Student Achievement

Accepted: BASIS Independent Fremont’s Class of 2026 College Results

June 11, 2026 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

We are delighted to share the college acceptances of BASIS Independent Fremont’s Class of 2026! Our seniors have earned offers from a remarkable and diverse array of institutions, spanning top universities across the United States and reaching prestigious schools in the United Kingdom and Europe. These outcomes reflect not only their academic excellence but also the curiosity, empathy, and character they brought to everything they did at BIF. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this milestone with them.

“The BASIS Independent Fremont Class of 2026 has grown from joyful, mischievous children into intellectually curious, empathetic, and inspiring leaders who face challenges head-on with humility and strength. Throughout their journey, they pushed boundaries, advocated for improved learning experiences, and built a genuine partnership with the school community. Known equally for their phenomenal academic accomplishments and creative teamwork, this unique group is leaving the school better than they found it. As they step into their next chapter, I want to remind them to choose justice and kindness, travel far, and invest wisely in the three things that can never be taken away: family, education, and reputation.”

—Mariam Abodouma, Head of School

The college admissions landscape continues to grow more selective each year, and the Class of 2026 navigated it with maturity, purpose, and a clear sense of who they are. Their acceptance results speak to both the rigor of their preparation and the depth of their individual stories.

Acceptance Highlights

35% of students were accepted to their first-choice school
22% of students were accepted to Top 15 Schools
54% of students were accepted to Top 20 Global Schools
95% of students were accepted to Top 50 Schools
100% of students were accepted to Top 100 Schools

*Based on U.S. News & World Report rankings of National and Global Universities

This year’s class reflects an exciting breadth of academic interests and ambitions, from a growing number of students pursuing pre-med to others drawn to traditional disciplines like pure mathematics. Two students earned particularly notable recognition: Xun Z. received a full scholarship to architecture school, and Yagnik C. earned a full scholarship to The Ohio State University, where he is ranked among the top 25 students in their prestigious Honors Program. The class also made a strong showing internationally, with acceptances from UK universities including Oxford and Imperial College London, as well as students pursuing opportunities at universities in Germany and beyond.

“I feel truly blessed to have worked with such a motivated, dedicated, and lively group of students this year. They brought a wide range of interests, talents, backgrounds, and perspectives to our community. Throughout the stressful college application journey, they consistently showed resilience and self-reflection. We shared moments of excitement, anxiety, uncertainty, and joy together, and it has been incredibly meaningful to watch them learn, grow, and support one another along the way. I am so proud of everything they have accomplished, and I can’t wait to see them continue to thrive in their next adventures.”

—Julia Ye, College Counseling

As our third graduating class, these seniors have left a mark on this community that will be felt long after they walk out the door. They came in as students and left as leaders, curious, empathetic, and ready to take on the world. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Choose kindness, travel far, and know that we’ll be cheering for you every step of the way.

CLASS OF 2026 ACCEPTANCES

Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix)	San Francisco State University
Arizona State University (Tempe)	San Jose State University
Babson College	Santa Clara University
Baylor University	Stanford University
Boston University	Stony Brook University
Brown University	Texas A&M University
Cal Poly Humboldt	The Ohio State University
Cal Poly Maritime Academy	The University of Texas at Austin
California Institute of Technology	University College London
California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo)	University of Arizona
California State Polytechnic University (Pomona)	University of California (Berkeley)
California State University (Chico)	University of California (Davis)
California State University (East Bay)	University of California (Irvine)
California State University (Monterey Bay)	University of California (Los Angeles)
California State University (Sacramento)	University of California (Merced)
Carnegie Mellon University	University of California (Riverside)
Case Western Reserve University	University of California (San Diego)
Chapman University	University of California (Santa Barbara)
Cornell University	University of California (Santa Cruz)
Drexel University	University of Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Duke University	University of Colorado Boulder
Emory University	University of Connecticut
Georgetown University	University of Florida
Georgia Institute of Technology	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Harvey Mudd College	University of Maryland (College Park)
Hofstra University	University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
Imperial College London	University of Michigan
Indiana University (Bloomington)	University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
Johns Hopkins University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lehigh University	University of Pennsylvania
Loyola Marymount University	University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	University of Rochester
New York University	University of San Diego
Northeastern University	University of San Francisco
Northwestern University	University of Southern California
Oregon State University	University of the Pacific
Penn State University (University Park)	University of Washington (Bothell Campus)
Pepperdine University	University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
Purdue University (Main Campus)	University of Washington (Tacoma Campus)
Reed College	University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Rice University	Washington University in St. Louis
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology	Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Rutgers University (New Brunswick)	York University
San Diego State University

Click here to learn more about our High School Program and discover how BASIS Independent Fremont prepares students to thrive in college and beyond.

BASIS Independent Fremont is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Fremont community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Spring Sports Recap: Continuing to Build a Strong Tradition of Mountaineer Athletics

June 4, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

The Mountaineers wrapped up another successful spring season filled with hard work, growth, and outstanding performances. From an undefeated tennis season to record breaking results on the track, our student athletes gave us plenty to celebrate.

Tennis Continues Its Winning Tradition

The Mountaineers Tennis Team enjoyed an excellent season under the leadership of Coach McGrain. The team of 11 athletes worked hard throughout the spring, sharpening their skills and challenging one another to improve each day.

After finishing undefeated during the program’s inaugural season, the team continued that tradition by completing its second consecutive undefeated season with a perfect 7-0 record.

The team earned victories over Bear Creek, Brighton, Eastside Prep, and Eastside Christian. While many matches were decided comfortably in the Mountaineers’ favor, Eastside Prep provided some of the toughest competition of the season and pushed our athletes to play their best tennis.

Special recognition goes to Lydia Z. (5Rh) and Jonathan P. (5Cr), who both completed the season without losing a match. In addition to their success on the court, they consistently demonstrated exceptional effort in practice and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season.

Congratulations to Coach McGrain and the entire tennis team on another undefeated season.

Track and Field Athletes Reach New Heights

The Mountaineers Track & Field team competed in five meets this spring and produced several memorable performances.

One of the season’s biggest highlights came from Brian Z. in grade 8, who set a new school record in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet, 2 inches. Brian finished his season by earning second place in the long jump at the CMSL (Cascade Middle School League) Final Meet.

Another standout performer was Jason Z. in grade 6. Competing against older athletes throughout the season, Jason showed tremendous improvement across all of his events. His hard work paid off with an impressive third place finish in the 100-meter dash at the CMSL Final Meet, despite competing primarily against grade 7 and 8 students.

Ivy Z. in grade 8, once again delivered an outstanding season in the middle and long distance events. At the CMSL Final Meet, she earned second place in the 400-meter run and first place in the 800-meter run. Ivy currently holds school records in the 400m, 800m, and 1600m, cementing her place among the most accomplished track athletes in program history.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication and perseverance shown by our student athletes throughout the season.

Congratulations to all of our spring athletes and coaches on another successful season. Whether setting records, earning victories, or supporting teammates, our Mountaineers represented BASIS Independent Bellevue with pride throughout the spring.

Looking Ahead

As we turn the page to a new school year, we are excited for the return of Girls Volleyball, Co-ed Soccer, and Swim this fall. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new athletes as we continue building a strong tradition of Mountaineer Athletics. More information regarding fall athletics will be shared later this summer. Until then, have a wonderful summer and “Go Mountaineers!”

Global Finance And Fearless Curiosity Collide: Brookfield Investors Visit Our Upper School

May 29, 2026 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

What happens when some of the world’s leading institutional investors step inside an NYC private school powered by fearless, independent thinking?

[Read more…]

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Quiz Bowl Earns National Recognition at Middle School National Championship

May 28, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Quiz Bowl team earned an impressive 8th-place finish at the 2026 NAQT Middle School National Championship Tournament, held May 8–10, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Competing against 192 teams from across the country, the result marks the program’s first national-level trophy since 2018. The tournament is widely regarded as the pinnacle of middle school academic competition in the United States.

Qualifying for the national championship alone is considered a major accomplishment, particularly within the highly competitive Northern California Quiz Bowl circuit. BISV entered the tournament as one of the top-ranked teams in the nation after winning multiple regional tournaments throughout the season, carrying that momentum into one of the strongest national fields in recent years.

Team members from left, Andrew F., Ishani D., Ishaan D., and Aditya H.

What makes the team’s achievement especially remarkable is the composition of the roster. Despite being one of the younger teams competing at the tournament, the group worked together to secure a top-10 national finish and establish BISV among the country’s elite middle school Quiz Bowl programs.

The National Championship result also capped an exceptional season for Ishaan D. Earlier this year, he was named NAQT Middle School Player of the Week by the National Academic Quiz Tournaments organization, a national recognition awarded to standout players during the regular season. At the national championship tournament, he also earned an All-Star Award, an honor reserved for the top 30 highest-scoring individual competitors across the entire field. These accomplishments follow his Rising Star Award earned at the 2025 National Championship, further establishing him as one of the nation’s most accomplished middle school Quiz Bowl competitors.

The 2026 National Championship team included Ishaan D. (Grade 8) as captain, along with Grade 6 students Aditya H., Andrew F., and Ishani D. as team members. The team’s achievement was also featured in the Mercury News, highlighting this exciting milestone on a broader stage.

Congratulations to the BISV Quiz Bowl team on an outstanding season and a historic national finish.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Grade 5 Students Take on the National Latin Exam

May 7, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

This March, our Grade 5 Latin students reached an exciting milestone as they participated in the National Latin Exam (NLE) for the very first time.

The National Latin Exam is a nationally recognized academic competition that invites students to demonstrate their knowledge of Latin language and culture. Covering areas such as vocabulary, grammar, mythology, history, and Roman life, the exam offers students a chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom while also seeing how they compare with peers across the country.

The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions, with awards granted based on the number of correct answers. Students can earn distinctions ranging from Cum Laude to the prestigious Gold Medal and Summa Cum Laude recognition.

We would like to congratulate all of our Grade 5 participants for taking on this challenge and representing our school so thoughtfully. We are especially proud to recognize the following students who earned top honors:

Gold Medalists (Summa Cum Laude, 37+ correct):
Sid M.
Lucas Z.
Anya G.
Joyce L.
Ethan W.
Jasper S.

Silver Medalists (Maxima Cum Laude, 35–36 correct):
Niam S.
Alex W.
Lily W.
Yuxin X.
Avery X.
Derek L.
Yuchen H.
Olivia C.

In total, more than half of our participating students received awards, an impressive accomplishment. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that our Grade 5 students are competing above the typical level. At many schools, students take this introductory exam in Grades 6 through 8, meaning our students are engaging with the material several years earlier. In fact, Grade 5 is not even a standard option for the exam, and had to be entered as “other.”

Reflecting on the experience, Latin teacher Mr. Salehzai shared, “The NLE is something very near and dear to my heart because it was the one time each year when I felt I could be proud of my own interests and skillset. And now, it feels like déjà vu seeing the same spark in our students that once shined in me when I myself took the NLE in high school. I’m extremely proud of our students not just for how well they performed, but also for how excited and supportive they were of each other during the whole process.”

This experience not only highlights the strength of our Latin program, but also reflects the curiosity, dedication, and enthusiasm of our students. By taking on this challenge early, they are building a strong foundation that will support continued success in the years ahead.

We look forward to seeing these students continue their Latin journey and take on the National Latin Exam again at the Upper School campus, striving for even greater accomplishments.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

A Culture of Service and Leadership – National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society at BASIS Independent Bellevue

May 5, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, leadership and service are embedded into the student experience. Through the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), students take on meaningful roles that extend beyond the classroom, contributing to both their school community and the world around them.

A Selective Path to Membership

Membership in NHS and NJHS reflects more than strong academics; students must also demonstrate consistent commitment to the five core pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

Applicants complete written reflections, provide evidence of their involvement, and submit character recommendations from faculty in addition to demonstrating scholarship through maintaining high grades. A committee of teachers and administrators carefully reviews each application before making final decisions. Because students reapply each year, membership represents an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement. 

Students formally join their chapters during an annual induction ceremony, where they reflect on the organization’s values, take their membership oath, receive their membership pin from our Head of School Dr. Thies, and are recognized for their accomplishments. Returning members are also celebrated for their continued contributions and growth. 

NJHS: Building Foundations for Service

This year, the NJHS chapter has 27 students from grades 7–9, each working diligently to stay committed to upholding NJHS’ principles and continually engaging in their own personal growth and community impact. In addition to maintaining strong academic standing, students attend the monthly planning meetings, contribute a minimum of 15 volunteer hours, organize and produce a student-led project, and volunteer for at least one school-sponsored event. 

So far in the 2025–2026 year, members have completed a variety of creative projects, ranging from assisting in their favorite classes, joining the stage crew for our school’s productions, leading a school-wide Kindness Week mural activity, and planting flowers to beautify our campus. Outside of school, students are judging debate tournaments, leading skiing lessons, and so much more.

Sophia T., Grade 9 with her Kindness Mural Project

NHS: Expanding Leadership and Impact

Beginning in grade 10, students can apply to NHS, where expectations and opportunities grow. In addition to continuing their service work, members can run for leadership roles such as President, Vice President, and Secretary.

The Executive Board leads monthly meetings using Parliamentary Procedure, manages chapter operations, and coordinates large-scale service initiatives. Recent projects include partnerships with the Bellevue Urban Garden and collaboration with Student Affairs to help plan Student Appreciation Week, which gives students real experience working with community organizations and campus leadership.

NHS members complete at least 30 service hours annually, with a balance of on-campus and community-based work. They also support school events each trimester and lead at least one initiative, managing a team and coordinating with staff.

Their contributions are visible across campus life: from organizing events like Homecoming, Spirit Week, and the Color Run, to leading middle school clubs. In the broader community, students volunteer in dance studios, tutor peers online, assist with local events like Bellevue’s Holidays on the Hill, and support public institutions like libraries, all while balancing a rigorous academic workload.

This year’s inaugural NHS cohort of 11 students has already made a strong impact, setting a high standard for future members!

A Culture of Excellence and Empathy

From middle school through high school, BLV students are developing not only as scholars, but as leaders and community members. NHS and NJHS provide a structured pathway for students to grow in responsibility, initiative, and service, which are skills that will extend far beyond their time on campus.

The result is a student culture that values both achievement and empathy, where leadership is defined not just by what students accomplish, but by how they contribute to others. We are so proud of our student leaders, and we are excited to see what future impact they will have!

Redefining Student Agency in the Financial World

May 1, 2026 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

Josh A. (Class of 2027) remembers watching the markets long before he had a portfolio of his own. Seeing the data move on a Bloomberg terminal at home sparked a curiosity about what it takes to “see the green” on a trade. During high school at BASIS Independent Manhattan, he found peers who shared that same drive. Along with fellow juniors Aidan B. and Finn B., they launched the Upper School Investment Club—a student-led initiative that has quickly become a standout example of high-level academic application and student initiative.

Recently, these student leaders met with Michael Collins, CEO of Spring Education Group (SEG), at the Upper School campus in Chelsea to discuss the future of financial literacy and their club’s unprecedented trajectory in the New York City education landscape.

The founding investors club students stand on the staircase inside the Upper School with CEO of Spring Education Group (SEG) Michael Collins and club advisor, Kirk Murphy. — From L to R: Mr. Murphy (Club Advisor), Josh A., Aidan B., Finn B., and Mr. Collins (CEO, SEG)

A Flight Simulator for Money Management

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, our students can begin taking economics in grade 8 and complete the AP level by the end of their junior year. What makes our students unique is how they engage with finance and the economy as active participants.

Like a pilot practicing in a “flight simulator,” our Investment Club leaders have created a space to implement practical skills in real-life situations without the immediate risk of real-world capital. They run mock trials, build separate portfolios, and rigorously analyze their performance every two weeks. This methodology has already yielded results: in the Trading Day Competition hosted by the Stevens Institute of Technology, Josh A. secured 1st place and Aidan B. took 3rd place among over 800 participants.

A classroom for economics class has a game set up with a Market Tally sheet on the board, worksheets on a desk, and buyer-trader cards laid out. — During their required economics course in high school, BASIS Independent Manhattan students get a taste of the real financial world when they act as buyers and sellers trying to make the highest profits by trading in an “In The Chips” activity.

The Path to a Real-World Endowment

However, for these students, simulations are only the beginning. The meeting with Mr. Collins represented a major milestone: presenting a “proof of concept” to secure SEG leadership’s support for an unprecedented high school model.

The club’s ultimate goal is to transition from mock portfolios to managing a real-money endowment that stays with the school’s Investment Club. By demonstrating their rigorous risk-management strategies and analytical mastery, the students are seeking the buy-in and investment necessary to trade with real capital—a level of responsibility not traditionally seen at the high school level.

**Mastery Through Winning and Losing**

To prepare for that responsibility, the students have developed a sophisticated understanding of risk. They have learned that true mastery often means learning what not to do through winning, and learning what to do through losing.

While their 1st and 3rd place finishes at Stevens brought returns of up to 400% in a month, the students reflected on the experience with a critical eye. “The Stevens competition actually taught us the wrong things,” the leaders shared during the roundtable. “You can go ‘all in’ every time and win in a simulation, but that is just not true in the real world.”

The club saw a different kind of value when they competed in the Wharton Global Youth Program Investment Competition. Though they didn’t take home the top prize, the experience was a catalyst for growth. “Here’s what we did wrong: we didn’t meet the client’s expectations. What we need to do is change our philosophy,” they noted. This ability to identify failure and pivot is exactly why their Investment Club has a strong future.

The 11 students in the 2025-26 Young Investors Club stand in a classroom taking a photo for the yearbook.

Redefining Student Agency in NYC

The conversation with Michael Collins highlighted a core belief at our school: that student agency has no age limit.

“You guys are a concrete example that any high schooler can do this,” shared Mr. Collins. “There’s no requirement to be an adult or a college graduate. At any point in your life, you can start managing money.”

Mr. Collins was particularly impressed by how the founders translated their personal success into a structured peer-to-peer mentorship program, demystifying complex financial systems for the rest of the student body.

The Wildcat Edge

For colleges and universities, Aidan, Finn, and Josh represent the gold standard of grit. They go beyond the BASIS Curriculum, applying the logic learned from their Subject Expert Teachers to identify market trends and manage real-world risk.
For NYC families, this club represents our mission in practice. Students take the techniques acquired in the classroom and apply them to their own inquiries, developing the resilience required for the world’s most competitive environments.

Join Our Wildcat Community

Are you curious about how the BASIS Independent Manhattan experience prepares each child for success? We invite prospective families to visit our campuses and speak with our leadership and students.

Middle School Program Tour (Grades 5-8): May 13
High School Program Tour (Grades 9-12): May 21

Register to Visit Our School Today

Related Links:

7 Red-Tailed Hawks Accepted to VA Governor’s Schools or World Language Academy

April 24, 2026 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

We are proud to announce that seven BIM students have been accepted to a Virginia Governor’s School or Governor’s World Language Academy, with two more students named as alternates. The list:

Colin B. ’27 – Latin (at Virginia Commonwealth University)
Sumer C. ’28 – Engineering (at Jefferson Laboratories)
Peter D. ’28 – Agriculture (at Virginia Tech)
Suraiya F. ’27 – Spanish (at Washington and Lee)
Adrith K. ’28 – Voice (at Radford)
Richard P. ’28 – Humanities (at Radford)
Manya R. ’27 – Acting (at Radford)
Sarah R. ’27 – Agriculture (at Virginia Tech)
Bethel W. ’27 – French (at Washington and Lee)

From left to right: Manya R. ’27, Suraiya F. ’27, Dr. Hight (Student Advancement Manager), Bethel W. ’27, Adrith K. ’28, Richard P. ’28, Colin B. ’27, Sarah R. 27, Sumer C. ’28, and Peter D. ’28

This is a significant achievement! Admittance to the Governor’s School and World Language Academy programs is extremely competitive. First, students must compete to be one of our school’s nominees in a subject area, then they must be nominated in our region, and finally they must be selected from nominees from all over the state. Spots in the program are limited. The engineering program at Jefferson Laboratories only takes 11 students from the entire state.

Attending the Governor’s School or a World Language Academy is one of the best ways a high school student can spend their summer. Top students from all over Virginia spend three weeks on a college campus doing college-level work under the guidance of college professors, and all at a fraction of the cost of other summer programs. It is a great opportunity that our previous students have unanimously enjoyed.

We are extremely proud of the hard work these students have done – on their applications, in the classroom, and beyond – to receive these nominations!

BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

38 BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Seniors Named 2026 National Merit Finalists

March 23, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

We are proud to celebrate an exceptional milestone for our senior class: 38 of our students have been named National Merit Finalists, placing them among the top academic performers in the nation. This achievement reflects their talent, dedication, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States. Starting with the PSAT/NMSQT in junior year, students must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievement to advance from Semifinalist to Finalist—a distinction earned by only about 15,000 students nationwide.

Our Finalists exemplify engaged scholarship and leadership. They have challenged themselves with rigorous coursework, contributed to school life, and pursued their passions with purpose. Their success is a testament to their perseverance and the supportive, challenging community at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where curiosity, critical thinking, and excellence are cultivated every day.

As Finalists, these students are now considered for National Merit Scholarships, awarded by the organization, corporations, and colleges. While not all will receive a scholarship, reaching this stage is a significant honor and opens doors to future opportunities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 38 of our National Merit Finalists. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the impact they will continue to make.

2026 National Merit Finalists:

Aaditya B.

Peter C.

Xiangtuo C.

Anna D.

Eileen G.

Maximilian G.

Aanya G.

Ellen H.

Chloe H.

Grace H.

Nishka J.

Arshiya K.

Manant K.

Aaron H. L.

Albert S. L.

Angela L.

Junren L.

Leo L.

Weiping L.

Maggie L.

Alexander M.

Arjun M.

Nikola M.

Nelson N.

Helen P.

Xinyue R.

Archita S.

Manasi S.

Yifan S.

Caroline T.

Lily T.

Aryan T.

Richard W.

Yujie W.

Maggie X.

Catherine Y.

Yiyang Z.

Lawrence Z.

2026 Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards

March 23, 2026 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

For the past 10 years, BASIS Independent Brooklyn students have consistently earned significant recognition in the prestigious Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards, which is one of the longest-running and most celebrated competitions for creative youth in the country. Each year, we take pride in honoring our winners, and this year is no exception.

Starting with writing, our sophomore Yohtaro S. ’28 took home a 2026 Scholastic Arts and Writing Gold Medal in Journalism for his article The City on My Shoulders, reflecting on his visit to Hiroshima with his grandfather. He originally published in our student news site, The Grizzly.

Shifting to the Visual Arts, our Visual Arts and Photography teacher, Mr. Opirhory, wanted to help us honor the students recognized for their exceptional work. His commentary on the honored Photography follows.

Inke F. ’30 – “One Way Street” – 2026 Gold Medal

Inke’s photo “One Way Street” captures the essence of life. It frames a unique perspective of text, power lines, and a chaotic movement of direction, which is both literal and metaphorical. Inke has a great eye and a classic photographic sense.

William J. ’30 – “Lloyd” – 2026 Gold Medal

William’s “Lloyd” is an odd masterpiece. It defies traditional composition, yet feels perfect. His use of leading lines and indifference to the rule of thirds shows a creative approach that cannot be quantified, but somehow is filled with a story, both comedic and dark. William will surely make work in the future that pushes the boundaries of traditional techniques in the best way possible.

Eli M. ’28 – “One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap” – 2026 Gold Medal

Eli’s “One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Ben” is Epic. It flaunts the joy of youth and action. As “Ben” floats through the air, we see him leave the ground below, even if only for a moment. Eli is a wonderful student and artist who exhibits clarity and confidence in his work.

Claudia S. ’30 – “City Walks” – 2026 Gold Medal

The perfection of Claudia’s photo, “City Walks,” is stunning. She had used all available tools to frame One World Trade as a stark reminder. Surrounded by old buildings with their archaic fire escapes and pointing up into the blank sky, the picture reminds us of the turbulent past and a boundless future. All things are possible. Claudia is one of those unique individuals who can rise to any occasion. She is a prominent participant in class who is unafraid to take on anything and perfect it with tried-and-true approaches.

Therese D. ’30 – “A Tall Church” – 2026 Silver Medal

Therese’s “A Tall Church” carries the weight of our world. It depicts a tall church, as the title states, but the contrast of light, perspective, and the meeting of the land and sky at a pivotal Gothic structure brings it all home. It cannot be denied that empathy and collaboration are the foundation for the success humans have developed on Earth. Therese’s wisdom is seen in most of what she does. She is soft spoken, yet consistent in her skills. She is a wonderful photographer who doesn’t seem to lose sight of the bigger picture.

Blake S. ’30 – “Life’s Centered Perspective” – 2026 Silver Medal

Blake’s “Life’s Centered Perspective” is an example of intelligent storytelling. This photo was taken in a landscape surrounded by nature, yet Blake chose to barely show it. By sub-framing the land with an imposing shadow of a structure, we realize how much we need the natural world. The circular window amplifies this with a shape that universally represents continuity. Blake is an amazing artist who always brings a positive demeanor and joy with her. Yet oddly, she often photographs dark scenes.

Dalya B. ’30 – “Into the Light” – 2026 Honorable Mention

Dalya’s “Into the Light” is a wonderful metaphor for passage and perspective. Surrounded by the shadows, she frames a path and a map. As the eye moves into the picture, we see there is more to a journey than the current state. Dalya is a force of nature. She has an exceptional eye and an admirable confidence.

Elsie M. ’30 – “Construction Men” – 2026 Honorable Mention

Elsie’s “Construction Men” is a masterwork of simplicity. We see a construction worker, high above us on shaky scaffolding, working to build something he will not reap the rewards of. The image is a celebration of those who toil endlessly without distinction and make the greatest contributions. Elsie is a diamond; she creates work that shines a light on many aspects of life.

Congratulations to our many photography winners! We are incredibly proud of our artistic Bears, and look forward to their work at our upcoming Spring Fine Arts Festival in April!

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BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK– Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.