Senior Banquet Celebrates the Class of 2026
Families, faculty, staff, coaches, alumni, and friends gathered on Friday, June 5, for the annual Senior Banquet to celebrate the Class of 2026 and reflect on the experiences, memories, and relationships that shaped their years at Carrabassett Valley Academy.
Opening the evening, Head of School Alex Godomsky ’91 welcomed guests and recognized the accomplishments of the graduating class, describing the event as a celebration of “the accomplishments of the incredible Class of 2026.”
One of the banquet’s traditions invited seniors to share excerpts from their “I Believe” poems, written as part of the Senior English curriculum. Their reflections offered a thoughtful and personal look at the values, lessons, and perspectives they will carry forward beyond CVA.
Student speaker Derek Barbie reflected on the challenges and experiences that shaped his time at CVA, sharing lessons about resilience, perspective, and the importance of community. His remarks focused on how difficult moments often become opportunities for growth and how support from others can shape the way we move forward.
“The reason so many successful people come through CVA isn't because this place produces perfection. It's because this place teaches resilience. It teaches people how to fail. And more importantly, it teaches people how to respond when they fail. That lesson will matter far more than any race result or report card.” Derek shared.
The evening also included the presentation of the Senior Class gift, remarks from CVA alumna Molly Bruno ’20 on behalf of the Alumni Association, and the annual senior slideshow created by Kenadie Dickey.
One of the evening’s most meaningful traditions was the presentation of the Denny Flag Award. Established in 2015 by former CVA Trustee and alumni parents Jim and Priscilla Denny, whose son Chris graduated from CVA in 1987, the award honors graduating seniors whose leadership and contributions have left a lasting impact on the CVA community.
Each year, recipients receive one of the flags that has flown on the CVA campus throughout the year, making it one of the school’s most meaningful honors. This year, Alex announced that the award would be presented to two seniors whose impact has been felt every day.
Each year, recipients receive one of the flags that has flown on the CVA campus throughout the year, making it one of the school’s most meaningful honors. This year, Alex announced that the award would be presented to two seniors whose impact has been felt every day.
Lucia Littlefield was recognized for the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of connection she brought to the CVA community throughout her time at the academy. Beyond being one of the top U18 slalom skiers in the country, Lucia stands out for her genuine love of skiing and mountain life, which is reflected in how she approaches every day and every experience.
“She shows up for every person, every event, every moment,” said Alex.
Alex reflected on Lucia’s ability to bring people together and make the most of every opportunity. Whether organizing games, rallying teammates, creating connections between training sessions, or simply encouraging others to join in, she became known for helping shape the experiences of those around her. Her positivity, resilience, and constant engagement with the community made her someone her peers looked up to and someone who represented CVA values every day.
Alex Bateman was recognized for the impact he has had both on and off the snow. Since arriving at CVA, he has embraced every opportunity to grow, progressing from success at the USASA and Futures Tour levels to the Rev Tour. This year, his creativity and individuality were recognized nationally when he received the prestigious SuperUnknown Skier Award from Level 1 Productions. Alex shared that what makes Bateman deserving of the Denny Flag Award extends far beyond accomplishments.
“His true passion and love for skiing have been evident in everything he does,” Alex said.
Whether helping teammates recognize their own strengths, motivating others to push themselves further, bringing energy to training, or finding one more opportunity to ski simply because he loves the process, Alex has left a lasting impact on the Action Sports program and the broader CVA community.
Together, Lucia and Alex embodied the spirit of the Denny Flag Award through their leadership, passion, and the meaningful ways they helped shape life at CVA.
The evening closed with celebration, reflection, and appreciation for the Class of 2026 and the community that supported them along the way.
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