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Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

Celebrating the Class of 2026

As the Class of 2026 prepares to leave Forest Ridge and take their next steps at colleges and universities across the country, I hope you’ll take a moment to get to know them a bit better, celebrating all they’ve experienced here and looking ahead with them toward the bright futures that await. You’ll read in the pages that follow about two of our signature academic programs that many of our seniors have pursued. The Endorsement Pathways provide students with the opportunity to dive deeply into a specialized area of interest in STEM, the Arts, or Global Citizenship, engaging in meaningful, sustained exploration. During their senior year, students can also participate in Advanced Integrated Studies (AIS), where, guided by a faculty advisor, they design a Capstone Project that reflects their passions and learning journey. Our students’ interests and talents are as varied as they are remarkable. Over the years, whether they joined us in middle school or more recently, they’ve challenged themselves academically, discovered their voices, and led with authenticity. They’ve built friendships that will last a lifetime and have brought joy, energy, and purpose to our community. We are so proud of who our seniors have become. They are ready to speak up, stand tall, and lead with conviction and heart. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating this extraordinary group of young people – we will miss them dearly, and we cannot wait to see what they do next.

Mary Rose Guerin Head of School

Aliya A. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 6th grade Where are you going next year? University of British Columbia, Vancouver Planned major or course of study? English Endorsement Pathway? I was in the Global Citizenship Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? Why do women’s relationship with the color pink and feminism change over time, and how? What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? My favorite class at Forest Ridge was History of East Asia because it combined my passion for history with my love of learning about cultures, traditions, and politics. What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am most proud of planning Congé with my fellow ASB Officers and managing to keep it a secret, since I'm usually awful at keeping a surprise. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I appreciated the community and the closeness that everyone has with each other. I know that I made meaningful connections that I will take with me beyond high school.

Caroline C. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th Grade Where are you going next year? Gonzaga University Planned major or course of study? Elementary Education & Theater Arts What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I loved being in the theater program at Forest Ridge. Playing Karen in “Mean Girls” and The Witch in “Into the Woods” were both highlights for me. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Retreats were always really special. Building more connections with my classmates during Kairos was my favorite though! What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Try new things and get out of your social bubble!

Isabelle D. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th grade Where are you going next year? University of British Columbia, Okanagan Planned major or course of study? Environmental Sciences What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am really proud that I made so many amazing friendships during my time here. What is your funniest memory here? I always loved going on retreats. The Camp Don Bosco bread retreat was definitely the funniest experience. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Climate Change because it really opened my eyes to different environmental issues and how I could help.

Caroline E. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 6th grade Where are you going next year? Whitman College Planned major or course of study? Neuroscience What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Intro to Psychology with Ms. Stewart. I enjoyed it because the topic was interesting and Ms. Stewart is an amazing teacher and classes are always much better when the teacher is obviously passionate about the topic. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? How everything that happens here showcases women in power. The sports teams are all girls. The clubs are all girls. The leaders are all girls. It brings a sense of pride to every girl here. What is your funniest memory here? In 6th grade our whole class staged a (pretend) wedding. It was so silly and so fun.

Amy L. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th grade Where are you going next year? University of Rochester Planned major or course of study? Cognitive Science and Music Endorsement Pathway? I completed the Arts Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? If the timbre of instruments is coded for the arousal of certain emotions, why? How does the brain perceive these timbres and transmit them into emotions of humans? What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? Everyone here is close-knit, open minded, connected, understanding and respectful. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Art History, and any other of Ms. K-S’s classes because I learned the art history eras that are connected to ideological shifts and music history too, and learning about the meaning of art throughout history. I enjoy philosophical and complex thought processes, and Ms. K-S’s classes often involve both.

Belinda M. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 6th grade Where are you going next year? University of Washington Planned major or course of study? Computer Science Endorsement Pathway? I completed the STEM Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? What is a technological tool that can help with Substance Use Disorder? What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? When I joined the Forest Ridge community in middle school, it was also the year I moved to the United States. I remember the first day of lunch when a girl immediately invited me to join her table, making me feel included and welcomed. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I appreciate that women are succeeding, uplifted, and empowered everywhere you look. It is so important for the development of young girls’ identities, narratives, and voices—realizing that they are capable, exceptional, and influential. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? My favorite class at Forest Ridge was Spanish. Through the safe classroom environment, I’m encouraged to use unfamiliar words, explore and immerse myself in a new culture, and realize the interconnectedness of humanity.

Ava M. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 8th grade Where are you going next year? Loyola Marymount University Planned major or course of study? Human and Health Sciences, Pre-Med Track Endorsement Pathway? I completed the STEM Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? With the prescription of drugs in a patient, why do the complex mechanisms with common comorbidities of neurological disorders in individuals inhibit the function of the modern medicinal approach and lead to the use of polypharmacy? What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? The exchange program to Madrid, Spain. I have gained a life long friendship despite the distance and it gave me a new perspective on culture and academics in a different setting. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? I have two favorite classes. The first is American Experience with Ms. Rice and Ms. Munro-Hernandez. They made the class interesting and funny. They supported me and allowed me to grow as a better writer and learner. The other class was Biology with Ms. Rahmig. Her passion and supportiveness allowed her to go more in depth with the topics, and it made class more understandable and interesting. I love the science classes, because it allowed me to explore what I want to do in the future and helped me develop my interests and curiosities. What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am most proud of how my volleyball team came back stronger each year. Although we did not win every game, our bond kept on getting stronger which helped the team's chemistry.

Laine M. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th grade Where are you going next year? San Diego State University Planned major or course of study? Psychology, Pre-Med Track Endorsement Pathway? I completed the Global Citizenship Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? Can the clay arts help improve teen mental health? What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? My sophomore year I was the recipient of the Arts Award from the Fine Arts Faculty. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I met my best friend here! What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? I’ve loved all of the immersive trips. I was able to go to Guatemala and volunteer as a part of a Global Health focused immersive.

Samantha M. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th grade Where are you going next year? Brandeis University Planned major or course of study? Creative Writing Endorsement Pathway? I was in the Arts Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? Why and in what ways can LGBTQIA+ art be a powerful advocacy tool to change narratives? What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? My favorite class was AIS because of the freedom to curate the content. My topic was on LGBTQIA+ activism through art, so I got to not only research something I was very passionate about, but in the ways I wanted to, like interviewing an artist. It was also an opportunity to do my own art so I could balance research with something I find more enjoyable. It was challenging, but exciting. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? A meaningful experience was going on exchange. I went to Madrid where I got to eat delicious foods, experience a difference school, practice my Spanish, and sight see. It was a wonderful opportunity to not only be on my own, but to learn a little about the history and culture of the cities on different tours. And I bought a ton of marzipan, very yummy. What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? If someone new to Forest Ridge asked for my advice I would recommend trying new things, especially experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. When I first started handbells it was a completely new instrument and I joined part way through the year, so everyone was ahead of me. I was very nervous at first, but I am so glad that I got to be a part of such a wonderful team and I love music so it was great to play an instrument again.

Joslynn M. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 5th grade (a lifer!) Where are you going next year? University of Denver Planned major or course of study? Undecided, Pre-Med Track What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I have loved the community and friendships I’ve been able to be a part of and create. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? The immersive trips I took really impacted me. I was able to explore new places with a familiar community of people I trusted. I did a travel skills immersive to San Francisco, and on another immersive trip I had the chance to go to Italy. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Ms. Rice’s English class in 9th grade! It felt really advanced and hard, and Ms. Rice helped us learn how to navigate and manage challenging work.

Molly N. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th grade Where are you going next year? Syracuse University Planned major or course of study? International Relations Endorsement Pathway? I was in the Global Citizenship Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? What systemic barriers contribute to period poverty among teens, and how can community based solutions help address it and reduce impact? What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The close group of friends that I have and the impact that they have had on my life. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? It’s a tie between ring ceremony and the first day of senior year with my friends. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Civics in Action taught by Ms. Barnes. This class was my favorite because the final project inspired my senior capstone project and sparked my interest in women’s health advocacy.

Minh N. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 10th grade Where are you going next year? University of Washington Planned major or course of study? Pre-Sciences Endorsement Pathway? I chose the STEM Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? How can DNA barcoding be used to identify medicinal plant species in Vietnamese traditional medicine? What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I’m most proud of how I’ve grown over the years, becoming more confident and willing to step outside my comfort zone. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The supportive and close-knit community! What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? Get involved and take full advantage of the opportunities here.

Jiayu P. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 5th grade Where are you going next year? New York University Planned major or course of study? Undecided What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? I really liked all my Spanish classes with Ms. Castro. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Middle School here was really special. What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I’m proud that I am graduating after being here since 5th grade (a lifer!)

Trisha P. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 5th grade Where are you going next year? George Washington University Planned major or course of study? Public Health Endorsement Pathway? I completed the STEM Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? How can food banks improve access to nutrition for the communities they serve by improving how food is distributed and chosen? What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Biotechnology- I originally planned to major in biotechnology, so the content of the class was very interesting, and I made lots of new friends! What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? The senior retreat! Our class got way closer throughout this year. After last year at Kairos, I was so excited for this year’s retreat! What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? Don’t be shy to step up! My friends and teachers encourage me when I’m trying to do something, and I’ve made so many friends just from stepping a bit outside my comfort zone.

Kassidy R. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 6th grade Where are you going next year? Loyola Marymount University Planned major or course of study? Psychology What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Epic Novel with Ms. Ayer! We had really good conversations and it was a supportive environment to express our thoughts and observations amongst friends. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? I loved going on an immersive trip to France my sophomore year. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I was able to form strong friendships.

Vivian S. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 5th grade Where are you going next year? American University Planned major or course of study? International Studies What was your essential question in AIS? What cultural nuances are lost in translation, and what role do human translators play in the age of AI? What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? My favorite class at Forest Ridge has been Critical Theory. It has been the class that fell most squarely within my interests. Some of my favorite essays I've read have been from this class. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The community and relationships you build are so supportive! What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? Step out of your comfort zone, make friends, and talk to your teachers.

Skylar S. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 8th grade Where are you going next year? Carleton College Planned major or course of study? Psychology and Music Endorsement Pathway? I completed the Arts Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? What makes a hit song? What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I’ve loved the focus and intensity that Forest Ridge provided me. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Going to Greece with the Forest Ridge Chamber Choir was really special. I’m also really proud that I was the varsity volleyball captain for all four years of high school. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Video Game Narratives was so fun, engaging and creative. I really enjoyed learning about different types of literature and media.

Anna S. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th grade Where are you going next year? Wellesley College Planned major or course of study? French and Art History What was your essential question in AIS? What are the biggest difficulties in French to English translations? What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? When I was awarded my seal of Biliteracy in French and English at the “working fluency” level. What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Having Ms. Li as my math teacher and discovering that maybe I do actually like math! What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The inherent community and connection you feel between all the girls from the moment you enter the school.

Katelyn T. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 6th grade Where are you going next year? University of Southern California Planned major or course of study? Human Biology, Pre-MedTrack Endorsement Pathway? I completed the STEM Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? What physiological factors contribute to injuries in dancers and how can understanding them help lead to reliable prevention? What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am most proud of planning a successful and fun Congé with the other ASB Officers. It has been such an honor to work alongside such driven, passionate, hardworking students. After months and months of preparation, we used our individual strengths to pull off an exciting event that was packed full with community time, performances, and Raven pride. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? It is truly so meaningful how we all show up for each other. Students across grade levels support each other in class, sit together at lunch, and form strong connections during our time here. We are not only united through our education, but through our experiences growing up as young girls navigating the highs and lows of today's society. We are also surrounded by empowering, inspiring, and knowledgeable female teachers who care about what they teach and want us to be successful. I have always looked up to my teachers here as role models and have learned how to be a better leader, student, sister, and friend, from what they've taught me. What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? Walk into every room with an open mind and remember to stay present! It is so easy to take advantage of our beautiful community, and I know it will be the thing I miss most when I go off to college. Do not be afraid to lean on the people around you and try new things. There are so many opportunities for students at FR and some of my favorite experiences have been complete and unexpected surprises.

Lynn W. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 10th grade Where are you going next year? Vassar College Planned major or course of study? International Relations & Slavic Studies Endorsement Pathway? I was in the Arts Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? How does Russia utilize the media to spread disinformation and propaganda in the West and how can that be distinguished from authentic forms of connection? What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? Getting the chance to participate in the international choral festival in Greece with my fellow choir students. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I’ve appreciated the attentiveness from my teachers and peers. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Ms. Ayer’s English class, because it brought together juniors and seniors and allowed us to theorize about our ideas on Les Misérables and it helped develop my love for historical literature.

Helen W. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 8th grade Where are you going next year? University of California, San Diego Planned major or course of study? Speculative Design Endorsement Pathway? I completed the Arts Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? How does K-pop media reflect the evolution of contemporary feminism in South Korea, and how do patriarchal norms and fandom culture shape both empowerment and backlash for female idols? What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Feeling supported by such a caring community of girls. The people around me made me laugh during stressful moments, encouraged me to keep creating, and helped me feel at home. FR taught me to be more confident in myself, more open to growth, and less afraid of the unknown. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? My favorite class at Forest Ridge was Film Studies because it encouraged me to try new things and see stories from different perspectives. It pushed me to think creatively and made me more confident sharing my ideas with others. What was the funniest memory? There are lots of colleges that visit Forest Ridge. During a meeting for UC Davis I accidentally broke a chair in front of everyone! It was so embarrassing!

Huiji W. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 6th grade Where are you going next year? University of Washington Planned major or course of study? Psychology What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? What I have appreciated about attending an all-girls school is that it made me be able to really internalize that women can do anything. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? My favorite class is English because of the critical thinking and analysis skills I have gained and put to good use to enjoy various forms of media even more. What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? Always remember to check your emails

Shengxue “Emma” Z. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 11th grade Where are you going next year? Rutgers University Planned major or course of study? Undecided What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? I can’t pick just one! I really enjoyed all my math classes, physics, and biology! What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I have loved that we all help each other - girls are helping girls and we are a warm, big family. What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am proud that no matter what happened, I always brought a smile to my interactions with others.

Jia “Jina” Z. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 9th grade Where are you going next year? University of Pennsylvania Planned major or course of study? Studio Art What was your essential question in AIS? Does language make us more than we make language? What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? As a group of girls, we have become ever more united; supporting and advocating for one another. Through this, we’ve learned about the strength of women, helping us all grow into stronger, braver, and wiser people. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? ART! I love Ms. Bass and Ms. Gould guiding us through the world of art. The art classrooms are such lovely places to try different materials and forms of art. What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? Be a vibrant and unique version of yourself. Don’t let others influence you, and never give up.

Xin “Ella” Z. When did you start at Forest Ridge? 10th grade Where are you going next year? Smith College Planned major or course of study? Biology Endorsement Pathway? I completed the STEM Endorsement Pathway What was your essential question in AIS? How does understanding of time structure serve narratives in game design? What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? Biotech! I love gene engineering and DNA testing. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I appreciate how our school empowers girls and encourages us to pursue anything we want to do. What advice would you give to a new student at Forest Ridge? Grab every opportunity and maximize the usefulness of the resources available to you.

College Acceptances for the Class of 2026 *Asterisk indicates student(s) attending, parentheses indicate multiple students accepted American University (2)* Boston College Boston University Brandeis University (2)* Carleton College* Chapman University (6) Colorado State University Drew University Drexel University George Washington University* Gonzaga University* Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College Loyola Marymount University (4)** Loyola University Chicago McGill University Michigan State University (2) Montana State University (3) New York University* Northeastern University (2) Ohio State University Okanagan College Oregon State University (3) Pennsylvania State University (3) Pepperdine University Pratt Institute Purdue University (2) Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University (4)* Saint Mary's College of California San Diego State University (4)* Santa Clara University (4) Seattle Pacific University Seattle University (3) Simmons University Simon Fraser University Skidmore College Smith College* St. Olaf College Stony Brook University Syracuse University* The University of British Columbia - Okanagan (2)* The University of British Columbia - Vancouver (2)* Trinity College (2) Union College University of Arizona University of California-Davis (6) University of California-Irvine (4) University of California-Los Angeles University of California-Merced University of California-San Diego* University of California-Santa Barbara (3) University of Colorado Boulder (3) University of Connecticut (2) University of Delaware University of Denver (2)*

University of Idaho (2) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2) University of Iowa University of La Verne University of Maryland University of Massachusetts-Amherst University of Massachusetts-Boston University of New Hampshire University of Oregon (5) University of Pennsylvania* University of Pittsburgh University of Puget Sound (2) University of Rochester (3)* University of San Diego (4) University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Southern California* University of the Pacific University of Toronto University of Vermont University of Washington-Bothell (2) University of Washington-Seattle (7)*** Vassar College* Washington State University Wellesley College* Western Washington University (2) Whitman College* Worcester Polytechnic Institute