CVA’s Big Dog Awards Luncheon
As the school year came to a close, student-athletes, families, faculty, coaches, and staff gathered for one of CVA’s favorite traditions, the annual Big Dog Awards Luncheon, held this year on Friday, June 5. The event provided an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate a year of hard work, growth, and community.
Opening the luncheon, Head of School Alex Godomsky ’91 welcomed the Big Dog community and recognized the people who helped make the CVA experience possible.
“To our coaches, teachers, and staff, thank you for sharing your knowledge, your passion, and your gifts,” Alex said. He also thanked parents and families for the support and trust they placed in CVA throughout the year.
Above all, the luncheon was an opportunity to celebrate the student-athletes. Alex reflected on everything they balance during a year at CVA: training, travel, competition, and academics, while continuing to support one another and contribute to the school community.
“I’ve watched you grow not only as athletes and scholars, but as young people committed to something larger than yourselves,” he said.
Alex highlighted the ways the community’s core values of kindness, respect, commitment, and gratitude showed up throughout the year, from supporting teammates through challenges to making the most of every opportunity.
The luncheon also recognized a memorable year for the academy with the opening of the High Performance Center. Alex described the new facility as a reflection of what can happen “when a community believes in its mission and invests in its future,” while reminding student-athletes that the building exists because of their dedication and ambition.
The afternoon’s awards recognized achievement across athletics, academics, leadership, and service.
One of the day’s most meaningful honors, the Sugarloaf Ski Club Virginia “Ginny” Bousum Scholarship, was presented by Sugarloaf Ski Club Executive Director Bruce Miles. Established in memory of former ski club president and longtime CVA supporter and volunteer Ginny Bousum, the scholarship supports a returning CVA athlete who will benefit from continuing their full-year experience at the academy. This year’s recipient was Molly Holman.
College Counselors Jenny Wiltse-McClure, Peter Taliaferro, and Kathy Doyon then presented this year’s college and university book awards to members of the Class of 2027.
Recipients included Ava Benn, who received the Saint Anselm College Book Award; Kristina Rangelova, recipient of the Rochester Institute of Technology Science and Math Award; Tommy Fremont-Smith, recipient of the University of Rochester Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award; August Enos, recipient of the University of Rochester Susan B. Anthony Award; and Ethan Godomsky, recipient of the Clarkson University Leadership Award.
CVA also recognized academic excellence by awarding the highest academic average in each class. Congratulations to Camille Cannan (Middle School), Michael Curtis Dohan (Grade 9), Siena Arsenault (Grade 10), and Kristina Rangelova (Grade 11).
Athletic awards were also presented across each of CVA’s competitive disciplines, including alpine, freestyle moguls, freestyle freeski, snowboard, and ski cross. Coaches recognized student-athletes for their contributions throughout the season with MVP, Most Improved, Sportsmanship, and Coaches Awards. High Performance awards were also presented to student-athletes who demonstrated exceptional commitment to training, growth, and year-round development.
The celebration continued with recognition of the Parent Support Organization and the many volunteers who help create meaningful experiences throughout the year. From special events and traditions to Wish List grants and community building, their contributions continue to enrich life at CVA.
PSO leader Gina Bruno presented this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award to Cortney Klemperer P’25 P’27 in recognition of her dedication and support of the community.
As the luncheon wrapped up, Alex left the room with a reminder that captured the spirit of the day: “Every one of you is a Big Dog. You are what makes CVA so special.”
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