The Upper School Celebrates Academic Excellence
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Upper School held a special Community Forum to celebrate the academic life of the school and the senior class. In advance of Convocation, which marks the official opening of the academic year, the forum provided an opportunity to recognize the many ways our community embodies the scholarly habits and values outlined in our mission and Portrait of a Graduate. (See related article: “Better Together: Convocation Kicks Off the 117th School Year” by Imogen F. ’27)
Cum Laude Induction
Dr. Autumn A. Graves, head of school for St. Anne’s-Belfield and regent for the National Cum Laude Society, formally recognized the fall Cum Laude inductees. The following nine seniors were recognized for their GPA, rigor of their academic program, and independent study:
Harrison Edwards
Imogen Fagan
Mateo Ategou
Elizabeth Womack
Ned Ng
Alina Song
Charles Granville
Jackson Van Santvoord
Gavin Couling
Look for more information on the prestigious Cum Laude Society in the upcoming weeks.
Summer Learning
The St. Anne’s-Belfield Portrait of a Graduate outlines the habits and ways of being the School aspires to instill in each student as they evolve as exemplary citizens who are strong of body, broad of mind, tender of heart, and responsive of soul.
Upper School Dean of Academics acknowledged students’ efforts to continue to manifest these habits over the summer. Students engaged in diverse academic environments, embraced challenges by entering the workforce and learning practical life skills, held volunteer leadership roles in a variety of organizations, nurtured their connection with the natural world, pursued interests in creative arts and STEM, and furthered cultural competency and language arts skills.
Faculty Scholarship
Teachers were also actively engaged in their own learning this summer. Students took a moment to note the professional development experiences, redesigned courses and curricula, and lifelong learning that makes their teachers truly exceptional educators.
Much of what faculty members worked on this summer is already bearing fruit in this school year.
The Pathways Program
Mrs. Robertson then invited the senior members of the Pathway Program to come to the stage. The Pathways Program is designed to help students with specific interests develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their passions, apply their talents, and contribute to the greater good. The 12 senior “Pathfinders” have engaged deeply in one of three specializations: Arts Management, Civic Engagement, and Environmental Studies. Upon successful culmination of the program, each will earn a special certification on their diplomas.
Environmental Studies
Watty Dalton
Giada Johnston
Carter Kelsey
Ian Roche
Arts Management
Frances Lawson
Alina Sheehy
Nori Zhang
Civic Engagement
Darby Oakey
Sally Fleming
Jackson Van Santvoord
Campbell Johnson
Renaissance Reader and Verified Viewer Programs
In addition to programs like Model UN, Academic Team, and Robotics, St. Anne’s-Belfield also offers opportunities for students to cultivate curiosity and creativity through the Renaissance Reader and Verified Viewer programs.
Upper School Humanities teachers Jordan Taylor and James Mattisse ’10 joined the stage to recognize members of the Renaissance Reader and Verified Viewer programs. Renaissance Readers earn the designation after reading five books and having five faculty conversations about their reading. Similarly, Verified Viewers watch five films independently or during film club meetings, followed by five engaging faculty discussions.
Senior Capstone Scholars
The forum concluded with a recognition of the Senior Capstone Scholars. As a centerpiece of their senior year, these students have chosen to design and pursue their own independent course of study. The Capstone Thesis is a rigorous, year-long commitment supported by a faculty mentor and a second reader. This graded, student-led experience allows seniors in good academic standing to reach beyond our standard curriculum to investigate a specific topic in profound depth.
For the first time this year, several scholars are also working toward AP Research credit. The sheer breadth and depth of these projects are remarkable and will be available for viewing soon on the Capstone webpage.
2026-27 Capstone Scholars
Alina Song
Anastasiia Pestova
Campbell Johnson
Charlie W. Granville
Chloe Elizabeth Scott
Cosmo de Vink
Darby G. Oakey
Dilan Narayani
Elizabeth “Ellie” Womack
Ellen Elias
Ezra W. Biggs
Frances Lawson
Gavin Couling
Giada Johnston
Harrison Edwards
Elsa Billcheck
Holmes Cole
Ian Roche
Imogen E. Fagan
Jack Kelly
Jackson Martin Van Santvoord
Josephine Carter
Katie Steeper
Watty Dalton
Lance Geismar
Margaret Hanley
Mateo Ategou
Mikey Poncy
Natalie McDonald
Ned Ng
Nori Zhang
Parker Borches
Quinn B. Murphy
Quinn Humphreys
Sally Jean Fleming
Sam Le
Sebastian Esposito
Sylas Walden
Taylor Ashton
Alina Sheehy
May this be a wonderful year of learning and growth for our entire community!