March 25, 1921 - April 23, 2019

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. 

Sterling Champion ’08 credits her time as a Pine Crest student-athlete for much of her professional success. “Pine Crest has honestly played a huge role in my journey thus far,” she said. “Some of the most important doors to open for me came from my connections to Pine Crest.” As a captain of both the girls’ lacrosse team and the cross country team, and the school’s first two-time All-American women’s lacrosse player, Sterling described the skills she acquired in athletics as an asset that she later realized not all people possess. “I learned so much from playing sports, and it shaped me in so many ways. Teamwork, discipline, time management, resiliency, and not being discouraged by failure are among the most important pieces of that foundation, and they taught me that I can persevere through just about anything.”

By Asha Gandreti ’25

By Veronika Hesse ’27

This summer, Frank Sobchak ’88 added a stunning accomplishment to his resume. “We just won the Finisterre division of the Newport Bermuda Race (sailing),” he said. One of the top three most prestigious amateur offshore sailing races, Frank and his crew completed the race in three and a half days.  

Mr. Scott Wing ’13H, a longtime Pine Crest School community member, passed away on July 3, 2024. Mr. Wing was a former Head of Middle School and Head of School on the Boca Raton campus, spouse of an Upper School math instructor, parent and grandparent of Pine Crest alumnae and honorary alumnus of the Class of 2013. He joined Pine Crest in 1986 and retired in 2014

Jaime Legagneur ’97 has been proactive in the pursuit of her educational and career goals since graduating from Pine Crest. Wanting to experience something new while staying warm, Jaime attended Tulane University in New Orleans for her undergraduate degree.

Aron Weingard ’03 recalls that some of his fondest childhood memories were attending a sleep-away camp in Maine. He was unaware of it at the time, but his connection to this camp would prove to be a profound influence on his life and the lives of thousands of grieving children.  

Graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor of science degree in Finance and then a master of science in Entrepreneurship, Aron’s career path led him initially to management and eventually to the wealth management industry. What is unique—and not an obvious step based on his background—is the fact that he has become a nationally recognized leader in the space of childhood grief.

Glen Pierson ’23H, Assistant Head of Upper School and Dean of Students will retire this summer from Pine Crest School after 29 years. GP, as he is affectionately known by the students, began his career at Pine Crest in the Upper School science department as a chemistry teacher, although teaching was not always on Mr. Pierson’s radar. 

By: Elani Kodner ’24

Madison Huang ’23 joined Pine Crest School as a freshman after attending science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) camp one summer. 

“I was able to work in the Zimmerman Family iLab, with different teachers,” she said. “The opportunities and resources that were available made me want to be a student here.”

STEM continued capturing Madison’s attention as an Upper School student. As a freshman, she applied to join the three-year social entrepreneurship program. 

Christian Geter ’23 joined Pine Crest School as a sixth grade student. Christian has been a student leader throughout his time in the Upper School, relying upon his quiet confidence and collaborative nature to represent his peers while working with School administrators. 

By: Lindsey Keyes ’24

By: Asha Gandreti ’25

We are honored to shine a spotlight on the Chen family, who generously donated $1.5 million toward the construction of the Center for Teaching and Learning on the Pine Crest School Fort Lauderdale campus. 

As a two-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway co-producer and practicing entertainment attorney, Class of 2010 graduate David Manella’s professional and personal lives revolve around theater. More than a decade after his high school graduation, David credits Pine Crest with sparking and nurturing his interest in this field.