Noah Puckett Sets Sail for Dartmouth to Pursue Mechanical Engineering

Noah Puckett, an 18-year-old senior at Verde Valley School, is set to attend Dartmouth College this fall, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering. Puckett also hopes to pursue a minor or double major in sustainability engineering or environmental systems.

Ben Lee, Head of School at VVS, praised Puckett, describing him as a versatile athlete and an integral part of the community. “Noah’s a great kid, a four-year senior, friend to all… he’s an old soul, kind to all and pillar of the community,” Lee stated.

Puckett, a day student, is passionate about mechanical engineering, seeing it as a pathway to develop alternative energy technologies. “When I was 2, I wanted to be an inventor,” he shared. “As I grew up, it evolved into ‘I want to do engineering.’”

Homeschooled before attending VVS, Puckett’s unique background shaped his educational journey. His mother, Erin Puckett, noted that the lack of rigid standards allowed Noah to explore subjects deeply. “That kind of led him into academia,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for learning.

His homeschooling allowed him to study internationally, including time at Montessori schools in South Africa, Kenya, and Eswatini. Additionally, he spent months at a research station in the Amazon rainforest while his mother volunteered with NGOs.

Puckett expressed that his homeschooling experience positively influenced his educational approach. “For me to be homeschooled was to learn what I loved,” he said, which fostered a genuine passion for learning.

Seeking a more traditional high school experience, Puckett enrolled at VVS. As captain of both the track and soccer teams, he is focused on breaking his record in the 800-meter run this year. He is also involved in theatre, where he played significant roles in various productions.

His experience with the Emerson Theater Collaborative further nurtured his interests. “If he decided to go into the arts, he’d make a great technical director,” praised Camilla Ross, President of the collaborative, highlighting his skills in sound and lighting.

In addition to his athletic and theatrical pursuits, Puckett plays the piano and bass, creating instrumental music. Recently, he scored a short documentary for a Northern Arizona University student and cultivates a collection of vintage records, including Bob Dylan’s iconic 1963 album for its historical significance. A chess enthusiast since age three, he founded the Community Library Sedona Youth Chess Club and led his team to a state championship win in 2023.

Puckett chose Dartmouth for its unmatched academic offerings and its outdoor programs. “Dartmouth enticed me for many reasons,” he noted, appreciating the balance of academics and outdoor activities. The school’s collaborative environment also appealed to him.

As he prepares for this new chapter, Puckett reflects fondly on his time at VVS. “The community aspect of VVS is what enticed me the most,” he remarked, emphasizing the strong sense of belonging and camaraderie.