Dear Novato High School Alumni Family,
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Novato High School celebrated 362 seniors in June who are now part of the Hornet Alumni Family. We are proud to announce that many of those graduates shared that they will be attending one of the following colleges and universities in the future:
- Alberta University of the Arts
- Arizona State University
- Bard College
- Boise State University
- California Polytechnic University, Humboldt
- California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
- California State University, Channel Islands
- California State University, Fullerton
- California State University, Long Beach
- California State University, Monterey Bay
- California State University, Northridge
- Chapman University
- Chabot College
- College of Marin
- Colorado State University
- Concordia University, Montreal
- Dominican University of California
- Emily Carr University of Art and Design
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
- Foothill College
- Gnomon College
- Haverford College
- Hawaii Pacific University
- Lafayette College
- Lewis & Clark College
- Loyola University, Chicago
- Montana State University
- Napa Valley Community College
- Northeastern University
- Occidental College
- Palomar College
- Paul Mitchell School
- Pratt Institute
- Pomona College
|
|
- Sacramento City College
- Sacramento State University
- San Diego State University
- San Francisco State University
- San Jose State University
- Santa Barbara City College
- Santa Rosa Junior College
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- Seattle University
- Sonoma State University
- Syracuse University
- Universal Technical Institute
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University College Dublin
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- University of Hawaii, Manoa
- University of Mississippi
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Oregon
- University of Puget Sound
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of Simon Fraser
- University of Sydney, Australia
- University of Utah
- University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Vancouver Community College
- Vermont State University - Randolph campus
- West Valley Community College
- Whittier College
|
|
|
In addition, NUSD graduates will continue as student athletes at the following colleges:
|
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS NOVATO HIGH!
|
|
California Department of Education Award
Novato High School was recognized for its Marin School of the Arts (MSA) program in March of 2026. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced 19 schools as recipients of the 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Awards, honoring excellence in arts instruction, creativity, and “arts for all” initiatives. The award highlights schools with strong, standards-aligned Visual and Performing Arts programs. Shown here are Superintendent Dr. Tracy Smith and Michelle Cortez, Co-Principal of Novato High School, receiving the California Department of Education Award.
|
|
|
|
|
All-American High School Film Festival Teacher of the Year Award: Phil Chidel, NHS/MSA Cinematic Arts
This award recognizes Mr. Chidel’s exceptional ability to mentor young filmmakers, helping them develop strong storytelling and artistic skills, as evidenced by student wins at national film festivals and regional Emmy Awards. The All-American High School Film Festival is a major event, making this a significant national accolade for Mr. Chidel and Novato High School. Congratulations MR. CHIDEL!
|
|
|
|
|
MSA Alum Kane Parsons Achieves #1 Global Box Office Hit
Marin School of the Arts (MSA) alumnus Kane Parsons recently celebrated a historic milestone, returning to campus on the exact day his debut feature film, Backrooms, reached #1 at the global box office. The blockbuster indie film, which Parsons began developing as a student in the MSA Cinematic Arts program, has garnered widespread acclaim and national media coverage highlighting his MSA roots. A multi-talented creator, Parsons not only directed the film but also co-wrote its musical score. To mark the film's release, Parsons visited the NHS Center for the Arts to host a special screening, engage in a Q&A session with current students, and sign autographs. The district congratulates Kane on this phenomenal global success and thanks him for inspiring the next generation of MSA artists. Congratulations KANE!
|
|
|
|
|
Heart of Marin Awards
Each year, students are honored by the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership Heart of Marin Awards, a prominent organization celebrated for empowering local communities through robust volunteer services, leadership training, and high-impact community programs. Novato High student Oliver Rivas received a Marin Volunteer of the Year award for his leadership in Marin9to5, Youth Transforming Justice, OD Free Marin, and Novato High School. Congratulations OLIVER!
|
|
|
|
|
Poetry Out Loud Winner
Earlier this year, Novato High student Lilly Braly was named the 2026 California Poetry Out Loud State Champion. Lilly first won the Marin County competition before taking the state title with her reading of Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s “Casey at the Bat." Out of a field of 54 state and jurisdictional champions, nine (9) high school students advanced to the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Finals in April 2026 from more than 130,000 students nationwide. Congratulations LILLY!
|
|
|
|
|
MCAL Diving Championship
Leo Hernandez captured the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) Diving Championship, earned MCAL Diver of the Year honors, and finished second at the North Coast Section Championships. He then went on to qualify for the California Interscholastic Federation State Championships, where he finished among the Top 20 divers in California. Congratulations LEO!
|
|
|
|
|
MCAL Tournament Champions - Varsity Baseball
The Big Win: Officially crowned the 2026 MCAL Tournament Champions after an epic game with Redwood High School that spanned 15 innings and two days!
Individual Honors:
Player of the Year: Julian Oliver
Pitcher of the Year: JP Harmon
All League Selections: Trevor Cleary, Cohen Garcia, Hunter Lynch, Dom Perachiotti, Owen VonBehren, and Griffin Vorhaus
Congratulations NHS VARSITY BASEBALL!
|
|
|
|
|
JAMZ championships - Cheer & Dance
The NHS Cheer & Dance Team competed in the JAMZ State, Regional and National Championships and received the highest score of any cheer team in Novato history with a score of 96.1 showcasing their elite athleticism and dedication on a premier competitive stage. JAMZ Cheer & Dance is a prominent, competitive event that hosts some of the largest cheerleading and dance competitions in the U.S. Congratulations NHS CHEER & DANCE!
|
|
|
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
NHS Homecoming Parade
Thursday, October 15, 2026
7 PM – 8 PM
The parade route will follow Sweetser Ave. to Reichert Ave. to Grant Ave. to Machin Ave. to Sweetser Ave.
NHS Homecoming Football Games
Friday, October 16, 2026
4:30 PM – NHS JV vs. Terra Linda High School
7 PM – NHS Varsity vs. Terra Linda High School
@ San Marin High School Football Field - Under the Lights!
|
