Herald15.5SeniorsDisplay

Class of ‘26 will be known as . . .

The 63rd senior class of NCS:

• grew to 60 students, including 14 Fat Pencils (lifelong Raiders), three Global Studies Scholars, one Fine Arts Distinction, seven STEM;

• includes nine international students from five countries: Canada, China, Serbia, Vietnam and Zimbabwe;

• brags of EIGHT team championships including first ever titles for girls soccer and girls track and field;

• boasts of 12 athletes who were recruited to join golf, hockey, football, baseball, volleyball and lacrosse teams;

• chose to attend 36 different colleges in 15 different states including 31 staying in Virginia; six going to North Carolina; four to New York; three each to Pennsylvania and Florida; two to Massachusetts; one each to Kentucky, Ohio, the District of Columbia, Alabama, Maryland, South Carolina, Missouri, Illinois. One will go to Canada and one to England. Giving credit where it is due:

Normally, the reader would look to the staff box, byline or end of a caption to know who did what in any issue of the Herald, but this time, credit must go in this more prominent place. This senior issue of the Willis Hall Herald would not exist without the extraordinary gift of senior collages by Graphic Design teacher Morgan Kemp and her students. Some of the collages were done by her seniors. Most, if not all, were refined and completed by Kemp. We, and the senior class of 2026, are in her eternal debt.

As for the words on each collage, when asked for one word to describe the senior class, our Editor Emeritus, Anna Ciccozzi ‘26 said “First.” It fits for a group breaking records in many endeavors. So the staff asked seniors to name one word that described the their class or how they felt at the end of the senior year. Due to senioritis, some words came from descriptions by Millie Chopski and Carter Kryzeminski’s speech at the senior dinner or Head of School Armistead Lemon’s remarks at graduation.

At the senior dinner, Upper School Director Allie Kier described the class:

“I’m so impressed with the sense of class cohesion you have built as individuals. Your interests are varied, some of you are scholars, some of you are athletes, some of you are artists, and most of you are a combination of all of those things and more, but as a whole group, your identity is one of support and care for one another.

To watch you celebrate each other’s victories, support each other through struggles, and genuinely be proud of each other has been a true gift for me.

You’ve shown it through the cheering sections at games, through the crowds of musicals and art shows, and through the sea of seniors congratulating each other after each DeHart speech.

When I think back on the class of 2026 I will always remember your warmth and love for one another. Thank you for the huge impact you have

Founded in 2010 and based in the Journalism elective, The Willis Hall Herald is the official student-led publication of the Upper School at North Cross School. The Herald may be published in magazine form three or more times per year. Founded in 2017 and produced by the Herald staff, GeoPrism: A Global Studies Journal may be published in magazine form once or twice per year. the Herald welcomes letters, commentary and submissions of original content that adhere to the Herald’s dedication to factual journalism. Letters and other content must be signed and may be edited for length and Herald style. The Herald does not guarantee publication of outside submissions. Submit letters to willishallherald@northcross.org. the Herald won Gold Medals from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in 2012 and 2015. The Herald is also a member of the National Student Press Association, whih awarded The Herald “First Class” honors in 2024 and 2025.

SCHOOL GRADUATION IS RARELY THE END: Almost every year, seniors and others wonder why our seniors do not wear caps and gowns at graduation. Former Head of School Dr. Christian J. Proctor explained the policy change saying that nearly 100% of NCS grads will go to college and wear a cap and gown when they graduate. The collage is filled with the words from seniors and the Head of School to describe the seniors. Graphic produced by Robert Robillard using wordclouds.com

INSIDE THE ISSUE

Anderson Ratliff and Graphic Design teacher Morgan Kemp came up with the idea of creating photo collages of each senior. The basis for each collage was either their official senior portrait for the yearbook by Kevin Hart? or Hoa Jensen’s athetic ‘hype’ photos. Most of the filler photos are Compass or Herald.

• 3 Aadeetri, Anderson

• 4 Ameer, Milica, Tilden, Aren

• 5 Sharmithaa, Maggie, Savannah, KaVari

• 6 Brandon, Brooklyn, Tina, Millie

• 7 Anna, Maddie, Lillie, Turner

• 8 Catherine, Winni, Rabia, Peyton

• 9 Ethan, Suvi, Jaziel, Nate, Kaylie

• 10 Mason, Jacob, Scout, Carter

• 11 Oliver, Leo, Abigail, Tristan

• 12 Haoyi, Suvi, Isabel, Gabby

• 13 Sebastian, Zuhair, Shar, Nguyen

• 14 Departing faculty, Hanchen, Fiona

• 15 Maps of college choices

• 16 Blake, Jiale, Jase, Kaleb

• 17 Mia, Sam, Chase, Noah

• 18 Izzy, Christian, Ryan, Kevin

• 19 Eliza, Emma, Veronica, Charlie

• 20-21 Girls Soccer and Boys Tennis Champs

• 22-23 Girls Track and Boys Lacrosse Champs

• 24 Athletic Awards

• 25 Academic Awards

• 26 Senior Art and environmental science intersection

• 27 Senior Art

Vol. XV No. 5 May 2026

North Cross School 4254 Colonial Ave. Roanoke, VA 24018 www.willishallherald.org IG: willishallherald

Co-Editors-in-Chief ...................................... .Aadeetri Pandey ‘26, Mason Bibby ‘27

Design Editor...................................................................Anderson Ratliff ‘26

Editor-in-Chief.....................................................................Kaitlyn Perkins ‘28

Editor......................................................................Andrew Weng ‘28

Aadeetri Pandey

“Out going” “Get me out, done. Constant homework, no sleep, tired.”

“Aadeetri was a pleasure to work alongside and one of the finest writers I’ve ever met. I especially appreciated her attention to detail and frank (though respectful) criticism of things that weren’t quite right.” Mason Bibby

“Aadeetri and Mason made great co-editors this year. Aadeetri was often the most quiet in the room but that might have been why she had excellent attention to detail. Her facial expressions often said what she was thinking anyhow and her writing and editorials were superb.” - Kaitlyn Perkins

“Aadeetri was an all-round person in journalism.As a co-editor,her writing is insightful and attractive.As a photography editor, she can take a lot of perfect pictures.And she doesn’t get nervous when interviewing people.I wish she can showcase her talents in college.” - Andrew:

“Aadeetri was an amazing co-editor alongside Mason. She was always very fun to work with, and very kind, and caring when I came to her for a question or advice on anything. I will miss her positive attitude and her incredible hair next year! “Jax

“Aadeetri was a great writer to work alongside, and she was a quiet person in the room but made great and detailed stories for the herald. At the start of the year when I didn’t know what to do I asked her what to do and she helped me write my first story.” - Piper:

“Looking back over the last four years of Aadeetri’s time on the Herald staff, I noticed a trend in her annual ‘passion project’ choices. In ninth grade she took a deep dive into the relative health value of Chik-fil-a and Bojangles chicken biscuits. The next year she explored whether we can value food in terms of mental health. As she took on more responsibility in her junior year, she explored the issue of declining literacy and this year, in her ultimate passion project -- the DeHart or senior speech, she explored the how wealth and income inequality. She wrote so much more, but we can see her intellectual growth and interests changing in her writing for the Herald. It has been a genuine honor to witness Aadeetri’s mind develop. I’m also confident she still loves to eat good food.” - RRR

Anderson Ratliff

“Anderson is a talented graphic designer and overall a great guy to work with. He always has such good energy, humor, personality, and enthusiasm for his craft that made him such a big asset to have around the classroom. His ability to quickly synthesize large and complex ideas into a visually stunning cover was not lost on me, especially when it came to designing the 15th Anniversary edition of our beloved Herald. Despite this, my favorite moment with Anderson this year was playing with all of the ridiculous sound effects that we could get set up on the RodeCaster.” Mason Bibby

“Anderson was a fun and much needed addition to the Journalism program this year. He was the only journalist in our class with multiple years of experience in graphic design and his graphics added a lot to each issue. Anderson has a great sense of humor and it made me laugh when he would often recruit Andrew to give him a back massage while he worked on the graphics.” Kaitlyn Perkins

“Anderson is the best design editor in my opinion. He has an exceptional eye for design and he will complete it seriously. He always makes me happy and inspires me to finish my work. And also I love his performance in the band concert (especially his guitar solo).I really appreciated and was grateful for his help and accompanying me.” - Andrew

“Anderson was incredible to work with this year. He was very kind, upbeat, and passionate in class and outside of class. He was always encouraging when I was down, or had a bad day. I also really appreciated and enjoyed him sharing his snacks with me this year!” Piper:

“Anderson is a very talented person as a graphic designer, and over all one of the funnest persons I’ve worked with. As it being his first year I think that he made our year fully completed. The [issue] that came out near halloween was one of my favorite designs.” - Jax

“Like a birthday gift to the Herald, Anderson and his graphic design talents remade our magazine’s look, literally imprinting his artful 15 on each issue. Moreover, Anderson imparted an easy-going attitude and sense of humor to our weary staff. I will never forget his kindness and inclusive approach to new, young and old in the room. I will also miss talking talking tennis, movies and music with him.” RRR

Five years on varsity tennis, five rings.

Ameer Albishah Milica Andelkovic

Everyone has their own specialties.

We, as a class, are always working hard. Spirit Award

Talented

Tilden Ayers

Confident

North Cross Book Award

Fiercely

Aren Barranco

We all have different interests, we do different things but we’re all united.

Sharmithaa Bhavani Maggie Bibby

Instrumental Music Award

True friendship Talented artist

Savannah Brooks

A lot of people are involved in school events and making stuff happen.

- Studio Art Award - North Cross Book Award - Cum Laude

KaVari Brown

As a class we are just always together all the time.

Brandon Carey Brooklyn Chen

Connected

Tina Chikwata

We all engage with stuff at school and we make things fun and memorable.

Everyone plays on a state champion team.

Our class has so many voices and perspectives coming together to create change on our campus. Cum Laude North Cross Book Award STEM Golf Coach’s Award

Elite

Millie Chopski

Inimitable

Anna Ciccozzi

Maddy Dalton

Cum Laude STEM Global Studies North Cross Book Award Spanish and DeHart Awards

First Talented

Everyone in class has something they’re good at.

Golf Coach’s Award

Lillie Dearing Turner Faires

Everyone is all getting ready for college.

Cum Laude North Cross Book Award

Catherine Ferguson Winni Ferguson

Working

“Never failed to brighten our days.”

Rabia Ferron Peyton Greer

Ambitious

We have so many people who want to step up and make an impact on the world.

When Oliver went on stage for Muses at Bay.

Entertaining

Ethan Grigas

One

SENIORS Ja’ziel Hart

No. 1: four rings in the last five years.

Willis Hall Director’s Award

North Cross Book Award

Nate Hayes

Fall Festivus (and winning the pumpkin throwing contest).

Unforgettable

Heart for service.

North Cross Book Award

We brought life into the school. The energy isn’t there without us.

Involved

Because we are a very connected class. We always paint the rock together and plan fun things together.

Mason Jolley Jacob Juneau

Everyone is doing something great... we’ve all been a big part of everything since freshman year.

History Award

North Cross Book Award

Scout Kappes

Family

“Heartfelt roar on the tennis court.” - Armistead Lemon

Competitive

Carter Krzeminski

Everyone in the senior class collaborates and is friendly with everyone.

Slack Award Cum Laude STEM North Cross Book Award

VISAA 3-seaon athlete

Community

Philosophizing

English Award

North Cross Book Award

Cum Laude

Oliver Lacy

Abby Landry

Leo Lampros

Tristan Lange

North Cross Book Award

Many different talents across the class whether it is many collegiate athletes . . . a secret hidden talent that someone can do.

North Cross Book Award

Our senior class was very friendly.

Physics Award

Haoyi Lyu Suvi Mattson-Hansen

We [our class] won the last two years of spirit competitions. Fine Arts Global Studies

Drama Yearbook Awards

Spirited

Isabel Mendez Moraga Gabby Miller

True friendship

Everyone is ambitous with their many talents.

Spring season state champ in 4x100

SENIORS

Sebastian Miller

We have the most seniors going to play in college.

Lacrosse MVP

VISAA 3-season athlete

Zuhair Mirza

Generational

Shar Nanda

Disciplined

Nguyen Nguyen

Upbeat

Students express affection for departing faculty

By Kaitlyn Perkins

Nicki Dabney Director of International Operations, Upper School English, Chinese

Dear Mrs. Dabney,

Thank you for being so nice and helping me get my work done and always pushing me to be my best self. I will miss you!!

Jaxon Keys ‘27

Dear Mrs. Dabney, Chinese has been so fun and interesting with you. You made it so much easier than I thought it was going to be. Good luck in the future!

Kate Sollinger ‘29

Dear Mrs. Dabney, I’m really glad that I met you this year and it was a real joy being in your class. You helped me develop my English so much as well as confidence in writing. I’m so sad that you are leaving because I think you are the best and can’t be replaced. Thank you for this year!

Maksim Popovic ‘27

Hannah Ewing

Upper School History; Religion, Art, Science, and Technology; Model U.N. Advisor; Global Studies Department Co-Chair

Dear Mrs. Ewing,

Thank you for everything you have done for me and for NCS as a whole. It was an absolute pleasure to go with you for MUN and to be in your Global Studies class last year. I’m really sad to see you and Dr. Naginey go, but I wish you the best of luck.

Joaquin Downey ‘28

Dear Mrs. Ewing,

Thank you for being the best teacher ever and my favorite teacher. I will miss you so much. I will miss MUN and our NYC coffee runs and history class. Please come visit. Garima Patel ‘28

Mrs. Ewing…

Thank you for all the amazing lessons, conversations and fun times. I will miss you so much!

P.S. I always loved all your outfits!

Mika Marton Martinez ‘28

Dr. Mike Koss

Math Dept. Chair, Coding Club Co-Director of STEM, Robotics

Thank you for the greatest two years of computer science, you have taught me so much. I really appreciate your support and I wish you the best in the future! George Lugar ‘28

Dr. Tim Naginey

Upper School Physics, Astronomy, Math, Coding Club, Robotics Club, Guitar Club Advisor

T-Nag!! Thank you so much for helping me survive AP Physics. It was a difficult class but you helped keep it light-hearted and fun. Have a great graduation!! North Cross will miss you.

Remi Lewis ‘27

Thank you for being such a passionate physics teacher. I can tell you really love physics, and it makes me

Of all the math teachers I’ve had, I can confidently say that none can compare to you! Your genuine love for what you teach is contagious, and even though I’ve always hated math I’ve found myself looking forward to it. I won’t ever forget the classes we had together!

Hayden Saunders ‘28

love it even more. Thank you for the extra time and effort you have given to help me make my senior speech project. I will make sure to shout you out while I am on stage. I hope you enjoy your new job and do even better than ever before.

Finn Chaney ‘27

I don’t even know what to say, bud. I’m going to miss you lots, but am happy you’ll never have to police the bathroom again. Thank you for your friendship. Stay rockin ‘hard! Dr. Britton Andrews, Upper School English teacher

“Defiant in victory.” Arimistead Lemon North Cross Book Award

CLASS OF ‘26 COLLEGE CHOICES

31 students will stay in Virginia:

Virginia Tech=13

University of Virginia=4

James Madison=4

Randoph Macon=3; Roanoke=1; Hamden Sydney=1; UVa-Wise=1; Randolph=1;

VCU=1; Hampton=1;

VWCC=1

29 students will leave Virginia for:

North Carolina=6

New York=4

Florida=3 Pennsylvania=3

Massachussetts=2

Ohio=1

AL=1

DC=1

Illinois=1

Maryland=1

England=1

South Carolina=1

Kentucky=1

Missouri=1

Kansas=1

Canada=1

Blake Pearson Jiale Qin

“Leaving it all on the field against Benedictine.”

Armistead Lemon

Protecting

Jase Rhodes

North Cross Book Award

Winner

We’ve all won something as a class.

Wise

Kaleb Robinson

Scott Robertson Good Citizenship Award 1000 points

Scoring

Mia Rueda Sam Schaefer

Chase Shannon Noah Shorey

Constantly participating in in-school or out-of-school activities. North Cross Book Award

I love sleeping.

Christian Stanley Izzy Snyder

North Cross Book Award

Generous

Playing through injuries Lacrosse Coach’s Award

Smiling

Ryan Thomas Kevin Tran

“Because of how we act at games and the energy we bring to the community.”

I finished all my work, I can rest now.

Everyone is chasing what they want to do and already accomplishing amazing things.

Eliza Vogel

Emma Votta

VISAA 3-sport athlete

Veronica Weston Charlie Zhao

We have a variety of different talents and personalities.

We are all attracted to some thing like sports, or a job.

Lost amidst the statistical blur of offensive production this season was the fact that the four seniors defending the goal were as good at preventing goals as the offense was at scoring them.

With an attack led by co-MVPs Camryn Stevens ‘28 and Isla Whittle ‘28 alongside Spanish superstar Alejandra Trullols ‘28, the Raiders scored 7.6 goals per game on average.

Almost as remarkable, the team allowed fewer than one goal per game on average. They allowed three goals on three different occasions including the state championship, but 14 games were shutouts, clean sheets in soccer parlance.

With the match on the line, defense came through as Scout Kappes, listed as 6-feet tall, stood in goal. When she stopped their second PK, the Raiders kept up the pressure by not missing after the first one.

“Our full senior defensive line played a huge role in our undefeated season this year,” said midfielder Maddie Howes ‘27. “It meant a lot to know that going into a game I could

GIRLS SOCCER WINS 1ST

trust our defense to put in their best effort and prevent many scoring opportunities against us in games. They were by far the hardest working and successful defensive lines I’ve played with during my time on the North Cross girls soccer team, along with being my most favorite seniors who I will miss SO much next year.”

The Raiders stayed strong against Highland, even when it was difficult to score. The Raiders scored their first goal by a through ball to Trullols, who then beat the defenders to get the goal. Next, Highland fouled Tullols in the box, so Whittle took the PK, hitting the back of the net to tie it up 2-2.

With both teams pushing strongly to win, Sophie Dalton ‘29 scored on a through ball by Stevens to beat the defenders and score in overtime to make it 3-2. Highland got a goal just as overtime ended, leading to the PKs.

The starting line up going into them was Trullols, Stevens, Howes, Dalton and finally Whittle with Kappes in the goal. As the PKs start-

them missing another Whittle ended it with the

FIVE IN A ROW!

final as they were up 3-2 putting her final goal to make it 4. The team rushed forward and celebrated as they had won States, and it will remain a special memory for the team. It will be an especially memorable

TENNIS WINS 7TH STATE TITLE

STATE TITLE - 4-2 IN PKS

SAVING THE DAY: Scout Kappes ‘26 prepares for the second penalty kick in the State Championship match. She saved the second allowing the Raiders to get a lead on Highland. “All I was thinking the whole time is that I can’t let my team down,” Kappes said, “I need to save this.” Her save allowed the Raiders to lead in PKs, ultimately winning 4-2 after a 3-3 tie. Photo by Chris Stevens

“All I was thinking the whole time is that I can’t let my team down,” Kappes said, “I need to save this.”

way to finish high school for the seniors, who will be missed.

“I have known the seniors since last year and they have been such an amazing part of my experience,” Dalton said. “They really helped me

feel comfortable with the team and their positive attitude has made me love soccer for the people, not just the action. I will miss them so much next year.”

ONE LAST PIC: (Left to right) Seniors Tina

Eliza

Scout

and Peyton Greer pose with coaches Ezra Zigarwi, James Brown and Julia Brown for a final photo. Scout Kappes and Eliza Vogel come back to an important moment as the girls soccer team last won Conference in 2022 when these two seniors were 8th graders. They and their other captain Tina Chikwata with senior Peyton Greer led the team successfully through conference and states to an undefeated season. Photo by Hanna Kappes

Boys beat Hampton Roads 5-0 to finish season 18-1

Seniors lead: Juneau named Player of the Match; Schaefer is co-MVP

HOPS: Leaping high to get extra pop on his first serve, Anderson Ratliff ’26 played No. 6 singles and lead 6-2 on his Hampton Roads opponent when the match ended. With Higgins Harlow ‘29, he won 8-2 at No. 3 doubles to contribute his fifth consecutive state title. Photo by Robillard

LAST SERVE: After a disputed call in which Jacob Juneau ‘26 hit an apparent ace, the senior served one more point to seal an 8-0 victory at No. 1 doubles with George Lugar ‘28. “I just wanted to stay aggressive and compete for every point,” Juneau said. He also won the deciding singles set. Photo by Robillard

on our side,” Schaefer said. He never lost a set in his senior season. Robillard

GIRLS TRACK EARNS FIRST STATE TITLE

By Kaitlyn Perkins

Gabby Miller ‘26 and Brooklyn Chen ‘26 wrapped up their senior track season with multiple individual awards and personal bests that helped the girls team win its first VISAA D II championship to add to this season’s BRAC title.

Miller is a year-round athlete who participated in cross country, indoor track, outdoor track and lacrosse and helped achieve a total of five state championships in her senior year alone.

Chen is a Chinese dorm student who is well known for her sporting achievements in varsity basketball along with indoor and outdoor track and field. Chen holds four individual state titles in the shot put, earning herself a new ring or multiple every year since 2024.

This year the girls’ track team had an incredible feat in achieving their first Indoor Track and Field State Championship and their first Outdoor Track and Field State Championship in school history. Miller and Chen were both crucial in these victories, bringing in multiple points from sprinting and throwing events.

Miller is a sprinter who specializes in the 100 and 200 meter distances and also participates in the 4x200m in indoor track and 4x100m in outdoor track. Miller had multiple personal bests throughout her senior season, finishing her season

with a personal best of 13.10 seconds in the 100m and 27.18 in the 200m.

When asked who helped her improve as an athlete, Miller said, “Definitely Coach Booker for always supporting me and teaching me the best technique to become the best. Also my mom for always bringing me to the track meets, she’s my number one fan. Also Coach Britton for giving me spikes and occasionally changing them and of course Coach Ed for signing me up and allowing me to run.”

Miller helped the team win the 4x200m and the 4x100m in the indoor and outdoor seasons alongside Alicia Holmes ‘27, Faith Johnson ‘28, and Camryn Stevens ‘28, earning the girls’ two state titles for the relays alone. When asked how she improved as an athlete this year Miller said “I grew as an athlete by achieving new times and winning the State Title. I didn’t do as much track as I would have liked to due to also playing lacrosse where I also improved as an athlete by making it to the State Finals, which had never happened before.”

Miller was on the girls’ lacrosse team while also competing on the track team. The lacrosse team made it to the sstate finals for the first time in school history, yet another achievement Miller helped accomplish as a senior. In one year, Miller earned five state titles for the Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and the relays.

LAST THROW:

put

throws the discus at her final high school track

Chen threw a distance of 96’ 2”, placing 6th and earning essential points for the team at the VISAA Div. II Track and Field State Championship. Chen’s personal best of 104’ 2” in the event was over a 15 foot improvement from last year. Chen placed higher in the discus than she had any other year at the state meet - a great way to wrap up her senior season. Photo by A. Weng

6 SENIORS LEAD LAX TO 4TH STATE

‘1’ LAST RIDE: Ethan Grigas ‘26 navigates around one of the Nansemond Suffolk Saints as he attempts to find the back of the net during Saturday’s state championship matchup. Grigas, a commit to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, consistently demonstrated a great degree of playmaking ability as he now looks to take his talents to the next level of Division III collegiate lacrosse. With an impressive 70 goals scored across 21 games, Grigas proved that the field was what he made of it—and he was going to make the most. Of course, like all team captains, Grigas’s impact extended far beyond the already superior level of talent he put up on the field. “Overall, he was just a really strong role model for a student, an athlete and just a person overall.” As Grigas continues to battle it out on the field in the Centennial Conference, his offensive acumen will be dearly missed, given that he’s able to secure an impressive 3.3 goals per game. “Most of all,” Patterson said, “he’s a good guy. He got good grades. He tried hard. Honor never came into question with him. He was always a solid guy.”

Compass staff

CHEN IS REPEAT SHOT PUT CHAMP, 4x100 WINS

“It was the best feeling ever,” Miller said about finishing her career with a championship, “being as it was my last time I would be ever running with this group of people. I was so happy we fought hard enough to win. I also felt pretty sad about it being my last race but could never imagine a better team and greater group of girls to win with.”

Chen, too, has many state accolades. As a senior, Chen threw multiple personal bests in both the discus and shot put events. In the shot put, Chen threw 39ft, 9.5in and in the discus, Chen threw 104ft, 2in. Chen placed the best she ever had in the discus event, coming in sixth place at the meet. Chen’s mom came to the U.S. from China for the first time in her life to support Chen at the State Championship and at her graduation.

“That feels fantastic, having my family out there watching me,” Chen said about her mom attending the State Championship, “That’s the first time she came [to the U.S.] and [it was] a really good experience for her too.”

In comparison to her junior track season, Chen had over a 15 foot improvement in the discus event, throwing 87’9” in the 2025 track and field. Chen mentioned Caleb Marshall, her throwing coach, as someone who helped her improve throughout her track career.

“Caleb Marshall, he was a dorm staff [member ] three years ago and we’ve been close,” Chen said of

Marshall. “And he’s not only my coach but like my second dad right now. He helped me a lot.”

Chen continued her streak of Outdoor Track Shot put titles, coming in first place for her third Spring season in a row and improving by over 2ft in the event from the previous year.

“It was really exciting,” Chen said about winning both an individual state and team title in her final track season, “I was pretty nervous when I did my events but I made it. That’s a happy ending for me.”

Chen plans to attend Boston University, majoring in Physical Therapy in the Fall. Miller plans to attend the University of Alabama for Interior Design. Both Chen and Miller said they have considered walking on to the Track and Field teams at their prospective universities but will see how everything plays out. Either way, both have left their mark on North Cross.

When Coach Dickenson spoke at the spring Athletic Awards he thanked the two seniors saying, they brought “magic” to the track and field events. That magic resulted in a state title.

Points earned in VISAA D II Meet

• Alicia Holmes: 28 plus 10 more as part of 4x100 with Miller, Stevens and Johnson;

• Brooklyn Chen: 13; Faith Johnson: 10; Kaitlyn Perkins 9; Ainsley Myles 5, June Bradley 1 plus 5 more from 4x800 with Perkins, Olivia Ball, Madison Ball and Lillian Phillips.

CHAMPIONSHIP IN THEIR 5 YEARS

CURTAINS FOR MVP CHAMP: Sebastian Miller ‘26 pressures the defense from behind the goal in the state championship in which he scored five times and scooped up seven ground balls to help the Raiders win 16-7. Miller, who was awarded team MVP at the athletic awards, earned his final ring as a Raider. The 5 ‘11 D1 commit to Hampton University garnered a grand total of 59 goals across 21 games. Though he will not score any more points for North Cross, his impact will continue to reverberate around Willis Field and in the spirits of the players he imparted into. “His work ethic is probably one of the best on the team,” Preston Rippel ‘27 said of the team captain. “His leadership, honestly, we’ll miss that a lot.” But even as Miller is bound for greener pastures in Hampton, his keys to success will continue to be utilized. “Our coach has been telling us that we can only beat ourselves,” Miller said on Saturday to WFXR and the Herald. “We knew we were the best team and [they] couldn’t slow us down.” Ultimately, a key player sets off in an attempt to create a more formative lacrosse journey. “You kind of see Seb, and you’re like: ‘I wanna be him,’” Rippel said of his teammate. “We’re gonna miss that a lot.” Caption and photo by Mason Bibby

Athletic Awards

B’nai B’rith Athletic and Achievement Awards: Awarded to the male and female seniors who have demonstrated outstanding performances in the areas of athletics (50%), scholarship (30%), and their personal lives (20%). Sam Schaefer, Scout Kappes

Mark Higgins Award: Presented to the senior boy or girl who exhibits excellence in and dedication to sports throughout his/ her career at NCS: Carter Krzeminski

Junior Scholar-Athlete Awards: Carter Doubman and Sophia Camp

Baseball

• Coaches Award: Chase Shannon ‘26

• MVP: Tristan Lange ‘26 Golf: BRAC Champion, VISAA D2 State Runner-up

• Coaches Awards: Maddy Dalton ‘26 and Brandon Carey ‘26

• MVP: Zuhair Mirza ‘26

Girls Lacrosse

• MVPs: Millie Chopski ‘26 and Julia Cephas ‘28

Boys Lacrosse:

• Coaches Award: Christian Stanley ‘26

• MVP: Sebastian Miller ‘26

Track and Field: Girls VISAA D2/BRAC Track Champions

• Boys Coaches Award: Alessio Nunez ‘27

• Boys MVP: Finn Chaney ‘27

• Girls Coaches Award: Ainsley Myles ‘27

• Girls MVP: Faith Johnson ‘28

Girls Soccer: VISAA D II State Champions

• MVPs: Camryn Stevens ‘28 and Isla Whittle ‘28

Boys Tennis: VISAA D II and BRAC Conference Champions

• MVPs: Khalil Burroughs ‘27 and Sam Schaefer ‘26

Seniors who participated in three or more sports including seven honored by VISAA for being seniors who participated in sports all three seasons:

• Ameer Albishah

• Brooklyn Chen

• Millie Chopski -- VISAA

• Carter Krzeminski -- VISAA

• Tristan Lange -- VISAA

• Sebastian Miller -- VISAA

• Gabby Miller -- VISAA

• Sam Schaefer -- VISAA

• Emma Votta -- VISAA

Spirit Award: Awarded to the senior who has exhibited throughout his or her career at North Cross an unselfish support and enthusiasm for North Cross athletics. This award, selected by the coaching staff, further signifies that the recipient embodies the spirit and character North Cross would like to develop within each individual: Tilden Ayers

LEGENDARY LEGACY: Scout Kappes left jaw-dropping numbers in her volleyball career: like 937 career kills, including 408 in her senior season, when her kill percentage was 46%. But Raiders may remember her more for stepping into the goal to save PKs in an undefeated season to earn the first state championship for girls soccer. None of her athletic ability would matter if she didn’t leave impress one and all as kind and caring. Compass staff photo

SPIRITUAL: Tilden Ayers ‘26 places himself between two Saints as the teams come together in prayer after the state championship on May 16. Playing tenacious defense, Ayers helped a senior-led defense with Carter Krzeminski and Christian Stanley that allowed fewer than nine goals per game. Photo by Mason Bibby

ATHETIC SCHOLAR: “Three-sport athlete, impressive scholar, master of the French Horn, adventurous chef – these are just some of the many facets of Sam Schaefer.” So began the acolades for Sam when he was named to the Cum Laude society. Co-MVP in tennis, he also swam and played soccer every year, but most importantly, Upper School Director Allie Kier said, “Sam’s story at North Cross is one of humbleness, kindness, and generosity.”

Photo by Robert Robillard

LAUDED: As she stands with her Cum Laude award, Co-MVP Millie Chopski ‘26 helped the girls lacrosse team get to the state finals for the first time. The attacker scored goals, made assists, scooped ground balls, doing whatever it took to win. Ultimately, the team learned what it takes to get to the final match of the season, a legacy left by seniors like Millie. The academic powerhouse will study at VT in the fall. Photo by R. Robillard

Valedictorian: Shar Nanda ‘26

Salutatorian: Zuhair Mirza ‘26

Academic Awards

Thomas Slack Award: Carter Krzeminski ‘26

Willis Hall Director’s Award: Ethan Grigas and Eliza Vogel ‘26

Scott Robertson Good Citizenship Award: Kaleb Robinson ‘26

William and Mary Leadership Award: Mac Byrd ‘27

Jefferson Award: Finn Chaney ‘27

The Head of School Award: Mac Byrd

Fine Arts:

• Studio Art: Savannah Brooks ‘26

• Graphic Design: Parker Britton ‘28

• Instrumental Music: Maggie Bibby ‘26

• Drama: Suvi Mattson-Hansen ‘26

English: Oliver Lacy ‘26

World Languages:

• French: Shar Nanda ‘26

• Latin: Millie Chopski ‘26

• Spanish: Turner Faires ‘26

Mathematics:

• Calculus: Sophia Camp ‘27

• Mathematics: Carter Krzeminski

Computer Science: Mac Byrd ‘27

Science

• Biology: Zuhair Mirza ‘26

• Chemistry: Finn Chaney ‘27

• Physics: HaoYi Lyu ‘26

History: Mason Jolley ‘26

Journalism: Kaitlyn Perkins ‘28

Yearbook: Suvi Mattson-Hansen

‘CURVE BREAKER:’

During the Cum Laude announcement, Zuhair Mirza was lauded: “Though he might tell you that his strongest subjects are Math, Physics and Chemistry, he has in fact taken our most rigorous curriculum across every discipline and is affectionately known as the ‘curve breaker’ in his AP English literature class for his trademark high scores. Fluent in Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi and Spanish, Zuhair graduates with 11 APs and a dual STEM and Global Studies Distinction.” He will study and play golf at UVa -Wise.

Photo by Robert Robillard

DIRECTOR’S AWARD

Shown in a photo from prom, Eliza Vogel was chosen by Upper School Director Allie Kier to share the award. Kier said, “She is such a genuinely kind person, bringing her light wherever she goes. Who else admits in the middle of a soccer game that actually, she kicked the ball out of bounds and the other team should have the throw in?”

Fine Arts Distinction: Suvi Mattson-Hansen

Photo by Morgan Kemp

Global Studies Distinction: Anna Ciccozzi, Suvi Mattson Hansen, Zuhair Mirza

STEM Distinction: Brandon Carey, Anna Ciccozzi, Carter Krzeminski, Abby Landry, Zuhair Mirza, Shar Nanda, Izzy Snyder

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal: Finn Chaney

DeHart Project Award: Turner Faires

Excellence in Writing Award: Mason Bibby ‘27

‘INTELLECTUAL GIANTS:’ Salutatorian Zuhair Mirza ‘26 fist bumps with Valedictorian Shar Nanda ‘26 as they take the stage to be honored as the top two students over the last four years at the academic awards on Thursday. “Zuhair and Shar, you are both intellectual giants and have raised the academic bar at North Cross,” Head of School Armistead Lemon said. “Congratulations on your extraordinary academic achievement. We look forward to celebrating you shortly as members of Cum Laude as well as at commencement on Saturday.” In the subsequent Cum Laude announcements, Nanda was described as, “an academic powerhouse. In the classroom underneath a calm and reserved demeanor Shar is actually grappling with incredibly complex topics and understandings, mastering each concept to the highest degree.” Photo by R. Robillard

North Cross Book Awards: Seniors: Milica Andelkovic, Savannah Brooks, Brandon Carey, Anna Ciccozzi, Turner Faires, Ethan Grigas, Kaylie Johnson, Mason Jolley, Carter Krzeminski, Oliver Lacy, Abby Landry, Tristan Lange, Zuhair Mirza, Shar Nanda, Hanchen Ou, Jiale Qin, Sam Schaefer, Chase Shannon, Izzy Snyder

Cum Laude Society:

• Juniors: Mac Byrd, Sophia Camp, Finn Chaney

• Seniors: Brandon Carey, Anna Ciccozzi, Turner Faires, Carter Krzeminski, Zuhair Mirza, Shar Nanda, Savannah Brooks, Millie Chopski, Oliver Lacy, Sam Schaefer, Noah Shorey, Izzy Snyder

PICTURE OF HUMILITY:

Grinning while listening to his accomplishments, Carter Krzeminski accepts his Cum Laude recognition, adding to Math and STEM awards. Embellishing on Krzeminski’s achievemements, Upper School Director Allie Kier said, “Yet amazingly, he moves through his days with an affable, generous spirit - the epitome of grace under pressure. Indeed, he has led and learned here at North Cross with a humility that invites others to join him.” The athletic department also awarded him the Mark Higgins Award for being a three-sport star in soccer, lacrosse and swimming, which will serve him well at Navy. Photo by R. Robillard

ARTS

Compass yearbook editor wins three arts awards, FAD and Global Studies Distinctions

With family in

In AP

was born in Canada

she is uses her unique perspective, which can be seen in her art. “My art connects with my identity because my art is centered around Africa as a whole, and I am from Africa, so showing my perspective of Africa in my view on the continent as a whole is really important to me. . . . I made this art to show that despite what people think there are many beauties that the continent has.” Caption by A. Pandey

AP Art Studio student SuviMattson-Hansen ‘26, was one of seven AP art students who put their art in the entry to New Slack. This piece shows images of countries she visited like Argentina. Hansen earned the Fine Arts, Drama and Yearbook awards, the Fine Arts and Global Studies Distinctions this year. Hansen will study product design at the University of Western England in Bristol. Yearbook Advisor and Graphic Design teacher Morgan Kemp spoke about her as a student and a person. “Well, I think about her time in Advanced [Graphic Design] last year, and how much she's grown using graphic design as an art medium to get her ideas and voice across,” Kemp said. “As a student. I could talk for hours about how she's determined, she's creative, she's thoughtful. Overall, she's just a wonderful person to have in the classroom. She adds a different perspective and like a calming essence to everything. And I think her artwork kind of reflects that as well.”

“Overall, she’s just a wonderful person to have in the classroom. She adds a different perspective and like a calming essence to everything. And I think her artwork kind of reflects that as well.”

-- Yearbook advisor Morgan Kemp

ART-SCIENCE INTERSECTION: Global girls Sharmithaa Bhavani ‘26, Isabel Mendez Moraga ‘26, Rabia Ferron ‘26, Brooklyn Chen ‘26 and Maria Albishah ‘27 stand in front of the globe produced by a collaboration of students under the direction of art teacher Amy Jackson and environmental science teacher Mistie Dickenson for the Shane McConkey EcoChallenge. “It was all of the kids and some of the art kids. “Amy and I decided to collaborate on the Shane McConkey EcoChallenge in February. We had a short turnaround time to get it done before International Day and the deadline for the challenge which was Earth Day. It was all of the environmental science kids and some of the art kids.” Photo by Mistie Dickenson

ARTS

“Savannah Brooks surpasses expectations for every material she uses and every creative challenge she takes on. She is only one of four North Cross Students to complete two consecutive years of AP Art and Design portfolios, last year inventively and powerfully exploring the impact of cancer and this year bringing her DeHart Project about the destruction of coral reefs to life in a three-dimensional installation, which is currently on display in the Slack Hall Gallery outside of Lemon Dining Hall – I encourage everyone to take a look if you haven’t seen it already.”

- AP Art teacher Amy Jackson

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