forever,” she said.

Everyone in the crowd who knew Uma knew it was her final high school recital. They had their eyes on her as she performed her last dances of high school. I think everyone who knew her also felt cheerful for her during her recital.

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY

Ms. Jill Walker, the chairperson of Northwood’s Cum Laude Society, an honor society that recognizes Northwood’s top juniors and seniors, announced this year’s Cum Laude Society inductees.  “The Cum Laude society is the highest honor society available for students in private schools,” Walker said. “To be inducted, students not only have to be top of their class, but we also consider what courses students are taking and how their effort grades are. This year is one of the biggest classes we have had, and as always, the kids inducted are incredible students and people,” Walker added.

Inducted in 2025

Clara Boutelle ‘26	Katherine Elbrecht ‘26	William German ‘27
Jack Kroll ‘26	James Martin ‘26	Dominica Sarandeva ‘26

 

Inducted in 2026

Brackett-Anne (Katey-Anne) Clark ‘26	Zackary Klaich ‘26	Sara Martin ‘26
Patrick McCormick ‘26	Anna Monette ‘26	Lily Pratt ‘26
Andrew Sherland ‘26	Devin Smith ‘26	Benjamin White ’26
Kenna Gillis ‘27	Jett Jewett ‘27	Sasha Luhur ‘27
Asa Schwartzberg ‘27	Marley Tracy-Deuss ‘27

 

ACADEMIC AWARDS

In a ceremony in the auditorium on Monday, May 11, Dean of Academic Affairs and Faculty Noel Carmichael announced the following department awards for academic excellence.

English Prize

The English prize 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. The winner this year is:

ORRIN TRACY-DEUSS ’27

 

World Language Prize

The Language Prize is awarded to the student who passionately pursues skill in the speaking, reading, and writing of a foreign language. The winner this year is:

SASHA LUHUR ’27

 

Mathematics Prize

The Mathematics Prize 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. The winner this year is:

MARLEY TRACY-DEUSS ’27

 

Science Prize

The Science prize is given to a student 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. The winner this year is:

ASA SCHWARTZBERG ’27

 

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.

KENNA GILLIS ’27

 

PERFORMING ARTS PRIZE

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

FOR PERFORMING ARTS/MUSIC:     LUCA GIUGNO ’27

 

ENGLISH LEARNER PRIZE

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

MAIKA BEAUDOIN ’27

 

PEAK PATHWAY 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. This year’s annual Peak Pathways Prize is awarded to:

JACKSON MARCHIONE ’27

 

BOOK AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Director of College Guidance Mr. David McCauley announced the following Book Awards and College Scholarship nominations at an awards ceremony on Monday afternoon.

Dartmouth Book Award

The Dartmouth Alumni Book Award Program has two goals:  to recognize and reward high school juniors who have excelled both academically and in their extracurricular activities; and to encourage these talented students to consider attending Dartmouth.  This year’s recipient is:

KENNA GILLIS ’27

 

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME BOOK AWARD

The Notre Dame Book Award recognizes a junior who is a creative, compassionate individual; who is curious, excels academically; and who seeks social justice and a way to make a difference.  The recipient is:

WILLIAM GERMAN ’27

 

Williams Book Award

The Williams College Book Award encourages intellectual excellence and recognizes student achievement.  A book is awarded to the student who has demonstrated intellectual leadership and made significant contribution to the extracurricular life of their school. The winner is:

JETT JEWETT ’27

 

Brown Book Award

Brown University honors the junior who best combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression.  Language is the highest expression of our humanity; it defines what we are and what we aspire to be.  Those who use words effectively will be the leaders in the generation.  In them we invest our hope; to them we accord our respect.  With this award, we salute their potential.  The winner is:

SASHA LUHUR ’27

 

BOWDOIN BOOK AWARD

This award recognizes a high school junior who has demonstrated extraordinary service to the common good and an unusual passion for inquiry, discovery, and innovative thinking. The winner is:

ASA SCHWARTZBERG ’27

 

ST. LAWRENCE BOOK AWARD

St. Lawrence University honors the achievement of a high school junior who has displayed a significant commitment to community service.  The winner of this award will receive a $4,000 merit scholarship over four years.

MAX BEEMSTERBOER ’27

 

HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH BOOK AWARD

The Hobart and William Smith Book Award recognizes rising seniors who personifies qualities that align with HWS’s dedication to community service and Leadership.  The recipient of this award will receive a $6,000 scholarship, $1500 annually, over four years.

MARLEY TRACY-DEUSS ’27

 

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER AWARDS

The University of Rochester’s High School Awards Program recognizes current juniors who demonstrate exceptional promise.  This year, Northwood School has nominated four outstanding students.

 

BAUSCH & LOMB HONORARY SCIENCE AWARD

The first award is a merit scholarship for a minimum of $5,000 per year to the University of Rochester given to one junior with outstanding academic achievement in the field of science and math.  This year’s recipient is:

MATTHEW KERNAN ’27

 

FREDERICK DOUGLASS and SUSAN B. ANTHONY AWARD

The second award is a merit scholarship for a minimum of $5,000 per year to the University of Rochester given to one junior with a demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues as well as leadership and dedication to community action. This year’s winner for this award is:

MAX NOTLEY ’27

 

GEORGE EASTMAN YOUNG LEADERS AWARD

The third award is a merit scholarship for a minimum of $5,000 per year to the University of Rochester given to one junior with strong leadership experience at school and in the community as well as extensive involvement in extra-curricular activities.  Northwood’s nominee this year is:

WILLIAM McGAHAY ’27

 

XEROX AWARD FOR INNOVATION AND INFORMATION TECHOLOGY

The fourth award is a merit scholarship for a minimum of $5,000 per year given to one high school junior who has a strong interest in innovation and/or information technology, exposure to new technologies such as pursing serious work opportunities laboratories or industry and leading other students to new approaches such as innovative community service, after-school activities and best uses of internal communications tools such as chat and blogs.  The nominee for this award is:

WANG LUN (WILL) WONG ’27

 

CLARKSON AWARDS

The Clarkson University High School Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership qualities and academic promise.  This award carries a $120,000 scholarship over four years.  The winner is:

JACK PITTS ’27

 

The Clarkson University High School Achievement Award carries a $120,000 scholarship over four years.  This year’s winner is:

CORA MAJOR ’27

 

St. Bonaventure Bonnie and Reilly Scholarships

At St. Bonaventure, Franciscan values of community and service are cornerstones of their identity, mission, and culture. The Bonnie and Reilly Scholarships reward students based on qualities that reflect the core values of the university, including academic excellence, community, integrity, wisdom, leadership, social responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for diversity.  This year’s recipients from Northwood are:

 

For the BONNIE SCHOLARSHIP, $100,000 over 4 years:

TERRELL FERREIRA ’27

 

 

 

For the REILLY SCHOLARSHIPS, $92,000 over 4 years:

ASHTON TURCOTTE ’27    

ANDRES CASTRO ’27

 

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

By recognizing potential and fostering dreams, RIT is defining a future where innovation and creativity converge at the intersection of education and opportunity.  RIT’s High School Awards program recognizes outstanding students in their junior year for their leadership, service, and achievements.

THE SCIENCE AND MATH AWARD acknowledges high school juniors who have distinguished themselves academically are active and involved members of their school and community and demonstrate interest and ability in science and math.  The Northwood winner for this $116,000 over four years / $29,000 per year award is:

LOLA FERRILLO ’27

 

THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES AWARD acknowledges a junior who has demonstrated an interest and ability in humanities and social sciences.  This award, for $116,000 over four years / $29,000 per year, goes to:

JACKSON MARCHIONE ’27

 

THE BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP AWARD goes to a junior who has exhibited an interest and ability in business, leadership and entrepreneurship and attained superior grades in those and related disciplines. The recipient of this year’s award ($116,000 over four years / $29,000 per year) is:

ELLIOTT MURCH ’27

 

THE ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD recognizes the junior who has demonstrated high achievement, ability, and interest in engineering, robotics, computing, science and/or math and has a interest in pursuing college-level course work in areas such as engineering and engineering technology.  The winner of this award ($116,000 over four years / $29,000 per year) is:

LUKE MONACO ’27

 

THE CERAMIC ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK (CANY) AWARD AT ALFRED UNIVERSITY

This prestigious merit-based scholarship is for high school juniors entering their senior year who demonstrate exceptional performance in science, mathematics, and English.  The Alfred University merit award recipient will receive $29,000 per year / $116,000 over four years until graduating from Alfred University.  This year’s winner is:

MAIKA BEAUDOIN ’27

 

Alfred University Scholars Award

Alfred University offers a wide variety of scholarships to acknowledge the special abilities of new first year, transfer and international students.  Current juniors from each high school are eligible for this award. Based on the chosen major, the recipient will receive up to $30,000 per year / $120,000 over four years until graduating from Alfred University.  This year the award goes to:

ORRIN TRACY-DEUSS ’27

 

Rensselaer Medal

This award is presented annually by the Alumni Association of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to a nominated student in the Junior Class who ranks highest in math & science and has the greatest interest in a science-related career.  This merit scholarship is for up to $160,000 over four years / $40,00 per year.  The recipient this year is:

TESSA BARTON ’27

 

ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY TRUE NORTH SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Up to two rising seniors can be nominated who demonstrate strong character, meaningful engagement in their school, community, work, or family life, and desire to be a part of a close-knit residential community grounded in the liberal arts.  The recipients of this scholarship will receive $44,500 per year for four years / $178,000 total.  Northwood’s nominees are:

HUDSON MARSHALL ’27

JINDRICH SIMANEK ’27

 

AUGSBURY/NORTH COUNTRY SCHOLARSHIP AT ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY

The Augsbury/North Country Scholarship was established in 1974 and serves to recognize academic and co-curricular leadership among designated North Country and Canadian high school students.  The four-year scholarship, worth up to $200,000 ($50,000 per year), is awarded to nominated students.  Nominees who are not selected will receive an annual award of at least $35,000 for four years ($140,000 total).  Northwood School’s nominees are:

ANNETTE ZUCK ’27

VICTORIA FORTIER ’27

JACKSON MAGNUS ’27

 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRIZES

Mr. Thomas Broderick announced the following Brian Lilly ’85 Entrepreneurship Prizes at an awards ceremony on Monday afternoon.

THE BRIAN LILLY ’85 ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRIZES

ANGEL INVESTING PRIZE

The $1,150 prize is awarded to the students who, through the quality of their pitch videos, demonstrate a strong commitment to entrepreneurship and to their current project.  This award is intended to provide seed funding to help the winners further develop their ideas.  There are two winners this year:

ELLIOTT MURCH ’27 – RNT

DUNCAN VAN DORN ’27 – Van Dorn Excavating

 

EXPANSIVE THINKING PRIZE – Top Innovative Idea

This $2,000 prize is awarded to the student who best demonstrated expansive thinking – moving beyond their immediate personal context to examine a problem from multiple perspectives and explore new possibilities.  The winning pitch presents an innovative idea that empathizes with a market problem and proposes a novel solution.

SASHA LUHUR ’27 – Orbits

 

STARTUP PRIZE – Top Student Business

This $2,000 prize is awarded to a student who has an established business or is firmly committed to launching their business in the near future.

ASTON FERRILLO ’26 – 518 Junk Boys

 

BEST PITCH PRIZE

This $2,500 prize is awarded to a student who produced the strongest entrepreneurial pitch during the academic year, showcasing creative problem-solving skills, writing, editing, and technological aptitude.

ETHAN NAU ’26 – Power Fuel