As the Class of 2025 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 an Advanced Integrated Seminar (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
Mia A.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Washington
Planned major or course of study? Political Science
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge? In tenth grade all students take a course called American Experience - it combines history and literature. It made me realize how much I care about politics and English. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The sisterhood and the fact that I’m motivated to do my best every day. What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am an athlete (editor’s note: Mia is our only senior who played a sport every season in each of her four years in high school) and I am most proud of making the All-Conference list for basketball my junior and senior year.
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Leading the 2024 AAPISU (Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Union) assembly and being able to share my culture with everyone. What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Never pass up croissant day at the FRidge!
Selam B.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Washington
Planned major or course of study? Biology
Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My essential question was “What can Tay-Sachs disease teach us about the broader potential and limitations of CRISPR in addressing neurodegenerative and other genetic disorders?”
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? Biology! Everything - from the classmates and teacher to the content - was incredible. I've always loved the subject, and learning and hands-on experiences at Forest Ridge only made that love grow more.
What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge?
One of the funniest memories I have is the chaos of getting ready for theater shows. Everyone scrambling around trying to find props or microphones at the last minute - half-panicked, half-laughing. Somehow, in the midst of all the noise and nerves, we always managed to pull it together just in time, and those moments backstage were honestly some of the best. What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? When I first moved here, it took me a while to adjust to a new environment and feel comfortable enough to truly be myself as an introvert. But once I did, I made so many wonderful friends and memories, and so I encourage you all: don't be afraid to come out of your shell!
Abby B.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? Colby College
Planned major or course of study? Education and American Studies
Endorsement Pathway? Arts Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? “How has Queer representation in film evolved throughout history”
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school?
I've appreciated being surrounded by so many role models (both staff and peers) who aren't afraid to ask questions, show their knowledge, or speak up. It's pushed me to be a better friend, learner, and leader. Without an all-girls education, I don't think I would have taken most of the leadership roles I have today or felt as confident taking on academic challenges.
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why?
One of my favorite classes at Forest Ridge was my Exploring Global Cultures class my freshman year. Not only was it very fun to take a class with my entire grade, but it was also my first integrated studies class, combining religion and social studies. It showed me the endless possibilities that emerge when I combine different fields of interest, and how two topics can be put together and applied to real world problems. The summative assignments were also super fun and interesting in EGC, and I liked having so many different ways to express my learning.
Amy C.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Fifth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of California, San Diego
Planned major or course of study? Human Biology
Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My AIS essential question was “How is MBTI represented in popular culture?”
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? My favorite thing about attending an all-girls school is the strong community that it makes – the whole class really comes together! What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am super proud of completing both the STEM Endorsement pathway as well as an AIS (Advanced Integrative Studies). It was a lot of work, but worth it!
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Reach out to people! Everyone is nicer than you might expect!
Milo C.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? Marist University
Planned major or course of study? Elementary Education
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? I have two!
I love Ceramics and find that it allows me to push myself creatively, while having a lot of fun. I also really enjoyed Climate Change, since it is such a big issue facing our generation. What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge? At the end of every sports season, there is a tradition of a faculty/staff vs. students game. We have the game during our weekly assembly, so everyone on campus is there to cheer the competitors on. It is sometimes a good match-up, but it is always fun to compete in or watch.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? How much I’ve grown in my ceramics skills.
Evelyn C.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? Boston University
Planned major or course of study? Art
What was your essential question in AIS? My essential question for AIS was “How do cultural, political, and religious contexts influence the tradition of Tibetan Thangka paintings?”
What accomplishment are your most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am really proud of where I’m going to college! Working with Ms. Danos helped me find a school that was the best fit for me. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? My passion is art. My favorite classes were Studio Art and Ceramics, because I really enjoy art and love the classes with Ms. G.
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Take a lot of pictures and try to participate in as many activities and clubs as you can.
Lauren C.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Seventh Grade
Where are you going next year? University of California, Davis
Planned major or course of study? Animal Science
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? The Mexico immersive trip I went on this year for Immersive Week was really cool. It was a completely new experience for me, which is really valuable.
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? Ceramics, because it allowed me to be creative and create beautiful and functional things.
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? I would say to take advantage of the opportunities and resources that you have access to here.
Maddy D.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Fifth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of California, Los Angeles
Planned major or course of study? International Relations and Political Science
Endorsement Pathway? Global Citizenship Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My AIS essential question was “How do racial portrayals in horror films reflect societal fears of ‘the other’?”
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? That I know I am capable and intelligent, and have the confidence in myself to speak up.
What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge? In theater, every time there was a sad scene, we would try to get the actors to break character from offstage, so we would come up with silly dances using props to make them crack!
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? Literature and Film because we were able to see how something as simple as a movie can reflect societal expectations and ideals.
Catherine E.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? Columbia University
Planned major or course of study? Political Science Endorsement Pathway? I completed the Global Citizenship Endorsement Pathway, though I originally thought I wanted to do the STEM Pathway. What was your essential question in AIS? “How does ‘language brokering’ impacted designated child interpreters?” What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? I will always remember going to Greece for my immersive trip this year. It was truly a lifechanging experience where I laughed a ton, bonded with my classmates, and was proud of the work and support we were able to bring communities in Athens.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? Running the Latine Student Union for the past two years, and being able to foster a safe, fun, and loving community.
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The love and support we share with each other. What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Try everything! Even things that might scare you or push you out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might discover a new passion.
Kate F.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Fifth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Colorado, Boulder
Planned major or course of study? Integrative Physiology
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I’ve been on the golf team all four years of high school, and this year I qualified for the State Tournament. I placed within the top 25, which I’m really proud of. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? Everyone understands and supports each other. What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Bond with people in other grades - it makes classes more fun!
Julie Grace G.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are your plans for next year? Disability advocacy & STEM independent study
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? Calculus 2being with other young women that share a love of advanced math. What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I love math, so I was really honored to win the class math award in 9 and 11 grade. th th
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Sharing my astrophotography in the student art show - the intersection of science and art! What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Embrace the traditions of Forest Ridge, as it is really unique.
Kacia H.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Seventh Grade
Where are you going next year? Pepperdine University
Planned major or course of study? Nutritional Sciences
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am really proud of my leadership for the Black Student Union. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The bonds I’ve been able to make with my classmates.
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? The theater community - my classmates accepted me and taught me how to be my authentic self.
What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge? The bear incident at the senior retreat!
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Don’t be afraid to be yourself! Everyone is very accepting.
Julia H.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? Colorado College
Planned major or course of study? Environmental Science Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? “The Buzz About Climate Change: Why are bees essential to our ecosystems? And how can we help them during the climate crisis?”
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? My favorite classes at Forest Ridge have been ceramics! I am able to learn from my mistakes and be creative at the same time. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school?
Being able to see girls in positions of leadership from a young age, and then being able to have opportunities to be a leader myself through my time here.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I have loved my time on the tennis team, and I am most proud of winning districts and making state for tennis. I also am really proud of my AIS project. Climate change is something I’m passionate about, and it ties into what I hope to study in college.
Cecilia H.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Michigan
Planned major or course of study? Undecided. I will be competing on their swim team.
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I have appreciated the sense of empowerment and confidence it has fostered in me, the supportive atmosphere, and the opportunity to build strong friendships.
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? My favorite class at Forest Ridge was neuroscience because we got to do many fun labs.
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge?
Get involved in clubs and activities, as they are a great way to meet new friends.
Jaya J.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Fifth Grade
Where are you going next year? Gonzaga University
Planned major or course of study? Human Physiology
What was your essential question in AIS? “How does intersectionality of Black Women affect their mental health?”
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am proud of my growth over the years, learning how to be my own advocate even when I was scared of the outcome.
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? Climate
Change because it was interesting to learn about how different parts of the world are affected and how they can plan to mitigate it. I also liked it because it helped me to realize how much larger the world is than myself, helping me to become more understanding and empathic.
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Getting a holistic education that merges academics, religion and current events. What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The community is the best. We all really care for and love each other.
Jamie K.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? Stanford University
Planned major or course of study? Symbolic Systems with a Neuroscience Concentration
Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My essential AIS question was “What quantitative parallels exist between the structure of the brain and that of the universe?”
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? One of my most meaningful experiences at Forest Ridge has been serving on ASB, as the Junior Class Representative, Senior Class Representative, and now as a Student Body Officer. It’s been such a fun and rewarding way to help build school spirit and bring people together. From planning secret Congés and organizing class bonding activities to putting together the always-iconic lip sync battle, I’ve loved every moment of it. Being part of ASB has taught me the value of leadership, teamwork, and creating joy for others. What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Try everything! I studied abroad through the Sacred Heart Network and got to live in a beautiful village near Mt. Fuji in Japan. That trip made me fall in love with learning new languages. I randomly decided to try tennis my freshman year and ended up playing on the Varsity team all four years! I also started our school’s Women in STEM Club, and soon, found myself becoming the Director of Outreach on the Global Women in STEM Leadership Board. None of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t just gone for it. Try everything. You never know what you'll end up loving!
Catherine L.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Eighth Grade
Where are you going next year? Barnard College
Planned major or course of study? Sociology
Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My essential question was “How to fight an existential crisis?”
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? The friendships.
Annie L
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? New York University
Planned major or course of study? Film and Television
Endorsement Pathway? I am in the Arts Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My AIS question was “Is the indie animation the future?”
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? Creating an animation with a classmate.
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? I really liked Studio Arts - it allowed me to explore with different mediums and ideas I otherwise would not have had.
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Learning how to write with Mrs. Pettet in 9 grade. It was the most humbling and th helpful of experiences.
Baoman “Ja
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Washington
Planned major or course of study? Undecided
What was your essential question in AIS? My AIS topic was “How does gender inequity affect people globally?”
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? I loved Epic
Novel. We did an in-depth reading of Les Miserables and had lots of discussions.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am really proud of being a good teammate and being part of sports teams.
Ellia L.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Colorado, Boulder
Planned major or course of study? Environmental Sciences and Dance
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I feel like I know everyone around me well, and I believe that benefited my confidence.
What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge? All of the little moments are the funniest for me, but immersive week has always created a lot of really funny stories and memories in particular.
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge?
Having the privilege to just be here is meaningful to me but, more specifically, going on exchange and taking unusual classes that would not be found at my local public school was very important.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am just proud that I grew, broadened my worldviews and was able to find the things and people that I love.
Faven M.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Arizona
Planned major or course of study? Psychology (Pre-Law)
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? Joining a sisterhood and being able to connect to all my classmates.
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? My favorite class was Food & Colonialism. It was the most interesting class I've taken and a fun combination of things I'm interested in.
What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge? Getting all of the teachers wet in the dunk tank at Prize Day in 2022.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? Becoming a leader of the Black Student Union.
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Try EVERYTHING (even if you think it’s embarrassing).
Emanda N.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Tenth Grade
Where are you going next year? Central Washington University
Planned major or course of study? Physics, with a minor in Astronomy
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? My internship at the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center, as well as winning my STEM Fair category as a first year participant. What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge? I once was laughing so hard with my friend that I actually fell down the hill as I was leaving the Commons after lunch. Which made us laugh even harder!
Anna R.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Fifth Grade
Where are you going next year? Villanova University
Planned major or course of study? Pre-Med Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My essential AIS question was “Are pointe shoes safe to dance on? If not, is there a way to make them safe for dancers?”
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I appreciate the support and friendship that came from an all-girls environment. It is very motivating to be surrounded by others who are genuinely proud of your accomplishments and want to see you do well. What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? My favorite class at Forest Ridge was Worldbuilding in Fiction. All the other English classes I have taken focused mainly on academic writing, so it was very exciting to be able to truly immerse myself in creative writing and let my imagination run wild. We ending the year writing a 30 page novella!
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? The most meaningful experience I have had at Forest Ridge was having the opportunity to go to Joigny, France to visit St. Madeleine Sophie's childhood home and learn more about the mission of the Sacred Heart.
Josie R.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Sixth Grade
Where are you going next year? Washington State University
Planned major or course of study? Neuroscience major with a minor in psychology.
Endorsement Pathway? Arts Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My essential question was “How do your senses work together to create perception?”
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? That’s easy!
Ceramics! I love to try new things, and find working with clay to be very relaxing.
What accomplishment are you the most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I have loved participating in choir and I am most proud of being the only freshman in chamber choir.
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge?
The summer before my senior year the choir went to Greece for the Cultural Performance of Choirs. It was so much fun.
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge?
Don’t worry so much about your grades, focus on actually learning the information.
Iris S.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Tenth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of California, Davis
Planned major or course of study? Human Biology
Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My essential question was “How can character outfit design in games reflect the depth of Chinese cultural heritage?”
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? Joining the instrumental club and performing!
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school?
I have loved everything. People here are so nice, and funny too!
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? I really liked Ceramics, especially loved hand-building the miniatures.
Mohan W.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? Duke University
Planned major or course of study? Finance and Data Science Endorsement Pathway? STEM Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My AIS project was “Rising Salinity Level due to Climate Change in the Everglades: Bioindicators (Lucania Parva, Crassostrea virginic, and Crocodylus acutus) Analysis and Enhanced Mitigation”
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? My proudest moment was winning the 2023 Washington state golf championship with my golf teammates my sophomore year!
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why?
A favorite class was Epic Novel my senior year - we read and discussed Les Miserables. It was hard work and I really learned a lot and grew!
What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? I would say to study hard, don’t procrastinate, but also enjoy your high school time. Some of my favorite memories were when my friends and I would call each other in the middle of the night to review something, and end up not getting any work done because we were having too much fun talking.
Regina X.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Seventh Grade
Where are you going next year? Loyola Marymount University
Planned major or course of study? Business
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I met a lot of good friends.
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? Film Study because I watched many different styles of movies and understand how they were produced.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? Performing at Dancefest both this year and last year!
Hua “Jessie” Y.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? Rutgers University
Planned major or course of study? Visual Art
What was your essential question in AIS? My AIS essential question was “How does one go about marketing an individual fashion brand that is new to the market?”
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? I have a place where I feel comfortable to share my thinking. What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time at Forest Ridge? I am most proud of the fact that I made lots of new friends.
What is the funniest story or memory from your years at Forest Ridge? When my friends and I played on the seesaw in the play area.
Vega Z.
When did you start at Forest Ridge? Ninth Grade
Where are you going next year? University of Washington
Planned major or course of study? Comparative History of Ideas
Endorsement Pathway? Global Citizenship Endorsement Pathway
What was your essential question in AIS? My AIS question was “Is the Electoral College serving American democracy?”
What was your favorite class at Forest Ridge - and why? Exploring Global Cultures (EGC) in 9 grade solidified my global understanding th which set the stage for almost all of my other classes.
What have you appreciated about attending an all-girls school? No male students means a safe space where women can be heard.
What was your most meaningful experience at Forest Ridge? Going to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on an immersive week trip. What advice would you give a new student at Forest Ridge? Always take advantage of Pasta Monday.
