Wayland Academy Announces New Cum Laude Society Inductees

Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society is a national honor society for independent secondary schools. Wayland’s chapter, established in 1910, has a long-standing tradition of celebrating scholastic excellence. Notably, Wayland alumna Kathleen Muir (Class of 1916) was the first woman in the nation to be admitted after the society opened membership to women.

Selection to Cum Laude is based primarily on academic performance, with additional consideration given through a vote by faculty and current student members. Membership is limited, and a high grade-point average alone does not guarantee election.

Students inducted as juniors in May 2025 include Jose Fabian Calvo Guevara, Genesis Garcia Ruiz, Katie Hwang, Lilith Reusch, and Lilly Westergaard. Newly elected senior members are Ava Barudin, Easton Keil, Zehra Polat, and Mandukhai Ritman.

The society also elected five members of the Class of 2027—Daniel Brunstad, Khushi Jamb, Mary Whittier, Liana Zabolotna, and Isabella Zheng—who will serve as the core of next year’s chapter.

All new members will be formally inducted during a ceremony this May. At that time, students will receive certificates and pins, while seniors will also be awarded traditional gold cords to wear at graduation.

In addition, the society will recognize ASSIST students Annica Blanc, Amily Cho, and Carl Nolden for their exemplary academic contributions, though they are not eligible for formal membership.

This year, the chapter will also induct faculty member Mrs. Olga Johnson P`27 into the society.