Beyond Expectations: Celebrating Sage Ridge Students Who Excel in Scholarship, Innovation and Environmental Leadership

At Sage Ridge School, students do more than master their coursework. They push boundaries, pursue ambitious ideas and make meaningful contributions to their communities. This past spring, three Upper School students earned major national recognition in academic excellence, STEM innovation and environmental stewardship. Their achievements reflect the strength of our program and the character of our students who consistently rise above standard learning expectations.

These stories show what is possible when young people are supported, challenged and encouraged to explore their passions with curiosity and purpose.

Emma Sapp Named National Merit Scholar and Harvard Book Prize Winner

Sage Ridge is proud to celebrate senior Emma Claire Sapp, who has been selected as a winner of the prestigious National Merit $2500 Scholarship. This honor, awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, recognizes students whose academic excellence, personal character and sustained achievement place them among the top scholars in the nation.

Emma was also chosen as the 2026 Harvard Prize Book Award recipient, an honor given to students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, integrity and leadership. The award recognizes students who embody curiosity, initiative and a commitment to learning. Emma’s strong academic record, thoughtful engagement in her coursework and steady leadership made her a standout choice for this distinction.

Her selection for both awards is especially meaningful given the rigorous national competition and the high standards required throughout the multi-year process. Fewer than 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide earn National Merit recognition each year, and the Harvard Prize Book is awarded only to students who show uncommon promise and character.

As she prepares for the next chapter, Emma continues to represent Sage Ridge with focus, integrity and leadership. Her accomplishments are a point of pride for our entire community and an inspiration for younger students who see what is possible through effort and perseverance.

Milin Sekhon Named NatureBridge Student of the Year

Sage Ridge is proud to celebrate sophomore Milin Sekhon, who has been awarded NatureBridge’s 2026 Student of the Year scholarship thanks to his remarkable personal growth and commitment to environmental stewardship following his Yosemite experience in 2024.

Milin’s time in Yosemite helped him step away from the noise of digital life and reconnect with himself, inspiring a deeper sense of presence and curiosity. The experience sparked a lasting interest in environmental work and a desire to contribute to the natural spaces that shaped him.

Since returning, Milin has taken on meaningful stewardship projects, including partnering with nonprofit agencies and the National Park Service and helping build an ADA‑accessible trail in a state park. His dedication reflects the leadership, maturity and sense of responsibility that NatureBridge seeks in its honorees.

Milin’s ability to articulate how nature reshaped his perspective made him a standout choice and earned him a role as a featured speaker at the 2026 An Evening with NatureBridge gala. His achievement is a powerful example of how outdoor education can shape character and inspire action.

Innovation and Recognition for Ana Treadway

Sage Ridge junior Ana Treadway has earned remarkable recognition this spring for her work at the intersection of science, engineering and design. Her patented medical device, the BlueBeam Patch, is a smart wound‑care system that pairs a reusable blue‑light module with a disposable adhesive strip to support antimicrobial treatment and healing.

Designed with embedded optical fibers, a solar‑rechargeable battery and adaptable sizing, the device offers a portable solution for clinics, home care and field settings. Ana’s innovation earned the American Good Design Platinum Award, the competition’s highest honor and a distinction typically awarded to professional design teams. Judges praised her creativity, technical skill and the impact of her work within the broader design field.

Building on this momentum, Ana has also secured a research internship at the Harvard Medical School Photomedicine Center where she will continue exploring light‑based medical technologies. Her achievements reflect exceptional dedication and a rare ability to turn research into meaningful real‑world solutions. Ana’s work shows how young innovators can make a genuine difference when they are encouraged to explore ideas, take risks and pursue ambitious goals.

A Community Where Students Rise Above Expectations

Emma, Ana and Milin represent the best of Sage Ridge School. Their achievements span academic excellence, STEM innovation and community leadership, showing the breadth of what students can accomplish when they are known, supported and challenged.

Small class sizes, strong teacher relationships and a culture that values curiosity and effort help students discover their strengths and pursue ambitious goals. Whether they are conducting research, designing new technologies, excelling in national competitions or serving their communities, Sage Ridge students consistently rise above standard expectations and demonstrate what is possible through dedication and passion.

Looking Ahead With Pride

As we celebrate these three outstanding students, we also honor the teachers, mentors and peers who have supported them along the way. Their accomplishments remind us of the power of a rigorous student‑centered education and the importance of nurturing each student’s unique potential.

Sage Ridge School is proud of all our students who strive for excellence, take risks and pursue their passions. Emma, Ana and Milin show what it means to lead with purpose and curiosity, and their achievements inspire our entire community.