At Holderness School, skiing is more than a sport. It is a tradition — a lifelong connection to the mountains and to a close-knit community.

Last summer, we lost one of the bright lights of that community, Jake Andrew Rosencranz ’15. This winter, we are proud to introduce a memorial fund to help freeski, freeride, and snowboarders at Holderness and The Jake Award, an annual recognition in his honor that celebrates the intrepid spirit that continues to inspire everyone who knew him.

Remembering Jake Rosencranz

Since Jake '15 was little, he loved being outdoors and loved to ski. While at Holderness, he threw himself fully into school life — competing in skiing, soccer, lacrosse, and golf — and was known as someone who simply made every room brighter.

Jake also found love here. He met his wife, Leah Curtis '15, in a sophomore chemistry class, and were together ever since, building a life together in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Jake remained deeply connected to Holderness long after graduation, serving on the Alumni Association Council and staying close to the community that meant so much to him. Above all, he was a remarkable husband, brother, son, and friend.

"To see Jake on snow is to see someone truly having the time of their life. He was a phenomenal skier, and that was true whether he was carving down the mountain, spinning off a jump, or charging an uphill route in the backcountry. But what’s most noticeable about a ski day with Jake is just how much fun he had, and how grateful he was to be there.

Jake made a significant impact on the Holderness Freestyle Skiing Program’s structure and culture, and consistently set an example for outstanding leadership on and off the snow. Whether it was up on the mountain or around campus, Jake had a unique way of being a friend and mentor to everyone he crossed paths with–and I know he helped make Holderness feel like home for so many." 
- Leah '15

The Jake Award

The Jake Award honors Jake’s legacy and will be presented each year to a Holderness skier or snowboarder who reflects the qualities he lived every day.

This is not simply an award for results on the hill. It recognizes the character that made Jake special — his warmth, his love of the mountains, and the way he lifted the people around him.

Recipients are recognized for:

• Commitment to growth and excellence in skiing;
• Leadership through actions, attitude, and example;
• Sportsmanship and respect for teammates, competitors, and coaches;
• Perseverance through challenge;
• A positive impact on the Holderness skiing community.

These are the qualities Jake lived every day, on the snow and off it.

Our First Recipient: Peter Remington '26

We are proud to announce Peter Remington '26 as the inaugural recipient of The Jake Award.

Peter embodies the spirit of this recognition in the way he approaches both skiing and community. On the hill, in the locker room, and throughout campus life, he demonstrates the character and commitment that define Holderness athletics.

He is a teammate who lifts others up, a competitor who earns the respect of those around him, and an athlete whose love for the sport is evident every time he steps onto the snow. His perseverance, sportsmanship, and positive presence have strengthened this program and the community around it.

In honoring Peter, we honor what Jake stood for.

Congratulations, Peter. And thank you, Jake.