The thing that sets Thayer apart from other schools is absolutely the teachers and the quality of their characters. Without them, Thayer would not be the environment and school that it is. The teachers care about you not only as a learner but as a person. The relationships that students form with these people is why Thayer is so special. The number of teachers who approach me after performances or school presentations with kind comments, questions, or, in some cases, the sweetest letters ever (thanks, Ms. Browne!) show that I matter to them far more than just a student in a classroom.

Next year I’ll major in drama (acting) at NYU Tisch.

My English II Honors class with Ms. Evans during my sophomore year definitely challenged me the most. I entered Thayer in the ninth grade after attending a Montessori school. Since there was no way to tell how I would perform in an honors class, I opted to take all regular courses during my first year of high school; this sophomore English class was the first honors class I’d ever taken. While English had always been my strongest subject, this was the first time it was the lowest grade on my report card — Ms. Evans always made sure to grade us as “honors students.” Though I wanted to drop it, I found myself fascinated by the material and the conversations she facilitated. By the end of the year, I was a completely different writer, and because of the challenge, it was the most I had ever improved in a class.

Hmmm … if you asked me this a year ago, I would say that I can make balloon animals (but I recently debuted this talent during an improv’d moment in our winter play, Clue, so I’m not sure if that still counts). Now, I guess I have to come out with my VERY secret truth … as of this year, my friend Alexa and I secretly joined Speech & Debate and somehow placed fourth in the state for Duo Interpretation. Did we keep this side of ourselves silent? Yes. Did we love every second of it? Definitely.

Thayer has taught me that creating and honoring connections is the first step in achieving success. By being a good person and treating others with respect, half the battle is won. Because of Thayer’s aim to create a strong community, this has been emphasized over my past four years here.

While I’m someone who doesn't like to rewatch movies, I have seen The Way Way Back more than 17 times. The dialogue is perfect, the cast is phenomenal, and the film is shot in several places along the South Shore (so it has a special place in my heart).

As someone with dyslexia, it takes me longer to produce the same results as my peers. Usually I write on a computer, as it’s easier for me to organize my thoughts. As a junior I was in AP Language and Composition, and as we were reaching the day of the assessment, Ms. King would stay after school and help me practice writing by hand within the time frame of the test. She would print out past test examples, wait for me as I took the test, and grade my writing. Though this was her suggestion, she approached it with such kindness and support that it never made me feel “different” than the people around me. Because of her, I felt incredibly prepared by the test date and performed better than I could have imagined.

I’m so lucky to have surrounded myself with the most amazing people. It’s difficult to choose one person, but when I think of this question, Isabella Rivera ‘23 immediately comes to mind. If you have seen any previous Thayer theater performance from my time, you KNOW Isabella. Offstage, she has been my best friend since sophomore year, and I have become a better person because of her. Her talent, dedication, and, most importantly, her humility inspire me every day. The way she makes everyone feel special and treats others with grace is the skill that I admire most about her. In almost every situation, I ask myself WWIRD (What Would Isabella Rivera Do?).

If you’re chosen as a peer advisor for senior year, you get to go with the ninth graders on the Bourndale trip. Because my ninth grade year was during the COVID-19 pandemic, we didn’t get the chance to do this until the summer (which didn’t really count). Getting to go on that trip senior year with the other peer advisors was so cathartic and the perfect way to kick off my last year of high school. When I think of my favorite memory from my time at Thayer, my mind automatically goes to that day.

“Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. 

Going through the college admissions process was insanely difficult. In addition to applying to schools academically, I was also auditioning for acting programs. This meant that my process had more moving parts than usual, and it was incredibly stressful. However, at every turn, I found support from my friends, college counselors, and Thayer’s fabulous theater director (Ms. Hines). Some of my friends were also applying for artistic majors, so we were able to stumble through the experience together, providing constant encouragement and advice (despite applying to many of the same schools, it was never a “me vs. them” mentality). My college counselor always ensured that my grades and recommendations were sent on time, so I never had to add more stress. And Ms. Hines would take time out of her schedule to meet with me and critique my monologues so that I was best prepared for the auditions. With their help, I was able to get into my dream acting program and follow my passions.

Obviously, when Mr. Carlson sings “Thayer, Thayer Forever.” Catch me mouthing along to every line.