Fiona Hood ’22 Awarded Rev. B.W. "Pete" Woodward, Jr. Prize

Summer is the perfect time to reflect on how Holderness School prepares its students for life after graduation. Perhaps the best way to do so is to recognize the recipient of this year’s Rev. B.W. “Pete” Woodward, Jr. Prize, given annually at Commencement to a Holderness graduate in their junior year of college for their academic performance, exceptional leadership, and contributions to their college community. 

This year’s recipient of the Rev. B.W. “Pete” Woodward, Jr. Prize is Fiona Hood '22, a junior at Dartmouth College, where she continues to lead with the spirit of Holderness. 

From her formative outback experiences, Fiona launched into the Dartmouth Outing Club with vigor, serving as secretary of the Ledyard Canoe Club, leading paddle trips across the country, and securing funding for bold adventures through the David G. Kirby Adventure Fund. What began with rock climbing alongside Coach Thatcher and snowboarding at Holderness evolved into mentoring first-year students on the rock wall and guiding young snowboarders at Dartmouth Skiway. 

Fiona brings that same energy and intention to every community she joins, a commitment reflected in the time and effort she has invested in becoming a certified wilderness first responder and swift water rescue expert. Intellectually and ethically grounded in the values she refined at Holderness, Fiona has become a champion for justice and global understanding.  

From chairing the Outing Club's Diversity, Inclusion, Justice, and Equity Committee to serving as a first-year fellow in Congresswoman Annie Custer's office, Fiona continues to act on the values she explored in her Holderness senior thesis.

For her academic curiosity and deep compassion for the world, she was selected as a War and Peace Fellow and a mentor in the Great Issues Scholar Program, where she builds conversations around climate change, human rights, and diplomacy. Whether organizing conferences, studying Arabic, or welcoming future students as a residential advisor and admissions guide, Fiona exemplifies the Holderness motto — Pro Deo et Genere Humano, for God and Humankind. Her achievements are a testament to what is possible when purpose, passion, and preparation converge.