Every year, the top 10 percent of the junior and senior classes are inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society, recognizing students who have demonstrated good character, honor, and integrity while prioritizing academic excellence.
Our Student Council President, theater performer, and aspiring philosopher, senior Evie Comis, is a person whose warmth and wit leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Evie is dedicated to improving student life, a passion matched only by her intellectual curiosity, as shown in her Humanities Research Capstone on the intersection of modern medicine and humanist ethics. “Evie, you leave every person you meet with a smile on their face and the certainty that you will make a lasting impact in this world,” senior Brandon Fuladi said.
An aspiring chemical engineer with a passion for sustainability, junior Keanu Christiansen solves problems with perseverance and scientific curiosity. From writing papers on vehicle aerodynamics to creating biodiesel from soybean oil and methanol, Keanu’s ambition extends far beyond the classroom. “Every story and tidbit I learn about Keanu never ceases to amaze, impress, and inspire me,” Fuladi said.
Empathetic, fierce, and endlessly curious, senior Emie Valle approaches both people and animals with the same rare attentiveness that makes her unique. A recent experience tutoring a student in English at the public library ignited a passion for teaching and deepened her understanding that true communication requires empathy above all else. “Whatever path she takes, she will bring thoughtfulness, fierce determination, and a rare ability to make people feel truly seen,” senior Bennett Sullivan said.
A quick swimmer and equally quick in the classroom, junior Yikai Feng approaches history not as a subject to memorize but as a lens through which to understand the world and prevent its greatest tragedies from repeating. He dreams of becoming a Formula 1 engineer and “with his problem-solving mindset and the fact that he beats me on every single calculus test, I have no doubt that he will one day be behind the innovations that carry a team to the constructors’ championship,” Bennett said.
A determined worker and editor-in-chief of our magazine, senior Ella Wickman, never quits. Inspired by surgeon and author Atul Gawande, Ella aims to become an innovative surgeon who refines existing healthcare processes to elevate patient care. “It has been an honor being your classmate and friend. I am confident that you will continue to rethink, improve, and uplift the spaces you occupy,” senior Teddy Wilson said.
An elite squash player with a sharp analytical mind, junior Marshall Graham excels in history and political science, finding particular passion in exploring how governments evolve over time. Though undecided on a career path, his ability to craft persuasive arguments and his humanities-focused background position him as a future leader in business and policy. “We’re all excited to see what you’ll do,” Teddy said.
A theater star and dedicated scholar, Senior Amelia Noble does everything, from researching feminist philosophy for her humanities project to starring as Elle Woods on the Spaulding stage. With dreams of becoming a theater director who uses the art form to communicate complex ideas to broad audiences, Amelia’s dedication makes her future as bright as any spotlight. “It’s clear Amelia can do anything she puts her mind to,” junior Asher Gottesdiener said.
A lover of literature with a gift for writing, junior Hadleigh Bolton discovered the power of feminist philosophy through Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex and hasn’t looked back since. Now in her second year of the Humanities Research Program, Hadleigh hopes to channel her literary talents into a career in journalism, bringing important stories to life in a fast-paced environment. “Hadleigh is more than up to the task, and as qualified as it gets,” Asher said.
Congratulations to all of this year’s remarkable Cum Laude inductees! Every member of the Laguna community looks forward to seeing the impact they will make in the world around them each and every day.
