The Rev. B. W. “Pete” Woodward, Jr. Prize is given in recognition of a Holderness graduate in their junior year of college for academic performance, exceptional leadership and contributions made to their college community.

This year we have the honor of awarding this prize to an outstanding and deserving recipient, Gus Whitcomb ‘20.

Studying arboriculture, landscape management, and business at Paul Smith’s College, Gus Whitcomb is most comfortable hanging in the tree canopy or moving fast along single-track trails.  Gus is an exceptional student – a fixture on Paul Smith’s Deans List and recently named an outstanding student in the arboriculture program – and he’s a proven athlete, earning All-American honors in Nordic skiing while helping guide Paul Smith’s to a 2022 US Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association National Championship. 

When he’s not studying or competing, he’s sharing his love for the outdoors with others.  Founder of the school’s mountain biking team, Gus runs the campus bike room, providing maintenance and support for anyone who needs help.  He also keeps Paul Smith’s campus trails maintained throughout the year, even learning how to operate the nordic trail groomer. 

As his coach shared, “his greatest area of growth has been how much he, in his own way, brings others along with him, not just on his adventures but in all aspects of what he does.”  For his academic performance, exceptional leadership, contributions to his college community, and an unapologetic and boundless love of the outdoors, we are proud to present the Rev. B.W. “Pete” Woodward, Jr. Prize to Gus Whitcomb '20.