I know it sounds cliche, but the honest answer is the people. Everyone here wants to make you feel like you belong. We’re a wonderful, fun, giant family and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

I’ll study communications, probably with a business-centered minor.

A lot of people don’t know that my time at Thayer started when I was a six-year-old camper at Camp Thayer. Almost all my counselors were students at Thayer, and when I was old enough, I begged my parents to let me apply.

During ninth grade I was STRUGGLING in math, so my advisor, Ms. Acutt, emailed Mr. O’Dwyer and asked him to tutor me. Mr. O sat with me every week in the Hale Learning Center (even though he wasn’t my teacher) to make sure I understood all the concepts my class was covering. As a senior, I specifically requested to be placed in his class because I knew he would go the extra mile for my classmates and me.

My female teachers have really inspired me during my time at Thayer. They have all taught me to follow my passions and to ask the questions I want the answers to. They’ve inspired me to express myself unapologetically, to be a better leader, and to stand up for myself and the people around me.

One of my favorite Thayer moments was during the senior video at The Last Hurrah! dinner. Towards the end of the video, our former Upper School director, Mr. Thompson, congratulated all of us. I love this memory because even though Mr. Thompson has moved on from teaching, he’s still such an important part of our community. I think it goes to show that you never really leave Thayer.

Winter Wars is the obvious answer, but I also love the Valicenti Cup.