The Fine Point: A Legacy Taking Shape | March 2026
A Monthly Message from President Robert J. Fine, Jr. | A Legacy Taking Shape
As March closes, there is a natural opportunity to reflect on the contributions of women throughout history. At St. John’s Northwestern, it is also a moment to recognize something taking shape within our own community.
The presence of young women on our campus continues to grow. More importantly, so does their impact.
It can be seen in moments of excellence.
Senior Camila Torres recently delivered a record-breaking performance in the pool, setting new school records in both the 200-yard Individual Medley and the 100-yard Breaststroke. Her achievement reflects not only talent, but discipline, preparation, and the quiet consistency that leads to meaningful outcomes.
It can be seen on a national stage.
Allison Belt represented both St. John’s Northwestern and Team Wisconsin at the Western High School Ski National Championships, contributing to a second-place team finish and competing among the top athletes in the country. Her performance is a reminder that our students are prepared to compete well beyond our campus.
It can be seen in leadership development that begins early.
After just three months in the Corps of Cadets, Evelyn Stransky reflected that the experience had already made her “more action-oriented, mature, and driven,” noting that she had grown more as a leader in that short time than in all her previous years combined. Her perspective speaks to the power of structure, accountability, and shared purpose.
And it can be seen in the ways students help shape the experience itself.
When Camila participated in a Young Eagles flight experience, she chose to document the moment, capturing it through her own lens. When Brielle McKinley asked to photograph a fast-paced basketball game, she stepped into a challenging environment and delivered work that reflected both creativity and confidence. These are not assigned roles. They are opportunities students step into.
This same spirit continues beyond graduation.
Alumna Kara Doerr, now serving in Army ROTC, the Vermont National Guard, and as a mentor to others, reflects on her time at St. John’s Northwestern as a place where she pursued leadership opportunities and earned meaningful firsts. Scout Adams, now at the University of Notre Dame, credits her experience here with preparing her for the rigor and responsibility of college life, grounded in discipline and focus.
Individually, these moments are impressive. Together, they tell a larger story.
They reflect a group of students who are not simply participating in the St. John’s Northwestern experience, but actively contributing to it. They are taking on challenges, stepping into leadership, and helping shape the environment around them.
What is taking place is not defined by a single program, but by the opportunity to grow within a structured environment that asks something of each student and supports them in meeting it.
Their future is already beginning to take shape in meaningful ways, including the formation of a Smythe alumni chapter, honoring the shared experience of the young women who have helped define this chapter of St. John’s Northwestern.
We are proud of the young women of St. John’s Northwestern, not simply for what they have accomplished, but for the way they continue to show up, contribute, and lead.
That is how a legacy takes shape.
About SJN:
St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs that are built with future aspirations in mind. SJN is a private co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7-12 and post-graduate. Learn more at stjohnsnorthwestern.org