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.”

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. 

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

Coming to Pine Crest School in eighth grade, Noa Levin ’24 was a new student in a new country. Originally from London, England, Noa and her family relocated to South Florida to be near family who had already made the transatlantic move, and for the beaches and weather.

Kenny Chan ’24 joined Pine Crest Upper School as a freshman. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Kenny said coming to Pine Crest for the first time was like being on a college 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. 

Dani Pendergast ’13 is a freelance illustrator and cartoonist. After graduating from Pine Crest, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Syracuse University, ultimately deciding to stay and earn her Master of Fine Arts degree while building her portfolio and making the leap to work full time as an illustrator.

At Pine Crest School, we believe our students must learn to be as agile and adaptable as possible.

High-brain human traits such as global understanding and empathy, deep thinking and learning, and complex problem-solving mindset through collaboration will distinguish our students and set them up for success.