Lawrentians Explore New Horizons During Weekend Programming

LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY – On May 17, Lawrentians gathered as a school for Horizons Day, organized in partnership with Annabelle Yao ‘26, to expand student awareness and knowledge in areas of science, sustainability, and life. They dove into workshops on topics including car repair and safety, cognitive behavioral therapy, entrepreneurship, and the mechanics of flight and aerospace.

“At Lawrenceville, we’re not just students; we’re future leaders,” Yao said.

In true Harkness learning fashion, Yao said Horizons Day isn’t about students having all the answers. “It’s about asking better questions,” she said “How will our passion - science, technology, performance, painting, writing, or even athletics - evolve in this new world? And how will we lead?”

Yao said the inspiration for Horizons Day came from witnessing the fast pace of technology - from artificial intelligence to advancement in robotics and astrophysics - and a desire to understand how STEM concepts are integrated into all areas of life.

“And leaders don’t wait for change - they shape it.”

“I wanted to increase STEM awareness and literacy at Lawrenceville, making complex concepts and niche topics available to everyone to explore,” she said.

Yao worked with Assistant Dean of Students Hollister Olson, Dean of Academics Bernadette Teeley, and Associate Dean of Students Lindsay Mulhern to design programming for the day in collaboration with student clubs, faculty and staff leaders, and more. 

Yao said she hopes students gained awareness of current STEM topics, made connections with each other and key scientific concepts, and considered their own responsibility for navigating these advances in ethical, sustainable ways.

“I’m very happy that Horizons Day was able to positively impact so many people, engaging them in discovering new knowledge about science, sustainability, and life,” she said. “I hope that this year’s Horizons Day will leave a lasting tradition at Lawrenceville, encouraging students to question and explore.”

The above article is an official News Letter from the Lawrenceville School. More event photos can be found at Horizons Day 2025. For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.