When Annabelle Baker heads to the West Coast this fall to attend UC Berkeley, she takes with her a legacy of academic rigor, artistic excellence, and a deep-rooted commitment to environmental advocacy.

Since the day she arrived, Annabelle has been a standout student-leader at Gunston, seamlessly blending a high level of technical skill with a passion for community impact. A regular on the Honor Roll and a member of the National Honor Society, she was recognized as an AP Scholar with Honor and received prestigious accolades such as the University of Vermont Citizen Scholar Book Award and the Saint Michael's College Book Award. Her intellectual curiosity and research skills were further highlighted when she won the Junior Symposium Award at the 2025 Green and White Awards—a distinction reflecting her ability to master and present complex topics.

Her leadership is perhaps most visible in her work as a steward of the environment. As an alumna of the Chesapeake Watershed Semester, Annabelle immersed herself in the ecology of our region and has served as the Co-President of the Environmental Club. She co-founded the first Eastern Shore chapter of the Youth Climate Institute (YCI) and took the stage at the Upper Shore Youth Environmental Action Summit to advocate for climate action. For her extensive efforts, she has officially earned her Climate Ambassador Certification.

Annabelle is also a gifted artist whose work has gained regional recognition. At the Academy Art Museum Student Exhibition, she received a special award for Outstanding Technical Skill for her stunning bark illustration. Whether she was contributing to the Debris Literary Magazine or participating in the Art and Mental Health Awareness club, her creative voice has been a vital part of campus life.

On the water, Annabelle has been a cornerstone of the Gunston Sailing Program for all four years. Competing in both the fall and spring seasons, she has been a key contributor to the team’s success and was recognized as a senior for her leadership and dedication to the program.
After receiving a phenomenal list of acceptances from top-tier institutions including UCLA, Purdue, and the University of Washington, Annabelle has officially chosen to study Ecosystem Management and Forestry as a Golden Bear. Congratulations, Annabelle! We look forward to seeing you soar at Berkeley and beyond.