The inspiration to pursue math and science took several different forms for these Class of 2026 graduates. Out trips on the ocean, a chemistry class that set sodium alight, and the extra problems handed out by a Grade 5 teacher who saw potential were among the moments that pointed them toward where they are headed. They leave SMUS for programs across North America, carrying a curiosity the school helped them develop and deepen.
Ashley Baek
School: New York University
Program: Environmental Studies, College of Arts and Science
Throughout her time at SMUS, Ashley Baek has been passionate about sustainability and environmental leadership. As Head of the Sustainability Council, she led initiatives aimed at making the school community more environmentally conscious, including introducing reusable cups at Howard Cafe, organizing a clothing swap, creating planting stations around campus and running a fundraiser in support of those affected by the Okanagan forest fires.
"It was incredibly rewarding to work alongside students who shared the same passion for sustainability," said Ashley.
She also sang in the SMUS Choir for three years, saying it has been one of the most meaningful parts of her SMUS experience and allowed her to build confidence, creativity, and strong connections within the school community.
In her final year, Ashley joined the sailing team. Two boat-breaking incidents during the season made the team's first-place finish at the Discovery Cup all the more satisfying.
The out trips she experienced in Grade 10 and 11 were among her most lasting SMUS memories, helping her form close friendships and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world that played a direct role in her decision to pursue Environmental Studies at NYU.
She credited teachers Anna Kratofil and Nicole Carvalho, and her Academic Advisor Megan Parry for their constant support throughout her time at SMUS.
Bianca Batoni
School: University of California, Los Angeles
Program: Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics
Rowing was a huge part of Bianca Batoni's time at SMUS. She rowed for all four years and was part of the first SMUS women's coxed quad to compete at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. Outside the boat, she served as Co-Head of Service Council, organizing service initiatives and encouraging students to get involved in giving back to the community. Both experiences taught her the same things.
"Being involved in both taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and showing up for something bigger than yourself," said Bianca.
The academic experience that shaped her direction most directly came from outside the classroom. Bianca enrolled in Harvard's Molecules of Life, Nature and Industry course, which introduced her to the intersection of biology, chemistry, and innovation. A final project on biotechnology and celiac disease grew into her Capstone project, where she explored the biotech industry in greater depth, and ultimately influenced her decision to pursue Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA.
Some of her most cherished SMUS memories are the quieter ones: early morning rowing practices, bus rides to regattas, boarding house events and time with friends. Racing at the Head of the Charles was unforgettable, she said, but what she will remember most is the people and the lessons they taught her about resilience and showing up for one another.
"UCLA has been a goal of mine for a long time, so it feels pretty surreal that it's actually happening," said Bianca. "It's hard to leave a place that has been home for the past four years, but I'm excited to meet new people, take on new challenges, and see where this next chapter takes me."
Abby Hoole
School: University of Victoria
Program: Marine Biology
Abby Hoole will be studying Marine Biology at UVic this fall, choosing it over her acceptance to McGill as the program better suited to her area of interest. As Head of Marine Club and a four-year member of Service Council, Abby arrived at Senior School already committed to both the ocean and her community, a dedication that continued alongside strong academics. She earned both her Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards and has been on the Honour Roll since Grade 9.
Some of her most vivid SMUS memories involve the water: swimming off the SALTS boat on a Grade 10 out trip and sea kayaking on multiple occasions throughout high school. Those experiences built friendships and deepened the passion she now plans to pursue professionally.
Her final chemistry class left its own mark. The silver grad flask she created at the end of Chemistry 12, a tradition she had been watching from the hallway since Grade 9, was a satisfying and tangible reminder of everything she had learned.
"I recall seeing the flasks in the classrooms every year since grade 9, looking forward to a rather satisfying end to my SMUS career," said Abby.
She thanks her friends and family for their support during her time at SMUS and credited teachers Anna Kratofil and Tiffany Webber for deepening her love and understanding of Chemistry and Biology.
Youlan Li
School: Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Program: Neuroscience
Youlan Li arrived at SMUS as a boarder in Grade 7 and spent the next five years in Winslow House, navigating her teenage years far from her parents and building the kind of independence that comes from living fully within a community. She leaves as a Prefect, Co-Head of the Peer Tutoring Program, Co-Captain of the Girls Varsity Badminton Team, Co-Head of Piano Club, cellist in the Strings and Symphony Orchestras, writer for The Jag, and student ambassador.
Theatre was another constant. Youlan served as Stage Manager of Les Misérables and Assistant Stage Manager of The Prom, performed in Something Rotten! and Fiddler on the Roof, and appeared in the Theatre Company's production of TRAP.
"Musical and theatre company classes gave me the chance to collaborate with a wonderful group of people I wouldn't have had the chance to otherwise," she said. "There's a real sense of pride and achievement when everyone works toward the same goal."
AP Biology and AP Chemistry, with particular thanks to Simone Kuklinski, helped prepare her for the academic demands ahead. This summer, Youlan will intern at a firm in Asia focused on renewable energy and carbon emission reduction, an opportunity she received through outreach.
She heads to Duke this fall eager to explore broadly, crediting teachers Jeff Taylor, Gregor Klenz, Stel.la Guillén Fàbregas, Morgan McLeod, Evan Fryer, Alana Green, Doug Palm, Simone Kuklinski, and Riley Doland for their support throughout her time at SMUS.
Earlier this year, Youlan earned the Genome BC Award at the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair for BEEDLE, her innovative microneedle-based implant designed to deliver therapeutic agents directly to targeted brain regions. Read the full story: BEEDLE Breakthrough: Youlan Li '26 Clinches Genome BC Award
Isabelle Wu
School: University of British Columbia
Program: Bachelor of Science, with plans to major in Biochemistry or Neuroscience and minor in Mathematics
Isabelle Wu has been at SMUS since Grade 3, and her relationship with mathematics has grown alongside her. Her Grade 5 teacher Matthew Keil recognized her appetite for challenge and gave her extra problems to work through, including a custom critical thinking exercise called Spynet. In Middle School, teachers encouraged her to enter math contests and by Grade 12 she was taking Calculus, a progression she credits entirely to teachers who kept pushing her forward.
Science captured her just as early. A chemistry class with Mr. Peter Leggatt in Grade 9, where sodium and other substances were set alight, sparked an interest that carried through to AP Biology, where a dissection she had been dreading turned into one of her most memorable classroom experiences.
"Ms. Walker-Curry encouraged us to at least try and lightened up the environment," said Isabelle. "I ended up having a good time and learned a lot about the anatomy of animals."
Beyond academics, Isabelle served as Head of the Grad Committee, planning events including Winter Formal and various fundraisers, and was a Link Leader and member of the strings program.
She credited teachers Peter Leggatt, Susanne Walker-Curry, and Benson Young for encouraging her interest in sciences throughout her time at SMUS.
