CVA Graduates the Big Dog Class of 2026

6/23/2026

The Big Dog community gathered on Saturday, June 6, to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026 and recognize a group of student-athletes whose time at Carrabassett Valley Academy has been defined by dedication, growth, resilience, and community.

Following the opening invocation from Sugarloaf Area Christian Ministry associate pastor Louise McCleery, Head of School Alex Godomsky ’91 reflected on the meaning of commencement and the experience of growing through the demands and opportunities that define life at CVA.

“Today is a commencement, a beginning,” Alex said. “And Class of 2026, today is about more than what you have achieved. It is about who you have become in the process.”

Reflecting on the student-athlete experience, Alex reminded graduates that their time at CVA had shaped them in ways that extend beyond results and accomplishments.

“At CVA, not all victories happen at the top of a podium,” he said. “Some victories happen on the coldest training days, when showing up takes everything you have.”

He spoke about the resilience, discipline, and perspective developed through balancing athletics, academics, and community, and concluded by thanking families, faculty, staff, coaches, and the broader Sugarloaf community for supporting students throughout their journey and helping shape the people they have become.

This year’s commencement address was delivered by CVA alumna Dr. Abigail Manter ’01, who returned to campus to reflect on the lessons she carried from her own CVA experience and how they continue to shape her life beyond graduation. She encouraged graduates to embrace challenges, trust themselves, and recognize that growth often comes through difficult experiences.

“CVA teaches failure. Adaptability. How to advocate for yourself. How to keep going when things get tough,” she said. “Those lessons will last a whole lot longer than your race results.”

Student speakers also shared reflections on their time at CVA and the lessons they will carry forward. Salutatorian Ali Bruno reflected on learning that life does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. Faculty Choice speaker Lucia Littlefield shared memories of friendships and experiences that shaped her years in the Valley. Senior Class Choice speaker Abigail Manson celebrated the relationships and adventures that defined her CVA experience. Valedictorian Lauren Waskowitz encouraged her classmates to remain curious and open to others, noting that respect and understanding create lasting connections.

The ceremony also included the presentation of awards recognizing three seniors and two juniors for achievement, leadership, perseverance, service, and growth within the CVA community.

The CVA Alumni Association Award was presented to Tommy Fremont-Smith, recognized for consistently living CVA’s core values of kindness, respect, gratitude, and commitment. A CVA student since seventh grade, he is known for his steady kindness toward peers and teachers, his respect and thoughtfulness in all interactions, and his appreciation for opportunities to learn and grow. He also demonstrated strong commitment to academics and athletics, including perseverance through injury and a consistent drive for improvement.

The J. Keith Penninger Memorial Fund Award was presented to Ava Benn, honored for her positivity, energy, and ability to strengthen team culture. She is known for bringing humor and encouragement to those around her while building strong connections within her group. As an athlete, she has shown increasing focus and motivation, taking ownership of her development through consistent effort in training and a growing commitment to improvement. In the classroom, she is engaged, collaborative, and consistently supportive of her peers.

The John and Patty Ritzo Leadership Award was presented to Aidan Butler, recognized for his steady and engaged leadership as class president and his commitment to the CVA community. He is known for showing up and advocating for his peers with clarity and consistency. As a ski cross athlete, he brings focus and decisiveness to competition, carrying the same sense of commitment into his leadership role. He leaves CVA having strengthened communication within the student body and helped build a more connected school community.

The Benjamin Weisbein Award was presented to Rocco Lazzaro, recognized for his long-term commitment to the alpine program, strong work ethic, and steady presence within the CVA community. Over his years at the Academy, he has shown consistent perseverance and growth as an athlete, meeting high expectations with discipline and reliability. He is known for leading by example through preparation, integrity, and quiet support of teammates and younger athletes, embodying the “Big Dog Way” in both training and daily life.

The David Holmes Most Improved Student Award was presented to Josh Paquette, who joined CVA in grade nine and has shown strong academic and personal growth throughout his time at the Academy. Josh has developed into a focused and confident learner, particularly in math and science, where he consistently approaches challenges with determination and persistence. He is also recognized for his positive personality and the lighthearted, constructive energy he brings to the CVA community.

Following the award presentations, graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas before gathering one final time as a class for the traditional cap toss. As the Class of 2026 launched their caps into the air, the ceremony marked both a celebration of everything they accomplished at CVA and the beginning of what comes next.

As the academic year comes to a close, Commencement serves as a reminder of what defines the CVA experience: pursuing ambitious goals, supporting one another through challenges, and growing into capable, thoughtful young adults prepared for whatever comes next.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Once a Big Dog, always a Big Dog!