Where Are They Now?

One of the truest testaments of the quality of our educational program and methods are the caliber and accomplishments of our alumni.

We are proud to have helped nurture and educate these future thinkers, leaders, artists and visionaries.

Juliana Schwartz – Class of 2005

Juliana graduated in 2005 after gone from 1st through 8th grades led by Mary Holt. She graduated from Marin Academy High School in 2009, and went on to attend the University of Santa Cruz, California, where she is studying Latin American and Latino Studies, with an emphasis on Women’s Studies. She is currently studying abroad for the year in Brazil, where she is enjoying the beach, Brazilian food, and being around family. She maintains two blogs, one a photoblog for her travels, and one Latina Feminist blog.

Percy Stubbs – Class of 2006

For the last four years Percy has led an effort to fund and build schools for girls in war-torn Afghanistan: Schools for Kabul. Having completed their first school with a capacity for 200 students, the group is currently engaged in raising money for scholarships.

Zane Gregorian – Class of 2009

“Zane received the highest grade ever given in his health class and is one of the top two students in his geometry class for which half of the class are upperclassmen. He is receiving straight A’s and Zane says his preparation at the Novato Charter School has given him everything he needs to succeed.”

Haley Schwartz – Class of 2009

“By the way, Haley got her mid-semester assessment and grades with comments from all her teachers. She has all A’s and some wonderful comments about her work and attitude, plus helpful critiques about how to keep learning well. Alan and I immediately thought of sending them to you to see! But I think we will just thank you for all your dedication, once again. I know that Tai also did beautifully so far, with all A’s, while also being on the JV volleyball team. Brooke and I talked about how it is largely because of you that they have been able to enter such a rigorous school as Marin Academy and stay organized. We were expecting more struggles and would have been fine with B’s, etc. So, kudos!!! You should be proud!!”

Lydia Karg

“I went to Novato Charter School when it was first starting. My teacher was Mary Holt from first through fourth grade and she was an amazing teacher. Now, as a college student at the University of Utah, I still think back to days in her classroom often. I feel like she did so much more than just try to teach myself and all the other students. I learned so much from her, and this school’s program in the few years I attended. I wanted you to know that everything I gained, I use in my daily life. Sometimes a small piece of knowledge that had been forgotten will surprise me, and it is all due to this wonderful school. I just wanted to give my thanks.

Keep up the good work and please pass my greetings on to Mrs. Holt. She is a terrific lady and I hope life has been kind to her. I think of her often and wish her the best.”

Hannah Hogan – Class of 2005

“I loved going to this school, it shaped me and helped me become the person I am today. It has fabulous teachers and a wonderful curriculum. It involves the arts in school which so many schools today are lacking, and helps children develop and discover who they are and be extremely proud to be that person.”

Dana Utrotske – Class of 2005

Below is an essay written by this Alumnus of Mary Holt’s 1st graduating class (2005) that secured her two (2) college acceptances.

Abridged Essay – Dana Utroske – Class of 2005 [7.5MB pdf]

Carson Dohemann – Class of 2007

Carson is currently at San Marin High, and plays Varsity Football and Golf. The Summer of 2010 will find him doing volunteer work for the Daraja Academy in Kenya, Africa.

Mat “Twain” Davidson – Class of 2000

Mat graduated MA in 2004 with a scholarship to U of Redlands (Johnston Center for Integrated Studies) and then went on to Berklee College of Music in Boston on a North American World tour scholarship for mandolin. He is now playing about 20 instruments on tour.

He was featured musician with Low Anthem on the David Letterman show in January 2010, and has toured all over Europe and the United States with this group. Low Anthem appeared in San Francisco on March 26th at the Great American Music Hall. They will also be on main stage at the Newport Folk Festival this summer, and in the midst of a world tour for Nonesuch Records.

Read what James Schwartz, outgoing parent, has to say on what it’s meant to be an NCS family.

James Schwartz letter [86k pdf]

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We want to hear more from our Alumni. Send news and comments to jerkelens@nusd.org