Visual Arts Program Director and Upper School art instructor Mr. Nino Liguori tells stories with paintbrushes. Through his paintings, he weaves together visual parables and allegories that challenge viewers to engage in deep reflection. His work is a fusion of history, design and the human experience—an artistic dialogue between fable and fact, imagination and realism. As an acclaimed artist and dedicated educator, Mr. Liguori’s journey has been shaped by his passion for both creation and instruction, ensuring that future generations continue to find meaning through art.

Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Liguori’s artistic path was profoundly influenced by an art teacher who changed his perspective on life. “He was putting nice things into the world, and that’s what I wanted to do,” said Mr. Liguori. Inspired to pursue both art and education, he attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in painting and art education. His career as an educator began in Florida where he taught at three schools in Broward County before finding his place at Pine Crest. Along the way, he continued to refine his craft, earning a master’s degree in Art and Science from Florida International University. “I spent summers studying in China and Paris, and that really inspired me to be a better teacher,” he said. “Instructors in college often saw students as competition, but I never wanted that. I want my students to be better than me.”

When Johanna Henry ’26 steps into a leadership role, she brings more than just enthusiasm—she brings purpose. Elected Student Council President for her senior year, Johanna knows what it means to work for something and grow through it. After winning class president as a freshman and sophomore, she faced disappointment junior year when she didn’t earn the role she hoped for. Still, she showed up, served as a student council representative and ran again. This time, she won.

When Dr. Alexandra Parsons traveled to London in the summer of 2022 and took her seat on the hard wooden benches inside the Globe Theatre, she had no idea that the performance of Shakespeare’s play “King Lear” she was about to witness what would become a source of inspiration for her classroom in the Pine Crest Upper School English wing. The experience—visceral, immersive and alive—stayed with her. What if her ninth grade English students could feel what she had felt that day? What if they could step inside the Globe, or even onto the stage itself?

Abstract? Sometimes. Disruptive? Possibly. Innovative? Always. The entrepreneurial mindset at Pine Crest School takes on many forms and is woven throughout the Lower, Middle and Upper School curricula. Five years ago, Mrs. Keri Kolettis, Vice President of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship, developed the three-year social entrepreneurship program offered in Upper School. Mrs. Kolettis works closely with Divisional leadership to incorporate entrepreneurial learning opportunities in all grade levels.

“Our goal is that we see entrepreneurship in every class,” said Mrs. Kolettis. “The delivery and methods of this content will vary but the fundamental learning of how to be resilient, creative, collaborative and enterprising will remain the same.”

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.

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.”

Abstract? Sometimes. Disruptive? Possibly. Innovative? Always. The entrepreneurial mindset at Pine Crest School takes on many forms and is woven throughout the Lower, Middle and Upper School curricula. Five years ago, Mrs. Keri Kolettis, Vice President of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship, developed the three-year social entrepreneurship program offered in Upper School. Mrs. Kolettis works closely with Divisional leadership to incorporate entrepreneurial learning opportunities in all grade levels. 

By Veronika Hesse ’27

As is the case with Pine Crest students, senior Talia Sverdlik ’25 made good use of her time over the summer. 

Contributions by: Sara Pearl Adler ’24

Over the last five years, Pine Crest Upper School students with an interest in entrepreneurship have had the opportunity to apply for the three-year social entrepreneurship program.

Brandon Goldberg ’24 joined Pine Crest School as a seventh grade student, already an accomplished jazz pianist. 

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.

By: Asha Gandreti ’25