From mid-March to mid-April, CVA Big Dogs travel the globe to compete in championships for freestyle, freeski, ski cross, snowboard cross, alpine, and snowboard. Having so many student-athletes qualify for championships and post-season competitions is a testament to their hard work and commitment, and to their coaches’ dedication to their athletes. CVA is proud of all our student-athletes and coaches!

Freestyle/Moguls Junior National & National Championships

Twelve CVA Freestyle Moguls student-athletes qualified to compete at the 2024 U.S. Freestyle Mogul Junior National Championships held March 12-17 at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, Utah. The top junior athletes in the country competed in both moguls and dual moguls events by age group (U15, U17, U19). Congratulations to: Trase Boudreau ’WP, Kenadie Dickey ’26, Sophia Dowling ’WP, Jack Egan ’25, Kennedy Hicks ’25, Bea Holstein ’25, Gabe Landry ’26, Chase Littlefield ’24, Nattee McKenzie ’24, Abigail Pellerin ’27, Celia Rose ’27, and Chris Savage ’28.

Congratulations to Nattee McKenzie '24 on her top-10 finishes, placing 9th in U19 Moguls and 5th in U19 Dual Moguls, and Kenadie Dickey ’26 for her 6th-place finish in U17 Moguls.

After returning to campus for a day, eight Big Dogs headed to Waterville Valley to compete at the 2024 Toyota U.S Mogul Freestyle Championships. Those invited were: Kenadie Dickey ’26, Sophia Dowling ’WP, Kennedy Hicks ’25, Nattee McKenzie ’24, Celia Rose ’27, Jack Egan ’25, Gabe Landry ’26, and Chase Littlefield ’24.

The top 60 male and female moguls athletes in the nation, including the U.S. Mogul Ski Team, are invited to compete in this event. To have 8 athletes from CVA receive invites is truly an accomplishment.

“I’m amazed by our whole team this year,” said Coach Nate McKenzie. “Having a small team of 11 athletes, I’m so proud to have these athletes representing CVA at U.S. Nationals.”

Snowboard Week at 2024 USASA National Championships

Eight members of the CVA Snowboard team headed to Copper to represent CVA and the Maine Mountain Series at USASA Nationals: Abe Chronkhite ’28 (SBX/ GS/ SL), August Enos ’27 (SBX/ GS), Hayden Hoffmann ’24 (SBX/ GS/ SL), Mikey Lord ’27 (SBX), Mitch Marquis ’24 (SBX), Josh Paquette ’26 (SS/ Rail Jam), Tori Richardson ’28 (SBX/ Rail Jam), Jack Velenchik ’24 (SBX) and Walker Wolfe ’26 (SBX/ GS/ SL).

On day one of the competition, Seniors Mitch Marquis and Jack Velenchik had an awesome day, finishing 2nd and 3rd in Small Finals for the Snowboard Junior 17-18 group, 6th and 7th overall. What a way to finish off their senior year of competition.

On day 2 of Snowboard Week, CVA athletes brought the heat and achieved some awesome results. In SBX Breaker 13-14 Abe Cronkhite '28 advanced to Big Finals, finishing just off the podium in 4th overall. In SBX Youth 15-16, Walker Wolfe '26 secured the bronze with his 3rd-place finish. Paisley Fredette from our Weekend Program impressed with a solid 9th-place finish in Slopestyle.

Day 3 brought another bronze medal for Walker Wolfe, this time in the Parallel Giant Slalom event. With only six-hundredths of a second separating first and third place, it was a tight race. Despite a fall in the semifinals, Walker hung tough and secured the bronze. Way to go, Walker!

The final day of Snowboard Week saw three Big Dogs on the podium, including Walker earning his 3rd medal in three events with a 1st place finish in SBX. Other podiums were earned by Weekend Program athletes Paisley Fredette and Lorenzo Warren in the Grommet 9-10 category. What a way to wrap up USASA Snowboard Week at Copper! 

Freeski at 2024 USASA National Championships

Eight members of the CVA Freeski team qualified to represent CVA and the Maine Mountain Series at USASA Nationals: Alex Bateman ’26, Shire Cosby ’25, Graem Glidden ’27, Jackson Heald ’28, Reggie Hicks ’27, Owen Larue ’26, Ossian Prime-Spivak ’28, and Grant Schad ’27.

Congratulations to Alex Bateman '26 who secured 2nd place in Rail Jam and placed 10th in Slopestyle in the Men's 15-22 category; and Owen LaRue on his 7th place in the Men’s 15-22 Rail Jam.

Ski Cross at 2024 USASA National Championships

The CVA Ski Cross team was at Copper ready to represent CVA and the Maine Mountain Series at USASA Nationals. The results speak for themselves. Congratulations!

Open Class Men - Sully Butler '24 4th

Youth Men (15-16) - Jamie Herring '26 1st, Aidan Butler '26 3rd, Bear Prime-Spivak '27 5th (1st in Small Final)

Breaker Men (13-14) - Will Swain '27 1st, Gauge Dakers WP 4th

Breaker Women (13-14) - Evelyn Pepin WP 2nd, Malina McKendry WP 7th (3rd in Small Final)

Menehune Men (11-12) - Liam Hohl WP 4th

FIS Snowboard Cross

Congratulations to Nathan Pare ‘PG and Boden Gerry ‘24 on their 2nd and 3rd place NorAm overall finishes, respectively, for the 2023-2024 season in Snowboard Cross.

The NorAm Cup is a FIS series of events hosted in the U.S. and Canada and is considered a stepping stone to the World Cup circuit. Both Nate and Boden have earned World Cup starts for the 2024-2025 season.

CVA post-graduate athlete Nathan Pare has received the prestigious FIS Rookie of the Year award! FIS presents this award annually to one male and one female from the sport of Snowboard Cross who have completed a first full season of competitions.

The criteria for the “Rookie of the Year” award is based on 50% results in the current season and 50% personality and attitude. The recipients of the award are determined by a vote from the Team Captains at the last World Cup competition of the year.

FIS Junior World Championships

Congratulations to the CVA student-athletes who competed in the Junior World Championships with impressive results.

Morgan Shute '25 took 5th place in the individual competition, followed up with a remarkable 3rd place podium spot in the team event with Jack Mitchell.

Maggie Swain '24, was the second-highest performer from Team USA in the Ski Cross event, finishing with an impressive 16th place in the individual event and 18th in the team event. Sully Butler '24 took 37th place, 22nd in the team event.

For Snowboard Cross, Boden Gerry '24 earned an impressive 19th place in the individual and 11th in the team event.

Alpine Championships

Twenty-eight U12 and U14 CVA Academy and Weekend Program athletes headed to Gunstock, New Hampshire for the Francis Piches Invitational. They qualified by racing in 5-6 MARA qualifiers that were held throughout the season.

Piches has been running since 1970. Over 187 U12 and 149 U14 athletes from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and Maine qualified for this event. As a team, CVA had the most athletes represented by any single club competing at these Championships!

CVA ATHLETES

U12 GIRLS:

Molly Holman

Camille Cannan

Willa Marcisso

Isla Dakers

Addie Gray

Norah Landry

Marit Severson

Keira Livesay

U12 BOYS:

Preston Ponitz

Finn Hildebrand

Simms Patten

Henry Brochu

Gunner Goethert

Parker Lowe

U14 GIRLS 

Maddy Cannan '29

Alex Reynolds '28

Minna Goethert

Vivienne Corriveau

Elena Owen

Helene Rueter '29

U14 BOYS 

Charlie Lord

Curtis Dohan '29

Henry Demetriou

Max Zimmerman '28

Coel Bayles '29

Boden Folger David

Joey Mannisto

Robbie Servidio

Four Big Dogs were selected to compete in the U14 Eastern Championships in Sugarbush, VT from March 16-19th. The top U14 athletes from across the Eastern Region compete in SL, GS, and SG events. Congratulations to: Anders Hildebrand ’28, Cam Manson ’28, Fynn Murray ’28, and Quinn Marston ’WP.

In late March Fynn Murray '28 had an outstanding performance at the Can-Am event held at Sugarloaf. Competing against the top 75 American and Eastern Canadian athletes, Fynn showcased remarkable skill and determination, placing 5th in Skills Quest, 10th in GS, and an impressive 10th overall. Way to go, Fynn!

Nine CVA U16 athletes were selected to compete in the Ronnie Berlack Grand Prix/U16 Eastern Championships at Burke Mountain. Congratulations to the following athletes: Abby Manson ’26, Ashlyn Poirier ’27, Ella Gunning ’26, Lucia Littlefield ’26, Louise Reuter ’27, Ethan Godomsky ’27, Jack Hepburn ’26, Nick Klemperer ’27, and Rocco Lazzaro ’26. The top U16 athletes from across the Eastern region are selected to compete in SG, GS, and SL events.

Alpine student-athletes Rocco Lazzaro ’26 and Lucia Littlefield ’26 qualified for U16 Nationals in Vail, CO after clinching top-10 SL finishes, along with impressive GS results, at the Ronnie Berlack Grand Prix/U16 Eastern Championships.

Congratulations to Lucia for placing 5th in Slalom, with the fastest time among Eastern Region athletes.

On March 31st, Charlie Koenig ’24 took home the Gold in GS at the FIS Eastern Cup race at Sugarbush/Mount Ellen in Vermont. To achieve such a strong result, at a series of this caliber, is truly an accomplishment.

Great work, Charlie! We are so proud of you.

The CVA Board of Trustees is the guardian of the school’s mission. It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure that the mission is relevant and vital to the community it serves and to monitor the success of the school in fulfilling its mission.

CVA is pleased to welcome the newest members to our Board of Trustees.

Shelby MacLeod P'30 is the Director of Brand Strategy, Corporate Communications, and Events at IDEXX and has 25 years of experience in marketing and communications serving clients such as PepsiCo, GM, and Samsung. Shelby recently served on the Head of School Search Committee and has been a Sugarloafer since 1982. 

Her daughter Logan attended CVA for 7th through 9th grade, racing alpine, and her son Charlie is a boardercross athlete in the weekend program and will attend CVA as a 7th grader in the 2024-25 school year.

Will Savage P’28, serves as the President of Acorn Engineering, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in civil engineering and land development. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Maine and holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Union College.

Over the past three years, he has served as a Freestyle Coach with the CVA Weekend Program, working alongside his wife, Lynn, and supporting their two sons, both passionate mogul competitors. This year, their eldest son Christopher joined CVA as an 8th-grade boarding student for the winter term.

Outside of work, the Savage family has embarked on two cross-country ski trips, covering over 15,000 miles while towing their 24' travel trailer, and winter camping at 13 Mountain Collective Ski Resorts in the United States and Canada. Will is passionate about growing the Freestyle Program and supporting the competitors to meet their full potential on slopes, in the classroom, and within the community.

Students in Biology I and Biology II at CVA participate in labs each year to study genomics, a field of molecular biology that studies all of the DNA (genome) of organisms. Genomics is a field that has seen substantial growth over the past few decades to become an integral part of many industries ranging from forensics (identification via DNA testing) and medicine (therapeutic medicines and identifying disease risks) to agriculture (genetically modified food, seeds, and livestock) and ancestry studies. Whether a student plans to enter into a field of study that utilizes genomic science or is simply a consumer of products that rely on genomics, it is becoming increasingly important that our student-athletes understand the subject.

The study of DNA and its importance has always been a part of CVA Director of Academics and Science Teacher Karen Lanoue-Egan’s Biology curriculum. Karen holds a master’s degree in biology and has had a life-long interest in molecular biology. 

“I’ve always offered a forensics lab in my class; in the early days I would have students conduct DNA fingerprinting and use agarose gel electrophoresis to compare DNA samples,” remarked Karen. “As the field of study has grown, the labs in our class have been able to grow, to keep pace and stay relevant, in large part because of the support from the PSO.”

The CVA Parent Support Organization (PSO) raises money each year to provide needed supplemental funding for academic and cultural enrichment, and as part of their mission, has provided the funding for the needed equipment and supplies to conduct these labs at CVA. Over the years, the PSO has purchased thermocyclers, micropipettes, electrophoresis technology and more. These gifts have helped CVA offer laboratory experiences similar to the quality of many colleges and universities.

Today, Biology students at CVA participate in multiple genomics labs throughout the year including:

• Using qPCR and electrophoresis to identify SARS-COVID in simulated DNA samples and compare relative viral loads among the simulated patient’s DNA.

• Using PCR to amplify a specific gene in their DNA and then electrophoresis to determine their genotype which is then compared to their previously determined phenotype for that gene. This typically brings up the discussion of nurture vs. nature since often a student’s genotype does not match their phenotype. 

• CRISPR, a technology to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms.

• Transgenics and gene expression. Using transformation to genetically modify bacteria with a gene from jellyfish that codes for a protein enabling bacteria to fluoresce under specific environmental conditions.

• DNA fingerprinting. Using agarose gel electrophoresis to compare “suspect” DNA samples to a DNA sample from a crime scene.

Because of the funding from the PSO, lab groups are kept small, often with only 1-2 students per station, allowing each student to get a quality hands-on learning experience. The class is also able to stay flexible and relevant because of the resources provided by the PSO. Traveling student-athletes can conduct their lab experiments when they return to campus if they are on the road when the lab is scheduled. 

“Molecular biology has always been of special interest to me,” said Karen. “I’m grateful to be able to share this interest with my students and know they will be well prepared for the college courses and careers of tomorrow.”

Karen graduated from the University of Vermont with a BS in Zoology and then earned a Master’s Degree in Biology from Utah State University. She teaches Biology I, Honors Biology II, and Physics and is the Director of Academics. In 2010 Karen was nominated for the Williams College Olmstead Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Karen is an avid skier, mountain biker, and equestrian. She is very pleased that her son, Jack, attends CVA.

High Honors: all grades 90 (A) or above

Grade 7: Coel Bayles

Grade 8: Abe Cronkhite,

Anders Hildebrand, Cam Manson,

Fynn Murray, Alex Reynolds, Wynn Stern

Grade 9: Luise Rueter, Abigail Pellerin

Grade 10: Lilly Mae Awamleh,

Ali Bruno, Ella Gunning, Jamie Hering, Gabe Landry, Bridget Sapak,

Trenton Wadas, Lauren Waskowitz

Grade 11: Jack Egan, Ben Mallory

Grade 12: Stephen Cramm,

Charlie Koenig, Nattee McKenzie,

Caleb Stefanakos

Honors: all grades 85 (B) or above

Grade 7: Curtis Dohan, Helene Rueter

Grade 8: Miles Kaplan,

Max Zimmerman

Grade 9: Ava Benn,

Tatum Folger David, Celia Rose

Grade 10: Lauren (Lulu) Cushman,

Jack Hepburn, Lucia Littlefield,

Abby Manson, Sofia Murray,

Josh Paquette

Grade 11: Mia Bruno, Lily Cole,

Danica Sevigny, Lily-Jane Sparkes

Thirteen CVA students from the disciplines of Ski Cross, U16 Alpine, and Snowboard joined forces with adaptive athletes to compete in the Unified Race event, a collaboration with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center.

Each adaptive athlete was paired up with a CVA athlete to form a team, creating an inclusive and supportive environment on the slopes. Together, they tackled the course with determination. Their times were combined to create a total race time.

We are immensely proud of all the athletes for their remarkable performance, but above all, we cherish the bonds of friendship, the spirit of competition, and the radiant smiles that illuminated the hill throughout the event! 

Congratulations to the CVA Student Spotlight award winners for February and March! Each month CVA teachers and staff nominate students who exemplify what being a Big Dog is all about in each of the three foundational pillars of our mission: academics, athletics, and community.

Thank you to D'Ellie's Bakery & Deli for sponsoring our Student Spotlight award recipients. Each month D'Ellie's provides gift certificates to our winners and displays their photos proudly on their wall.

Sophia has a very strong work ethic and has developed good academic skills this year while managing challenges outside of the classroom. Way to go, Sophia!

Alex is an excellent student and is doing well academically in her first year at CVA. Great job, Alex!

August is a first-year Big Dog and is already taking a leadership role within our community. She was especially helpful during our Special Olympics day and contributed greatly to our video for the scholarship bash. Way to be, August!

Lauren is a top student in English, Math, and Biology. She maintains consistently high grades, displays a far above-average level of understanding, and positively contributes in the classroom. Keep up the great work, Lauren!

Trenton is an exemplary Big Dog, always helpful in a quiet way. He is a positive role model to others without being boastful. Staff members have seen him stepping up to help fellow students need a helping hand, going above and beyond with dishes, and staying on top of academics while traveling. Way to be, Trenton!

Tanner always puts 100% effort into his sport. He consistently has a positive attitude and maximizes his time on the snow. A great teammate, Tanner is a nice person to be around, displays good sportsmanship and is genuinely happy to be here. Fantastic work, Tanner!

We are incredibly grateful for Sam Morse's presence at the KCL race awards ceremony back in March. He not only inspired aspiring alpine athletes but also spread joy with his infectious smile. 

Sam's dedication to his sport and willingness to give back to the CVA community is truly commendable. Thank you, Sam, for being a shining example of what hard work and dedication look like and for your continued support of CVA athletes!

Dartmouth Alumni Magazine recently published an article about CVA alumni Sam “Moose” Morse ’14 and his unorthodox journey to college graduation, while he competes on the World Cup circuit.

Keep carving your path, Sam! Thirteen years go by in a flash, and you’re halfway there!

This unique experience offers 9 days of the best snow for summer ski training at the Juvass glacier, in Norway, located 6 hours north of Oslo, a home training site for the Norwegian National Team and many other Scandinavian teams and ski clubs.

Who: Emerging U12 & U14 athletes with prior racing experience*

What: The camp will focus on fundamental skills, Slalom, and Giant Slalom technical and tactical elements, with daily video review and individualized evaluations. 

When: June 23 - July 4, 2024

Where: Juvass, Norway 

For more information and to register today, go to gocva.com/camps

*Athletes outside CVA Academy and Weekend Programs should contact John Wagner at jwagner@gocva.com or Ron Bonnevie at rbonnevie@gocva.com prior to registering and will need a coach's recommendation from their current racing program.

U14/U16/FIS Alpine Coaches

Carrabassett Valley Academy has openings within our full-time alpine coaching staff for 2024-2025. Based on the growth and momentum of our alpine program, we have positions within our U14 through FIS staff. 

The ideal candidate’s qualities include enthusiasm, a love of working with young athletes, a desire for personal growth as a coach, and the ability to connect with athletes.

Compensation is competitive with housing possible. Coaches receive a Sugarloaf ski pass and other CVA employee benefits. Applicants must be able to pass and secure a U.S. Ski & Snowboard background check, CPR/First Aid certification, Safesport, etc. This is a great opportunity for a coach who wishes to develop professionally and is looking for mentoring to become the best coach you can be! Please share the word.

Interested candidates should contact Kirk Dwyer at kdwyer@gocva.com or 970-409-7765.

Ski Cross Development Coach

Carrabassett Valley Academy has an opening within our full-time Ski Cross coaching staff for the 2024-2025 season.

The ideal candidate has a solid racing background in ski cross or alpine. Coaching experience is a plus. Candidates must have enthusiasm, a love of working with young athletes, a desire for personal growth as a coach, and the ability to connect with athletes.

Compensation is competitive with housing possible. Coaches receive a Sugarloaf ski pass and other CVA employee benefits. Applicants must be able to pass and secure a U.S. Ski & Snowboard background check, CPR/First Aid certification, Safesport, etc. This is a great opportunity for a coach who wishes to develop professionally and is looking for mentoring to become the best coach you can be!

Interested candidates should contact Mike Phelan at mphelan@gocva.com or 401-787-0683.

Ski Cross Weekend Program Coaches

CVA is hiring part-time Ski Cross Weekend Program coaches for the upcoming

season. The ideal candidate’s qualities include motivation, enthusiasm, a love of skiing,

positive and supportive communication, and the ability to connect with our athletes.

Competition background is a plus. Coaches receive a Sugarloaf season pass and other

CVA employee benefits. This is a great opportunity for a coach who wishes to develop

professionally and is looking for a coaching mentor.

Interested candidates should contact Mike Phelan at mphelan@gocva.com or 401-787-0683.

The Sugarloaf Competition Department, with support from the Sugarloaf Ski Club, held the annual volunteer appreciation party.

Congratulations to Donald and Barbara Hathorn who received the Gleason Rand Award for their volunteer efforts this season.

The mission of the Sugarloaf Ski Club is to provide the opportunity for all youth to participate and excel in skiing and snowboarding, promote community-building events, support competition, and preserve the history and heritage of the mountain.