The Leelanau School

24 hours ago

"Sage Cross is a three-year senior and has certainly left his mark on Leelanau. Deeply passionate about history and driven by a genuine curiosity about the world, Sage brings thoughtfulness, insight, and enthusiasm to everything he does. Whether discussing philosophy, analyzing film, or exploring historical ideas, he has a remarkable ability to make conversations engaging and meaningful for everyone around him.

Some of my greatest interactions with Sage were through sharing our mutual interests in music, film, tea, and history. I first had the pleasure of sharing music with him when he joined the Music Club as a member, and later as the club’s leader. His love of different genres, combined with his creativity and leadership, helped shape the club into a welcoming and vibrant space for students. He brought that same energy to Film, a class he took twice for simple love of the subject. The deep inspiration Sage draws from history was highlighted on our trip to Japan and I will miss the familiar sight of him practicing traditional tea making as we engaged in our class discussions. What truly stands out about Sage in all of these areas is his passion for thinking deeply. He always asks thoughtful questions, challenges ideas, and approaches learning with genuine excitement.

I have seen Sage grow so much over the last three years, and am so proud of this young person who leads not by demanding attention, but by inspiring others through his passion, intelligence, and authenticity. He is opinionated but open, funny but earnest, intellectually sharp but generous. Students like Sage not only make classes more dynamic and discussions more interesting, but school communities stronger. I can’t wait to attend one of his lectures as a future history professor!"—Dr. Elizabeth Wolterink, Leelanau Faculty #seniorshoutout #theclassof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

The Leelanau School

3 days ago

"Ramon was shy and reserved when I first got to know him last year, much like anyone stepping into a new environment. It took him a few weeks to even mention that he had played an instrument before. But once that confidence started to grow, things began to change. Not long after, he asked me, “Mr. Rogers, how come when I put my fingers here, it’s a C chord?” That question told me everything. He was listening. He was retaining. More importantly, he was beginning to think deeply about what he was learning. From that moment on, I knew he was hooked.

Ramon’s curiosity has pushed him forward in exciting ways. Since then, he has become a leader in the music room and a steady, dependable presence for the other guitar players to lean on. He has always had a genuine drive to learn and discuss ideas, but it has been especially rewarding to watch him grow into someone who actively seeks out challenges to become a stronger, more knowledgeable musician.

What stands out most is the depth of his curiosity. He thinks carefully about the mechanics of playing, how the body moves and functions to make music easier and more expressive. At the same time, he wants to understand the theory behind what we play: how music is written, why certain sounds work together, and what gives music its emotional power. I’ve also watched that desire for understanding deepen his appreciation of music as an art form.

Ramon’s curiosity, thoughtful presence, and confident leadership on the guitar will be greatly missed." — Nathan Rogers, Leelanau Faculty #seniorshoutout #theclassof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

The Leelanau School

4 days ago

This Memorial Day, we pause in gratitude and remembrance for the Leelanau alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, selflessness, and devotion will never be forgotten. We honor their lives, remember their service, and hold their families and loved ones in our hearts today and always. ... See MoreSee Less

The Leelanau School

6 days ago

The Glen Arbor Players will host auditions for their production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 PM. This hilarious and touching play presents strong women, drawn together to find strength—and love—in the wake of tragedy.

Directed by Bob Boles, this classic comedy set in a Louisiana beauty salon has a cast of 6 women, ages 20-75. This is an off-book production; memorization is required. Auditions:
* Tuesday, May 26 – 6:30 pm at The Leelanau School
* Wednesday, May 27 – 6:30 pm at the Traverse City Library, Thirlby Room, 2nd floor

For questions and a script, contact director Bob Boles: rsbusa@aol.com

Performances at The Leelanau School: Fri & Sat, July 24 and July 25 @ 7pm; Sun, July 26 @ 2pm | Fri & Sat, July 31 & Aug 1 @ 7pm; Sun, Aug 2 @ 2pm ... See MoreSee Less

The Leelanau School

7 days ago

"Max Wohlfeil came to Leelanau from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, for his junior and senior years, and I first met him during his very first week of school as we gathered for breakfast and morning meeting. At the time, he was quiet and reserved, offering only small glimpses of his interests and wonderfully quirky sense of humor. Yet even in those early months, what stood out most was Max’s attentiveness to the people around him. Time and again, I witnessed him extending kindness and grace to classmates in moments when they needed it most.

As he moved into his senior year, I noticed a new calm confidence in Max. Perhaps it came from knowing he would attend the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in the fall, or perhaps it was simply the steady growth that happens when someone begins to feel fully at home in themselves. Whatever the reason, getting to know Max this year has been a blast. I am grateful to have witnessed his growth through moments both large and small: learning new recipes during Winter Term’s Food is Love class, critiquing the lunch menu with conviction, acting in the Submarine Class end-of-term video, and serving as an essential part of our Spanish 3 class. One moment that especially captured this growth was his senior presentation comparing chess and Clash Royale, in which his passion, humor, and confidence shone through. I have no doubt Max will continue to navigate the next phase of his life with the same quiet strength and success he has shown here at Leelanau."—Melissa Ellsworth, Leelanau Faculty #seniorshoutouts #theclassof2026 #theleelanauschool ... See MoreSee Less

The Leelanau School updated their cover photo.

1 week ago

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