Fountain Valley School held its End of the Year Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026, bringing together the FVS community under a tent on campus to honor outstanding students and celebrate the senior class as it prepares for Commencement.

Head of School Megan Harlan opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to students, families, and faculty, noting that the senior class had just returned from their Senior Seminar at the Class of '69 Mountain Campus, where they spent the week immersed in the Rocky Mountain landscape and took part in the school's traditional Candlelight Ceremony.

“Your shared gratitude for each other, your joy in your memories, and the impact you have had on one another does not go unnoticed,” Harlan told the graduating seniors.

Ms. Erica Walker Addresses Senior Class

Community Council President Tejin M. introduced this year's Awards Ceremony speaker, English teacher and swim coach Erica Walker, noting that the senior class had voted Walker most likely to "stop and say something nice or have a conversation when you are walking past."

Walker, who arrived at FVS the same year as the current senior class, reflected on four years of shared experience — from first-semester Chapter One groups to Senior Seminar in Leadville. Her address centered on the value of trying at things before knowing whether they will matter, pushing back against a culture that urges young people to optimize their efforts only toward guaranteed outcomes.

“We rarely know what we’ll be good at, or whether something will end up being the right fit,” Walker told the graduating class. “Usually, when something becomes special, it’s because we were willing to try.”

 

 

 

Arts Department Awards

Arts Department Chair Hollie Marine presented five awards recognizing exceptional student achievement across photography, theatre, visual art, and music:

The Photography Award was presented to Hina S., who completed all four photography offerings during her time at FVS and developed into an accomplished film photographer.

The Breene Baggett Award for dramatic arts achievement went to Charlotte N., recognized for her growth from a quiet ninth grader to a confident performer across productions including Miss Honey, Olive Ostrovsky, and the title role in Underdog.

The Robinson Art Award, honoring exemplary artistic production, was presented to Yvette W. for work described as technically assured and conceptually rich across every medium.

The Rumbough Award, which honors contributions both on and off the stage, was presented to Jay Parker M. for years of behind-the-scenes leadership and mentorship in the theater program.

The John W. Emery Music Award went to Emily S., praised for her expanding vocal range and commitment across the music program, and the Kitson Music Award was presented to Wayne O. for his devoted, disciplined presence in the music room and his leadership of the jazz band.

 

Athletic Awards

Athletic Director Matt Luyster recognized the school's most distinguished student-athletes. The Varsity Award for Best Female Athlete was presented to Stella R., described as the most accomplished swimmer in Fountain Valley School history — a four-time state qualifier, three-time team MVP, and holder of seven school records.

The Varsity Award for Best Male Athlete was presented to Jaden L., a captain of the basketball, volleyball, and tennis teams who earned basketball MVP honors in both his junior and senior seasons.

Vivian Hansen received the Don Kardok Coach's Award, which recognizes a coach who exemplifies enduring optimism and dedication to student-athletes. The Top Horseman Award was presented to Victoria S., a four-year member of the English Riding Program and two-year varsity athlete who served as IEA Team Co-Captain.

 

Cum Laude Society Inductions

Dean of Academics Dorothy Strehl inducted nine students into the Cum Laude Society, which recognizes distinguished scholastic achievement. Joining previously inducted members Ryan D., Kelly F., Tejin M., and Wayne O. were four additional seniors — Sofía D., Charlotte N., Stella R., and Emily S. — along with five members of the junior class: Santiago B., Houpu C., Avaline T., Antonia X., and Esabella Y.

 

Academic Department Awards

Dean of Faculty Nathan Eberhart presented the school's academic departmental honors. Charlotte N. received the Creative Writing Award, Ryan D. received the Campbell English Award for his nuanced literary analysis and rigorous critical writing, and Kelly F. received the Langdon Mathematics Award after excelling in the school's most advanced courses. Natiya B. was recognized with the F. Martin Brown Science Award for a lifelong love of science reflected in everything from Capstone research to casual reading of scientific journals.

Sofía D. received the Languages Award for her commitment to Spanish study and community leadership through Alianza Latino-Hispana, and Charlotte R. received the Penrose History Award for her thoughtful engagement with international relations and global affairs.

The ceremony also included two new awards. The inaugural Daniel Tyler History Paper Award was presented to Antonia X. for a paper examining representation, power, and cultural exchange through visual primary sources. The American West Explorer Award, honoring a ninth grader who embraced the spirit of the ninth-grade program, went to Savanna A. The Global Citizenship Award was presented to sophomore Maëlys G., recognized for her cultural awareness, language leadership, and extended immersion experience in France. Junior recipients Kamiyah W. and Santi B. shared the Fisher Howe Leadership Award for their wide-ranging contributions to campus life and community.

 

Looking Ahead

The ceremony concluded with a musical performance by seniors Katie B., Adeline B., Sarah H., Charlotte N., and Emily S., accompanied by music faculty member Jerry McCauley.