Haldane announced its class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Maxwell Sanders, the valedictorian, is headed to Brown University in the fall and salutatorian Louisa Schimming committed to Dartmouth College.
What are your future plans?
Maxwell Sanders: I plan to become a neurosurgeon!
Louisa Schimming: I’m not sure what my career will be, but in college, I will probably major in math or go into engineering, and minor in English or studio art.
How was the college process for you? What school are you going to, and why did you choose it?
Sanders: It was very stressful; I applied to about 20 schools, each with many supplements, and finished all my applications before December 1. I did that so if I did not get into my early decision choice (Brown), I would not be scrambling to finish them. Thankfully, I got into Brown, and I’m so happy because it’s been my dream school since I was little. I love the idea of an open curriculum because I can take any class that interests me.
Schimming: I didn’t apply early decision anywhere. I applied to lots of different schools, and I didn’t have my heart set on going to any particular one. I found out I got into Dartmouth while on the senior Boston trip, and I was not expecting that at all, but I’m super excited to be going there next year!
What are your hobbies/extracurricular activities?
Sanders: I conducted concussion impact research in the neurosurgical wing of Mount Sinai [Medical Center] in the city. I also shadowed neurosurgeons at Vassar Brothers [Medical Center] and scrubbed in to watch brain surgery. I am also the Leo Club President, History Club Vice President, Model UN Secretary, a member of the Youth Court Steering Committee, Student Body Treasurer, and Varsity Volleyball Team Manager.
Schimming: I dance around 14 hours per week at Ballet Arts Studio in Beacon, which I love and which has given me some of my most cherished friendships. I love playing my violin, making art, and dressing up in fun outfits. I also love writing—I write and edit for The Outlook, and I’m the editor of Haldane’s literary magazine.
What are your favorite classes that you’ve taken in high school? Favorite teachers?
Sanders: My favorite classes were Chemistry with Mrs. Valenti, AP Statistics/Calculus with Mr. Sassano, and APUSH with Ms. McGrath. My favorite teachers are Ms. Linda and Ms. Cordaro; they have both supported me so much since I was a freshman, and I owe them everything.
Schimming: I loved Creative Writing, which I took as a freshman with Ms. Pearce. I’ve loved all my art classes— studio art, drawing and painting, and ceramics. Also, I know this is crazy, but I like AP Calc; it’s a lot of work, but I love math, and I feel like I’ve learned so much from that class in such a short amount of time. I’ve also been loving AP Lit, especially how many poems we’ve been reading! I think all of Haldane’s teachers are really great, but personally, Mr. Hoolan, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Booth, Ms. Ortiz, Ms. Secor, Ms. Pearce, and Ms. Martinez have supported me a lot and taught some of my favorite classes.
What are your favorite memories from Haldane?
Sanders: My favorite memories from Haldane are being the manager of the girls’ varsity volleyball team since I was a freshman, senior-year spirit week, the UConn Model UN trip, and the Boston trip.
Schimming: One of my favorite memories from Haldane is when Louise [Denehey], Amelia [Kaye], and I made a video about the 1960s for APUSH. We wanted to recreate the Abbey Road album cover, but there were only three of us, so we asked a random couple on the street to take the photo with us. Another one is on the DC trip when Louise, Amelia, Eleanor [Chew], and I DoorDashed frozen yogurt to our room and watched Hamilton every night. Also, just generally bonding with my physics class over the various weird videos Mr Lynch showed us. Also, the Outlook Columbia trip!
What contributed to your academic success in high school?
Sanders: I would say my hard work, grit, and drive to study, along with the supportive network of teachers at Haldane, who challenged and encouraged me, contributed to my academic success.
Schimming: I just love learning, and Haldane’s teachers are really good at their jobs!
What advice would you give to underclassmen who hope to have the same academic success?
Sanders: I would tell underclassmen that it is okay to ask for help when they are lost or need support. As you get older, the number of classes you take and the things on your plate begin to grow, and the teachers are here to help you, not add more to your plate, so going to them for extra help is so important. I would also say that it takes a lot of discipline to stay on track when you are studying or working and not lose focus.
Schimming: I actually think that not everyone should strive to have perfect grades and take the most difficult classes in high school. That worked for me, but it’s not healthy or fun for everyone. However, if that’s what you want to do, I would say to participate in class as much as possible. It makes every class more interesting and keeps you awake and alert. Also, if you raise your hand and give a wrong answer, your teacher will know what you don’t understand and can help you understand it.
