NWS Stories

Next Steps: Class of 2026

As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, we are excited to celebrate their journey, accomplishments, and next steps!

Riley Lee (Class of '23) is currently a junior at the University of San Francisco, where he is pursuing a BSN in Nursing (BSN) with a minor in Religious Studies. Ultimately, he hopes to confront and challenge inequities in healthcare systems.

Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Tillman

Rachel Tillman (Class of ’83) is Founder and Executive Director of the Viking Mars Missions Education & Preservation Project, a nonprofit that is dedicated to preserving the history of NASA’s Viking missions to Mars. Their work bringing together science, storytelling, and education reflects the interdisciplinary foundation that has long defined Northwest.

Alumni Spotlight: Harrison Chotzen

Harrison Chotzen (Class of '15) recently visited campus to reminisce about his time at Northwest, reconnect with NWS Athletics faculty, and share where his journey has taken him.

Alumni Spotlight: Tao Large

Tao Gelernter Large (’10) earned a Ph.D. in physical inorganic chemistry at Stanford University in August, 2025. His post-doctoral plans include developing structural methods to map genetics and their energetics to static physical structures.

Alumni Profile: Max Sarkowsky

Max Sarkowsky (Class of '16) is a freelance designer for the performing arts. From the hall guitars to time in arts classes, and incorporating artistic assignments into the humanities, math and science - read how the arts enriched his Northwest experience.

Keelen Chen '23

"Hi, my name is Keelen Chen! I graduated from Northwest in 2023. Currently, I’m a first-year student at Sciences Po France majoring in Political Science and Economics. I loved Northwest for its sense of family! Unlike conventional learning methods that value self-directed study and individual competition, Northwest focused on creating a positive, encouraging environment for students to learn and bond as a community."

Hanna Anderson '18

“Hi! My name is Hanna Anderson, and I graduated from Northwest in 2018. I studied Clinical Psychology and Child Studies/Human Development at Tufts University and graduated in 2022. I’m currently the Client Services Coordinator for the Child Anxiety Center at a mental health clinic in downtown Seattle."

Kris Huang '23

"Hi, my name is Kris Huang. I graduated from Northwest in 2023 and I’m currently a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. During my time at Northwest I cherished the close-knit community it fostered, especially the smaller class sizes, where teachers would provide individual care and assistance to students facing more specific challenges."

Ghislaine Pagès '14

"Hi, my name is Ghislaine Pagès, and I graduated from Northwest in 2014. I attended Barnard College for undergrad and NYU for Law School. I am now a Staff Attorney at the Metropolitan Public Defender. Something I loved about my time at Northwest is the way my teachers and coaches found joy in their own work, held us to high standards because they believed in us, and truly cared about the wellbeing of everyone they worked with."

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