Capstone: A Tradition Like No Other

By Brendan Largay, Head of School
Post Date: April 17, 2026

How I love Capstone week! In the throes of the work we all do every day, Capstone offers a glimpse into the impact that a Belmont Day School education has. This week provides visibility into the scholars, performers, researchers, and leaders our students have become and will become still! Invariably, like the hundreds of community members who attend these sessions, I learn something new from the content they present, and I am always deeply moved by each child’s growth from the start of this year. That is a testament to the countless educators and families who have helped guide this collection of eighth graders to this moment, and, of course, it is an acknowledgment of the diligence and care that Jen Friborg, our intrepid Capstone coordinator, along with a team of mentors and supporting faculty, puts into each and every child. Congratulations to another collection of Capstone scholars!

Needles and Threads: Making Sustainable Fashion Possible, Mame G. (Mentor: Stacy Langa, director of development)

From Mame, I learned that the challenge of going first never changes, and the ability to rise to that challenge never ceases to inspire. I also learned that alternatives to fast fashion abound, and Mame’s eye for fashion, along with her four classmates/models, may pave the way for her to join the best in the business.

The Evolution of Warships, Noah Y. (Mentor: Kyle Beatty, associate director of development)

From Noah, I learned that, along with being a curious and thoughtful STEM scholar, Noah is an incredibly talented artist! Noah’s comprehensive understanding of how warships work and their impact on historical and modern day warfare was impressive.

An Unexpected Link: Oral and Overall Health, Reema W. (Mentor: Brittany Ryan, sixth grade math teacher)

From Reema, I learned that we should all be a bit more disciplined in flossing every night. I also learned that the connections between one’s oral health and overall health are myriad, and if you want to avoid heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, brushing twice a day is a good place to start, as is consulting with Reema, who is certain to bring dental and general health together more in the future.

The Evolution of the Olympic Games, Eyan M. (Mentor: Katie Wallace, manager of development data, operations, and research)

From Eyan, I learned that much has changed between the ancient and modern Olympic games, particularly in the dress of the athletes and the way that has transformed the athletes’ performance. I was also delighted to witness–along with everyone else–Eyan’s excellence as a gymnast on the uneven bars!

The Art of Motivation, Soleil F. (Mentor: Becca MacKillop, sixth grade English teacher) 

From Soleil, I learned that there is a big difference between what motivates a student to perform well–the pride of a good grade, the knowledge that we have gained something along the way, or the piece of chocolate waiting for us once we’re done. I also learned that often our best teachers can be the peers we ask–as Soleil did in their interviews–for input on what allows us to begin those daunting tasks like getting our homework done on time.

Steganography: Threads that Map a Rebellion, Frankie D. (Mentor: Elena Jay, associate director of admission and director of financial assistance)  

From Frankie, I learned that espionage can take many forms, including resistance in the form of communicating messages through crochet and other stitching. I also learned that Frankie herself would make an excellent spy, or at least, someone whose skill as a crocheter would make her a highly sought-after agent!

The Influence of Music on Emotions, Eden O. (Mentor: Judy Bright, admissions and outreach program manager)

From Eden, I learned that there is a science behind our productivity when we try to work with music in the background (and that upbeat music without vocals may unlock your productivity!) I also learned that Eden’s success as an athlete, artist, and scholar may have everything to do with just what songs she chose to listen to the night before … likely one of her father’s selections.

Disney World: Is the Magic Worth the Price?, Violet H. (Mentor: Leigh Twarog, third grade teacher)

From Violet, I learned about the staggering cost–and subsequent inequity–of a Disney trip for a family, and that with the right amount of planning and thoughtfulness, one can create an experience with all of the magic at less of the cost. I also feel like I should take a ride on ‘Expedition Everest’ if I’m ever able to go!

Food Allergies: Raising Awareness, Abigail C. (Mentor: Betty Chu Pryor, lower school head)  

From Abigail, I learned that living with severe allergies is a decidedly greater challenge than anyone living without those allergies might realize. I also learned that the kitchen staff at Belmont Day has worked hard to make what can be a very difficult challenge for young students–the management of allergies–a bit easier for all of our students.

The Women Behind Our Green Solutions, Fatoumata B. (Mentor: Trinity Johns, associate director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging)

From Fatoumata, I learned that among the challenges climate change creates for us all, the impact it is having on marginalized communities, including women, is even more problematic and harmful. I also learned that classmates whose hands were used to model her papier mache or support her through Project Week were among Fatoumata’s favorite moments along the way.

The Evolution of Phone Hardware, Joshua H. (Mentor: Genevive Bondaryk, associate teacher) 

From Joshua, I learned that the pace of change in technology is only accelerating, and taking a careful look at the machinery within showcases the power that lives in nanotechnology. I also learned that Joshua has a career in stand-up waiting for him if he wants it; he’s a natural presenter and entertainer.

Off the Rails: Train Robberies Throughout History, Maren W. (Mentor: Amy Sprung, school librarian)

From Maren, I learned that the romanticized version of train robberies that we might have in mind when we think about an old Western film has changed considerably in modern times; they are less violent and more costly. I also learned that if she weren’t such an ethical and responsible person, Maren would make one heck of a criminal mastermind.

Stem Cell Therapy, Zoe B-L (Mentor: Julie Saidenberg, library assistant)

From Zoe, I learned that the progress being made in cellular medicine is leading to countless breakthroughs in science and medicine, including treatment for sickle cell cancer. I also learned that in Zoe, we have a burgeoning doctor, certain to continue the kind of breakthrough discoveries that informed her remarkable Capstone.

Tackling in Football and Rugby, Lee P. (Mentor: Patrick Murray, fifth grade teacher)

From Lee, I learned that technique–on both a football field and a rugby pitch–matters, and makes the difference between a long career and one cut short by injury. I also learned that Lee is a student of each game, and has a long career of football ahead of him (only made longer with his knowledge of how to stay safe!)

Inside the Elephant Mind, Nuria K-W (Mentor: Emily Phan, eighth grade English teacher) 

From Nuria, I learned that elephants have, perhaps, a greater sense of emotional understanding and empathy than many humans do.  I also got to see the size of Nuria’s heart as she spoke with empathy and care about these giant, misunderstood creatures.

From the Lute to the Guitar: The Evolution of the Lute Family, Henry W. (Mentor: Luc DeArmey, French teacher) 

From Henry, I learned about the remarkable and sophisticated history of the Lute family of instruments and the ways in which they influenced the creation of the guitar. I also learned that Henry, himself, is already prepared to teach music history at any local university smart enough to hire him!

The Pop Culture Phenomenon of Podcasts, Sylvie F. (Mentor: Katie O’Brien, second grade teacher)

I learned from Sylvie about the rich, rapid, and recent rise of podcasting and the outsized influence podcasts can have in political and crime-fighting domains. I also learned that Sylvie has a voice made for podcasting–in fact, you should give a listen to her podcast (on the Capstone website) about the heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris last summer.

The Nose Knows, Annika C. (Mentor: Kassie Bettinelli, music teacher) 

From Annika, I learned that dogs’ noses have such a sophisticated nose–with 100,000 more receptors than a human nose–that they can smell out illnesses like cancer and are increasingly being used to help with medical diagnoses. I also learned that Annika’s own dogs–Kira and Tula–are aspiring doctors themselves, capable of discerning the difference between scents themselves (as evidenced by Tula’s live presentation!)

The New York Five Families, Ashley F. (Mentor: Emily Crawford, fourth grade teacher) 

From Ashley, I learned that the five mafia families of New York, while competing with each other, were also working in partnership as the organized crime bosses of New York in the 60s and 70s. I also learned that Ashley may have a potential career in Escape Room design, having put her classmates through a mafia-informed Escape Room project!

The Long Game: Life Lessons in Basketball, Suryavir N-J (Mentor: Alex Tzelnic, physical education teacher) 

From Suryavir, I learned that some of the greatest coaches in men’s basketball history–Wooden, Jackson, Kryzewski, and Russell–made as significant an impact off the court in the lives of their players as they did on the court as a tactician or strategist. I also learned that if sports media doesn’t work out for him, Suryacvir may be the next great college coach.

The Amazing World of Frogs, Ewan W. (Mentor: Anne Armstrong, art teacher) 

From Ewan, I learned of the incredibly biodiverse world of frogs, including their ability to survive winter by stopping their own hearts for as long as 8 months! I also learned that in Ewan, we have a burgeoning herpetologist who may discover the next species of frog in the future.

Drugs: Harmful or Helpful? Noor K. (Mentor: Erica Cyril, seventh grade English and social studies teacher) 

From Noor, I learned that the roots and impact of the opioid crisis reach through the healthcare system into the nation’s socio-economic disparities and the community stigma of addiction. I also learned that Noor herself may very well be the next professor at a local university, educating others on the topic and researching a systemic fix to what ails our country. Can’t imagine a better dopamine rush than that!

Threats to Adelie Penguins, Graham C. (Mentor: Angela DeVecchi, classroom support teacher) 

From Graham, I learned about the unique life, threats, and times of the Adelie Penguin in Antarctica and the staggering consequences of an oil spill on the Antarctic ecosystem. I also learned that childhood curiosities can blossom into areas of deep and rigorous study, as they did for Graham, who turned an aquarium visit into a great Capstone.

Video Games, Deniz K. (Mentor: Sarah Pickilingis, seventh grade math teacher) 

From Deniz, I learned that for those of us who have a negative impression of the impact that video games may have on youth development, we may still have a lot to learn about the positive effects that gaming can have on one’s hand-eye coordination and focus. I learned, also, that honesty remains a strong core value: 37% of middle school students surveyed admit sneaking video game time at home despite their parents’ restrictions!

History in the Baking, Anna B-L (Mentor: Rae Starks Chaves, eighth grade math teacher) 

From Anna, I  learned about the remarkable ways that immigration, particularly during Colonial times, impacted the world of baking with newly discovered ingredients–pumpkin and corn, among others–transforming the Colonial palette. I also learned that Anna is considering opening a bakery in the future, and if her understanding of the art and science of baking is any indication, it will be worth the visit. Yum!

Identifying and Treating Diseases in Aging Pets, Rowan M. (Mentor: Emily Damiano, Latin teacher) 

From Rowan, I learned that while there are common illnesses and diseases that impact our beloved pets, there are also simple methods of early discovery that pet owners can employ to hopefully catch them early. I also learned that Rowan is a veterinarian-in-waiting with a love and understanding of animals that anyone would trust in her care.

Mind Over Water: Rowing Faster, Colby S. (Mentor: Lana Holman, fourth grade teacher) 

From Colby, I learned about the strength and coordination, both physical and psychological, required to excel on the water as a member of a 4 or 8-person rowing team. I also witnessed Colby’s strength as an athlete and as a scholar as she walked us through her explanation with smooth, consistent, and powerful strokes.

The Jaws Effect, Clark R. (Mentor: Maggie Small, seventh grade math teacher)

From Clark, I learned that the book and movie Jaws had two opposite and exceedingly powerful effects: a generation of curious marine scientists, and the death of countless sharks out of fear. I also learned that while my fear of sharks may be paralyzing, “Clark the Shark’s” love for them makes up for that and then some.

How To Win a Presidential Election, Pippa E. (Mentor: Stephen Marks, director of athletics) 

From Pippa, I learned about the myriad and pervasive methods that political candidates utilize, increasingly targeted and precise marketing to sway the electorate, and the ways in which those efforts are funded. I also learned that Pippa herself would make a compelling presidential candidate, and she’d be happy to provide you with your own ‘Pippa for President!’ pin to prove it!

A Man, A Plan, A Canal: Panama, Murilo S. (Mentor: Zach d’Arbeloff, director of summer programs) 

From Murilo, I learned about the critical importance of the Panama Canal as a global trade route, the hardships faced by those who built it, and the connections it carries to the Strait of Hormuz. I also learned that Murilo has a future in engineering as he built his own version of the canal, complete with a functioning lock system.

The Rational Adolescent: Strategic Decision-Making, Eileen L. (Mentor: Khang Phan, sixth grade social studies teacher)

From Eileen, I learned about three of the theories of decision-making that influence adolescents in their thought processes. I also learned that Eileen’s command of her topic and of the stage will lend itself well to her work as a professor of neuroscience in the future!

Whistle Blowers: Snitches Get Stitches, Wren K. (Mentor: Arlene Silva, school psychologist)

From Wren, I learned about the struggles that whistleblowers face even as they right some significant wrongs in major organizations and how that continues to challenge truth with silence. I also learned that Wren’s strength and confidence in their own voice will undoubtedly lead to a more just and fair world.

Music Therapy: The Clinical Use of Music, Sophie C. (Mentor: Abbey Nyland, physical education teacher) 

From Sophie, I learned about an inspiring and novel form of therapy with emotional, physical, and psychological benefits: music therapy (notably, different from therapeutic music). I also learned that Sophie’s curiosity, compassion, and taste in music will serve her well in whatever field–therapeutic or not–she chooses to pursue!

Method Acting, James S. (Mentor: Joshua Sussman, school counselor) 

From James, I learned about the extraordinary lengths–think, losing 68 lbs in 4 months or sleeping in the skin of an animal carcass– that actors will go to adopt their role as method actors.   also learned that Hollywood may have its next great actor, director, or producer coming soon in James, whose understanding of this industry is deep and impressive.

Food Waste, Bea S. (Mentor: Tyler Cotner, music teacher)

From Bea, I learned of the staggering amount of food waste in the US each year and what we can do to improve our own contributions to the problem by paying closer attention to ‘best by’ dates and not over-purchasing at our next trip to the grocery store. I also learned that Bea would make an excellent teacher, as her storybook and presentation inspired a number of great questions from our second graders in the audience!

Biomechanics: The Science of Movement, Henry M. (Mentor: Susan Dempsey, theater teacher) 

From Henry, I learned that the future of sports medicine and biological healing will course through the world of biomechanics, where engineering, optimization, and healing converge. I also learned that Henry’s passion for coding, biology, and design makes him a perfect candidate to lead this effort.

The Ethics of Cloning and Genetic Engineering, Christine D. (Mentor: Bea Rooney, human resources manager)

From Christine, I learned that Dolly the Sheep, a cloned sheep back in 1996, marked the start of a fascinating and ethically complicated future in the world of genetic engineering and coding. I also learned that even for someone like Christine, who has dedicated this year to the study of cloning, the ethics only get blurrier the more she learns.

Female Presidential Candidates, Harper T. (Mentor: Liz Gray, middle school head) 

From Harper, I learned that the story of the female presidential candidate has been either poorly told or seemingly muted through history, as we have had 24 female presidential candidates in our history, and yet only a few have broken through into the national consciousness. I also learned that Harper herself may be the first to break through the glass ceiling after such a thoughtful, well-researched, and creative presentation.

Youth Incarceration: Children Behind Bars with No Second Chance, Evan B. (Mentor: Brendan Largay, head of school) 

From Evan, I learned that the juvenile system of incarceration–which has rates of recidivism as high as 41% in some cases–doesn’t achieve the goal of reform for young people as well as restorative justice does. I also learned that Evan, who challenged us all to consider our good fortune as students at Belmont Day, has a huge heart and a mind to match.

Expanding Your Moral Universe to Include Nonhuman Animals, Nikha L. (Mentor: Ana Maria Restrepo, Spanish teacher) 

From Nikha, I had my understanding of humans’ relationship with nonhuman animals expanded to think of them not as pets or something to be owned, but as persons entitled to the same life experience as any human we may care for. I also learned that Nikha’s heart is as expansive as her understanding of this fascinating topic is, and that she is a phenomenal artist to boot.

McDonald’s: Is the Happy Meal Really Something to Be Happy About?, Altay J. (Mentor: Erin Buechner, lower school learning support)  

From Altay, I learned about the complicated history and impact of McDonald’s on everything from rising obesity levels to poor working conditions for its employees. I also learned that ‘Yum Yum Burger,’ Altay’s organic fast food alternative, may be the solution to keeping our food healthy and sustainable, and will come with a collection of Altay’s own 3-D printed characters in his ‘Angry Meal.’

DNA Typing: Solving the Unsolvable, Lucie M. (Mentor: Divya Muralidhara, assistant head of school)

From Lucie, I learned that the advancements in DNA science and understanding have transformed the world of criminal justice, particularly in solving cold cases from the past. I also learned that Lucie is a natural in front of a microphone as a true crime podcaster! 

Small Rovers, Big Discoveries: Exploring Mars, Ella K. (Mentor: Jim Walker, senior associate director of communications and marketing) 

From Ella, I learned that the rovers on Mars–Spirit and Opportunity–are more than mere machines assessing our closest planetary neighbor for signs of life, but they are the subjects of deep personal connection for their human scientific counterparts here on Earth. I also learned that while Ella may not travel to Mars herself, she certainly has a future with NASA, as one of their driving hiring considerations is passion for the subject, and Ella has a galaxy’s worth.