In the world of social entrepreneurship, a well-crafted pitch can make all the difference. It’s more than just a presentation—it’s a compelling story that connects, persuades and inspires. As students in Pine Crest School’s three-year social entrepreneurship program quickly learn, the key to a successful pitch lies not just in the data, but in the narrative.

“At Pine Crest, we are preparing students and educators not just to navigate an AI-enabled world, but to lead it. Through thoughtful and seamless integration of artificial intelligence, we are enhancing learning, empowering creativity, and cultivating ethical leaders ready to shape the future. Our commitment is to innovation with purpose, ensuring that every member of our community is equipped to thrive and make a meaningful impact in our technology-driven world."

William Wakefield ’25 has had a tremendous senior year at Pine Crest School. Coca-Cola Scholar, Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, National Merit Scholar and Silver Knight Recipient are just a few of the accolades he earned. William’s list of accomplishments reflects not only academic excellence but also heartfelt service.

Carlos Soto ’25 isn’t someone who seeks the spotlight. But over the past four years, he’s earned the respect of teammates, classmates and teachers alike through steady leadership and a strong sense of responsibility. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Carlos brought consistency, humility and care to everything he did.

For Nathan Chen ’25, graduating from Pine Crest is more than a milestone—it’s a legacy. The son of Pine Crest alumnus Gordon Chen ’97 and the nephew of alumnus Christopher Chen ’94, Nathan spent his high school years walking the same halls, competing on the same fields and learning in the same classrooms his family once did.

“I think it's pretty cool that my dad and uncle went here,” he said. “When my dad visits, he’ll point out where he lived in the dorms or talk about playing football on the same field. It’s been special to share that connection.”

For Charlotte Thies ’25, rowing is more than a sport—it’s a source of strength, discipline and direction. A National Letter of Intent (NLI) recipient bound for Georgetown University, Charlotte has balanced the demands of a two-sport athletic career, the depth of Pine Crest academics and a three-year focus on business and social impact through the Social Entrepreneurship Program.

Charlotte’s athletic journey began on the soccer field at age two, coached by her father. “I did every sport Pine Crest offered,” she said, listing soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball and track and field. Track seemed destined to be her main focus until her mom, who was a coxswain at Rollins College, encouraged her to give rowing a try. “The second I got on the water, I knew. I loved it. I still did track through high school, but rowing became my passion.”

For Karen Awaida ’25, who joined Pine Crest in fifth grade at the Boca Raton campus, receiving the Founder’s Council Award for Excellence in Musical Theater wasn’t just a celebration of talent, it was a full-circle moment.

Though she’s been singing her whole life, Karen came to musical theater later than many of her peers. It wasn’t until her senior year that she decided to dive in fully. “I really made it my main extracurricular,” she said. “I joined Thespians for the first time, helped with Middle School productions, performed in Spring Scenes and everything I could. I wanted to give it my all in my last year.”

By: Dean Shiff ’26

March 25, 1921 - April 23, 2019

To support Dr. Markham’s commitment to sustaining a socioeconomically diverse school community, Pine Crest offers need-based financial and inclusion aid. A longstanding tradition, the School continues to expand and maximize the Pine Crest educational experience for students  who may not otherwise have an opportunity to take advantage of the myriad of possibilities here. 

By: Asha Gandreti ’25

By: Anya Gandreti ’26

The magic of performing arts extends far beyond the spotlight. While audiences are captivated by performances on stage, behind the curtain, there’s an intricate world of technology and expertise that makes every show a success. Pine Crest is fortunate to have a dedicated theater technician, Mr. Jeffrey Ronner, who brings decades of experience and passion to our productions.

A new offering in Pine Crest Athletics is making waves—brainwaves! This year, Dr. Hilary Cornelius, Mental Performance Coach and Associate Tennis Director on the Boca Raton campus, has brought her expertise in sports psychology to Middle and Upper School student-athletes. 

For many Pine Crest alumni, the memories of their time on campus remain a cherished part of their lives. For Kimberly (Altschul) Straker ’90, her experience at Pine Crest not only shaped her journey but also inspired her ongoing commitment to giving back. 

Haley Moss ’12 was often viewed by her peers as a shy student, with a tendency to keep to herself in social settings. It would take some time to discover that while she may have been timid at times, she would prove herself to be a dynamic voice for change.

As a senior communications manager at the high-pressure, high-production institution that is Microsoft, Pine Crest alumna Raanah Amjadi ’09 was also highly visible within the company. 

An architect by trade, Jennifer Silbert ’94 became an entrepreneur in 2014 when she co-founded Rewilder. Deeply passionate about upcycling and sustainability, Rewilder was born as a way to address the amount of non-recyclable, industrial waste piling up in landfills.