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

“Being a freshman and trying to imagine myself four years from then, I just never could really picture myself graduating. Of course, I knew I would, but it always felt so far away. And now that I’m here, it’s like, whoa. My friends—JT, Alex, Colton—they all left, and I remember thinking, “What am I gonna do?” But it’s also a moment for new opportunities. It’s nice to still keep in touch with everyone. I mean, last year was interesting. It was fun, of course, because I was roomed with Alex again—same room, same floor. But I’ve been friends with those guys for, like, three-plus years. This year is different because, of course, they’re gone. There’s a lot more responsibility now, with me going to college and all that kind of scary stuff.

“Also, William’  Will’ Wong ’27 in my hall—he’s a fun time. It’s nice being able to connect with younger students, too. It’s a really good feeling knowing that you have an influence on younger students, especially because when I was a freshman, I always looked up to the older students.
I feel like freshman year, you’re always a lot more awkward and kind of scared of the older kids. But especially now that we’ve been here for four years, it’s a lot easier to talk to people because you’ve been around the block, I guess.

“One of the things that stood out to me was my first day here. Multiple people knocked on my door to say hi and introduce themselves. Something like that felt very different.

“I transferred in after everyone had already been off for a month because of FISU games, so I think that transition helped a little bit. Everyone was already adjusting. This whole photography thing has helped, too, because I got to connect with a bunch of teams. I went around with the soccer team a few times, so I got a lot closer to people.

“Having to switch over to a different co-curricular activity taught me maturity to an extent. Of course, I’m still immature because we’re all kids. But going away from home—I lived in Pittsburgh for a year, then Boston, then went through the whole hip surgery thing—it changes you.

“Coming to the middle of nowhere, Lake Placid, was weird at first. I mean, it’s cool, because with the Olympic facilities and everything, getting to practice and all that, but I just felt so far off from seeing myself graduate. And now I’m here, which is scary.

“The social dynamics have changed, too. In my first year, the friend groups were very distinct. Of course, people still hang out with their teams, especially during meals and stuff like that, but now it feels a lot more open. People go down the hall and say hi to one another. No one’s really ostracized, and everyone seems a lot closer between teams.

“One big thing I try to do is help people whenever I can—cleaning up, pushing chairs in, even when no one’s looking. Just making sure you help whenever you can. And making sure you pass down a good legacy, I guess.

“Northwood is a completely different place. It’s more like a family. I lived in Seattle until sixth grade, then went to Pittsburgh for a year, which was this huge public school with, like, a thousand kids. Then, Boston, because of hip surgery. I’ve had all these completely different experiences across the country, 2,000 miles away from my parents. I think it conditioned me to be independent to an extent.

“Our house is basically a wildlife sanctuary now. We’re, like, two miles away from the city, but somehow we have so much wildlife in our tiny backyard. One raccoon started coming around, and we named it Peanut because it ate a ridiculous amount of peanuts. Then, like, a week later, it brought its babies with it. You’d look outside and see them all walking along the fence, one by one.

“We put out a bowl of water for them because raccoons always wash their food. One time, they flipped the bowl, and all ran away because they scared themselves. Now they come back all the time. The babies are grown-up-ish now, but you can still tell they’re young. We also have a hawk that comes by because of how many birds we have around. I genuinely don’t know how we manage to have this many animals.

“Other than that, over the summer I like taking photos of planes, hanging out with friends, and going on hikes. I’ve always wanted to take photos of stuff, but cameras are expensive. Around November last year, I got my first real camera. Since then, I’ve probably taken hundreds of thousands of photos. I’ve taken photos for most of the teams here.

“Closing out, I’d say take as much advantage of all the opportunities you get. I never thought I’d be published in that compilation [Wild Words Anthology] four times. There was also the PBS film thing, which was really cool. I basically did that last minute after pulling an all-nighter with Alex.

“It’s funny because once you’re older, you can kind of laugh about all the stressful stuff younger students are going through because you know what it’s like—you’ve been there. You get bonded through that shared experience.

“Stay close to your teachers. That’s important because they’re there to help you. If you help them and treat them well, they’re more willing to help you. They want you to succeed. Just don’t be a butt head. Don’t miss the hub bus.”

As told to Sasha Luhur ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“The best piece I would give to someone is probably to give your 100% on whatever you’re doing, and find a way to give it your all. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing a game, doing a test – you always have to find a way to give your 100%.

“If I could introduce one aspect of Chile into American culture, it would be the food. The food from Chile is amazing – it’s the best – compared to the food here, it’s fake. So, I would love to bring Chilean food to America if I could.

“I wouldn’t say that I have a particular hidden talent, but the closest thing I have to it is that I can speak languages. I think that’s something about me that’s special, so yeah.

“[If I weren’t playing football] I would play basketball. Both of my parents – mom and dad – played basketball at a very good level growing up, and it’s been something I’ve loved as well. I would say that I’m pretty good at it, so that’s what I would be doing if football didn’t exist.

“Once I graduate, I will be going back to Chile to play pro – my season will start basically as soon as I get back and will continue until next March. When March next year comes around, I will have to decide whether to continue playing pro or go to university in Chile and get a degree instead.

“For me, Pineapple doesn’t belong to pizza –though it doesn’t really matter. Like, I will not eat it, but I think that it’s a valid thing for others to like.”

As told to Gavin Kruger ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I am from Hockessin, Delaware, and I found out about Northwood through my older brother, who attended school here, so I basically grew up a little bit early on as a kid through my brother when I would come to visit him as a young kid.

“My experience at Northwood has been nothing but unbelievable. The people I have met here over the years will be the ones with whom I will stay in touch for the rest of my life. Some of my Favorite memories are just casual walks into town with the boys, and late-night talks about life in general. On the hockey side, it is for sure our First PHC championship and also the first in program history. The feeling of winning was something I can’t really explain.

“My advice for future Northwood students is to soak everything in and try new things. There are so many new things you can experience that are once-in-a-lifetime. It is such a tight-knit community, and you are close to everyone. One thing I have noticed is that time flies by here super quickly. It felt like yesterday I was walking through the doors for the first time last year, and now I am about to say goodbye to this place, which is crazy.

“Right now, my plan for the future is to play junior hockey. I am tendered with the Janesville Jets in the North American Hockey League, but I plan to attend other camps this summer, and from there we will see where it takes me with college and afterward.”

As told to Parker Thompson ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

“Northwood’s academic and athletic development was great, as was the community. When I toured, I felt instantly welcome from students and faculty. That alone made my decision clear that Northwood is the spot for me.

“I came from Denver, Colorado, having heard about this school last year from my friend Trey Noyce ’28, who also attends Northwood. He and I play on the Varsity team this year and train together all summer.

“Coming from a skiing family, I never thought hockey would fall in my lap because I feel like it changed my life for the better, and I am grateful to the game as I chase my dream to play in the NHL.

“My favorite thing about Lake Placid is walking around the lake into town. The food is always good, and it’s a fun time with friends. I also enjoy playing golf at the Lake Placid golf course. The mountains in the background of the course are truly impressive. During my free time, I usually train, study, rest, and hang out with friends.

“Someone who inspires me is my dad. He pushes me to my limits, knows I can handle it, and, in the end, makes me a better player and a better person, and I am grateful to him.

“Spending my time at Northwood, I feel like it made me a better person by staying up to the 5 core values that Northwood gives, and only being here a year, it really made a big impact on me. Being at Northwood helps me set up my life for the future. Learning to be independent, how to deal with setbacks, and overcome them, if that’s in the classroom, on the ice, or in life.

“If anyone asked me about Northwood, I am proud to say that it was the best year of my high school life. I am thankful for Northwood setting me up for the future.”

As told to Justin MacLeod ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“My family chose Northwood because I fell in love with it the first time I visited. It wasn’t just the campus, but the people and the overall atmosphere that stood out to me. The students who gave me my tour made such a genuine impression, and the whole experience just felt right. I was also hesitant about my decision at first. Still, everyone I interacted with showed me a lot of support without ever pressuring me, which made a big difference in helping me feel confident about choosing Northwood.

“Skiing has taught me that no matter how hard you think you’re working, there’s always someone pushing even harder. It’s shown me that there’s always another level you can reach if you’re willing to put in the effort and stay committed. At the same time, it’s also taught me that the only person you really need to prove anything to is yourself. Progress in skiing, and in life, comes from holding yourself to a high standard and continuing to push, even when no one is watching.

“The person who had the greatest impact on me was my team dean, Raychel. She wasn’t just my team dean, she was also a listening ear and a true friend throughout the year. Whether I had a great moment or made a mistake, she was always supportive and willing to hear me out. She knew when to encourage me, when to hold me accountable, and how to help me move forward. During some of my more difficult moments, she was always there to lend a hand, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

“One memory I’ll never forget is when my team raced at West Mountain, and we had to make a day trip in the middle of a snowstorm. We were supposed to leave around 4:30 a.m., but our van got stuck in the street before the Northwood driveway. We ended up having to carry two pairs of skis and all our gear about half a mile down a hill through around eight inches of snow. At the time, it felt pretty chaotic and stressful, but looking back on it now, it’s actually funny. More than anything, it brought me closer to the teammates I was with that day and turned into one of those experiences I’ll always remember.

“What I’m most looking forward to in college is putting myself out there and not holding anything back. I’m excited to meet new people and have new opportunities to grow into my own person and define my own values. I want to create my own experiences and memories and live in a way that leaves me with no regrets. That’s the mindset I hope to carry with me going into this next chapter.

“Outside of skiing and school, I like to stay active. I enjoy going to the gym and running or walking with my friends. I also like spending time outdoors whenever I can, whether that’s just getting outside for fresh air or doing something more spontaneous. It’s a good way for me to relax, stay balanced, and spend time with the people I’m close to.”

As told to Rylie Griffiths ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.