The Sierra Canyon Chapter of the Cum Laude Society welcomed 20 new members at the 13th annual induction ceremony on Wednesday, March 11, during Community Time in the Feinberg Family Gym.
Proud families joined students, faculty, and administrators to celebrate the inductees and the academic dedication that earned them this distinction. Associate Upper School Director Ryan Staude spoke about the Cum Laude Society's tradition of recognizing outstanding scholarship and the significance of joining a network that includes only 31 chapters in California and 382 nationwide. Often described as the high school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, the Cum Laude Society recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, integrity, and love of learning. Sierra Canyon’s chapter stands among this distinguished group committed to honoring academic excellence at the highest level.
Joshua P. '26, inducted into the Society last year, took the stage to deliver the student address. Joshua reflected on the two qualities he credited for his success: consistency and community. He spoke candidly about learning to take failure in stride and encouraged his fellow inductees to lean on the people around them. "Every victory is better shared," he told the audience, "and every loss is more tolerable with friends."
Alice Kessler, Director of the Dyne Academic Resource Center, delivered the faculty address. She reminded inductees that academic honor extends beyond grades and transcripts, encouraging them to use their knowledge and voice to create understanding and possibility for others. "May you continue your life's journey not only cum laude — with honor — but with purpose, empathy, and compassion," she told the group.
Head of School Jim Skrumbis and Associate Head of School Stephanie Rubin joined in presenting certificates and commemorative pins to the inductees, honors they will wear on their robes during graduation. Following the ceremony, newly inducted members and their families were honored at a luncheon.
This year's induction includes 8 new members from the Class of 2026 and 12 new members from the Class of 2027.
| Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 |
|---|---|
| Maya C. | Trey C. |
| Krish C. | Savanna C. |
| Duoyong G. | Charles C. |
| Xinfei L. | Lily D. |
| Emma N. | Margaret D. |
| Olivia R. | Aiden J. |
| Zeming T. | Owen L. |
| Ruiyan W. | Atticus M. |
| Thomas M. | |
| Kyndall P. | |
| Caden S. | |
| Penelope S. |
Seniors above joined 17 members of their class inducted as juniors last year.
| Class of 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Anoush A. | James B. |
| Cayden C. | Quinne F. |
| Aiden G. | Dean G. |
| Danny M. | Nikhil M. |
| Lincoln M. | Kellen O. |
| Nicholas P. | Joshua P. |
| Sophia R. | Finn R. |
| Danny W. | Nathan W. |
| John X. |
Congratulations to the current and newest members of the Sierra Canyon Cum Laude Society. Your scholarship, curiosity, and commitment to learning reflect the spirit of the Cum Laude Society and the academic culture that defines Sierra Canyon.
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