Alumni

We now have almost 300 alumni scattered across the globe. These young leaders are thoroughly engaged in using their hearts and minds to impact the world around them. They make us proud.

"Sage Ridge provided me with a foundation of knowledge and a network of friendships from which I continue to benefit to this day. I will forever be grateful to the faculty, staff, and students of Sage Ridge for everything they have given me."

Mat Trachok (SRS '05, Yale '09, Harvard Law School '12, Senior Associate at WilmerHale)

Zachary Dayton ('10)

Madeeha Sheriff ('17)

"Sage Ridge School gave me the space to engage with curiosity. I learned to lead with curiosity instead of certainly. The start-up culture of the school taught me that if I don't know how to do something, I can figure it out, and this has been invaluable in my career."

Kristan Brown (SRS '05, Whitman College '09, MFA at Rutgers '13, Studio Manager at Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn)

Brett Webster ('08)

Julia & Sam Peterson ('09)

“My SRS education has played a role in my academic success in college and even in winning the Truman. Teachers like Dr. McGann and Mr. Sloyan worked wonders in terms of improving my writing skills, and I have no doubt that my Truman application stood out because of what they taught me.”

Carla Ramazan (SRS ‘17, University of Texas-Dallas '21, Truman Scholar)

Elaine Carpenter ('10)

David Adams ('06)

"A Sage Ridge education serves as a compass to allow us to go out and navigate for ourselves in the world…Though we cannot tell them where to take us, they are essential to reach whatever destination we set for ourselves. And no matter how far we stray from our home here at SRS, they will always be with us."

William Moore (SRS '19, Haverford '23)

Ask Our Graduates: College Advice to Current Students

How did Sage Ridge help prepare you for college? What lessons have been most helpful?

What were you looking for in a school when you were applying? What advice do you have for those who are trying to choose a college?

What surprised you about college?

You can't stress about every little thing. One poor test grade doesn't matter in the scheme of things.
You learn to fail and you learn to strive for balance.
You really are just a number to some professors at big colleges. It can be very sink-or-swim.
Grades in college are different; basically no one gets all A's once in college.
You have lots of free time. Balance the work with having fun. Try something new and do things that de-stress you. Join a club. Take a class you've never taken before.

What are some ways you recommend coping with going away to college?

College is the chance to start your life on your own.
You will be homesick, especially when you are physically sick.
The first few weeks are hard. Make as many friends as possible right away.
It's important to be independent and trying living on your own. It's good for your development.
It can be intimidating but everyone is shy, worried, lonely, and looking for friends.
Know that college is new for everyone and everyone is scared.
Don't be afraid to say hello and make friends with a stranger.
Schedule time to call home and stay in touch.

What made you realize your major was right for you? How did you realize what you wanted to study?

Some people know exactly what they want to do and it never changes. Some people think they know, but then it changes once they start classes. Some people have no idea and take a bunch of classes to figure it out. All these paths are normal and ok.
There are a lot more majors than topics you have been exposed to in high school.
You can use what you like in high school to help guide you, or not. You might not enjoy the same class as high school or dislike the same classes in college.
Look in the mirror and be honest about what you are good at.
Don't be afraid to try new things.
Think about if there is a problem in the world that you want to do something about.
Sage Ridge Senior Research Project topic can lead you on the right path.
You can also create your own major at many schools.

Other Advice:

Learn how to do your laundry before you go to college!
Do you laundry. If you dorm room stinks, no one will come by to visit you.
College work is harder than Sage Ridge work, but there is less of it.
You don't know what you are in for in college until you get there.
College progressively gets harder.
You are not locked into your major for the rest of your life. You can study one thing for four years, but then do something different after college.
Even big schools get small fast. You make friends quickly in your dorm, in clubs, and in your major.
Don't procrastinate work for once a week classes.
Schedule time to work and schedule time to relax and have fun.

This wisdom & advice was shared with current students by some of our recent grads at our annual Young Grads Return event in January 2019.

Our speakers were:

David Newman ('15) attends Haverford majoring in Economics with a minor in Statistics.
Sergio Lopez ('15) attends University of Redlands majoring in Political Science.
Audrey Thompson ('16) attends University of California, Berkeley majoring in Computer Science.
Madeeha Sheriff ('17) attends Cal State, Fullerton majoring in Biology.
Vivian Tao ('17) attends Tufts University majoring in Biopsychology.

Alumni Updates

Alumni Spotlight: Carla Ramazan ('17)

Last week, Carla Ramazan '17, came back to visit the Sage Ridge campus. She recently graduated from UT Dallas this past May and shared her story with us about her time at Sage Ridge and how it prepared her for college. She is currently taking a gap year and hoping to go to Law School!

Alumni Updates: June 2021

Submitted by alumni, faculty and staff

Scorpion Spotlight: John Dewald ('13)

A day in the life of John Dewald ('13), president and co-founder of Full Belly Brasil

David Hoffman with two children and wife

Scorpion Spotlight: David Hoffman ('05)

Entrepreneur David Hoffman ('05) reflects about his time at and after Sage Ridge and offers an insightful view into his life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

William Moore holds a plaque. Day in the life graphic.

Scorpion Spotlight: William Moore ('19)

William Moore (‘19) is currently a student majoring in Political Science at Haverford College in Pennsylvania.

Scorpion Spotlight: Zoa Katok ('19)

Zoa Katok (‘19) is a busy computer science major at the University of Chicago. She provides a very interesting (and humorous) take on life as a college student.

The Sage Ridge Impact (Part 2): Tricia Shimamura ('07)

Tricia Shimamura ('07) speaks about her Sage Ridge experience.

The Sage Ridge Impact (Part 1): Bob Armstrong

Bob Armstrong, alumni parent, speaks about his daughter Elizabeth Ann (EB) ('13). Your donation to the Annual Fund directly supports program growth for all students...

Class of 2016 - Where Are They Now? [Updated]

It's been 4 years since they started college, what are they doing now?

Carla Ramazan ('17) Awarded the Truman Scholarship

Carla Ramazan ('17) is definitely one to watch in the political science field. She was an impressive student when she was at Sage Ridge School. Now she has gone on to receive the Truman Scholarship while studying political science and Spanish at the University of Texas-Dallas. The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States...

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