At Thayer, everyone can do everything; people don't fit into a single box. All of my friends are musicians, athletes, and students, all at the same time. Throughout my time here, I’ve come to appreciate both Thayer’s culture of involvement and the school’s deliberate scheduling to allow people to participate in multiple activities at the same time (like a sport and the fall musical).

I plan to study computer science at Harvard University. I already had some interest in computer science before attending Thayer, but I didn’t know what to expect from the school’s programming classes. Now I can confidently say that Mr. Cedrone and Thayer’s robust computer science program has played a huge role in my decision to pursue it further.

Mr. Forrest’s Precalculus Honors class. Every day in that class is a mystery. One day, we would learn about Number Theory and the Chicken McNugget Theorem, and on another day, pop quizzes would be hidden in a classmate’s backpack. Mr. Forrest taught me to always be prepared for the unexpected.

I almost didn’t attend Thayer at all. I hadn’t even considered applying until the fall of my 8th grade year when a couple of friends told me how much they liked it.

Thayer has prepared me for success because it has taught me more than just doing well academically; it has taught me how to work well with others. In Mr. Cedrone’s programming classes, I learned how to explain complex ideas clearly. Through track & field, I learned how to mentor other athletes and learn from them. And in the musicals, I learned the value of being in an ensemble where every actor counts.

Cars 2.

In my junior year, Mr. Donovan held extra review sessions every week leading up to the AP Chemistry exam. Each morning, he would bring practice questions from each unit and answer our questions. Without these sessions, I wouldn’t have been nearly as prepared for the AP exam, and I’m so grateful for how much Mr. Donovan cares about his students.

My college counselor, Mrs. Woods, was incredible throughout the whole college process. Whether it was application portals, essays, or interviews, she was always the first person I turned to. Even in the busiest weeks of senior fall or over Winter Recess, Mrs. Woods would still take the time to give me feedback and advice.

My parents inspire me. My mom inspires me with her work ethic — she makes sure every job is done and done well. My dad inspires me with his creativity and ingenuity — he always finds a way to turn any wild idea he has into a reality.

On the last Friday of our senior year, all of the seniors met at Nantasket Beach in Hull for our senior sunset. The weather outside was beautiful as everyone listened to music, talked, and played Spikeball and Ultimate Frisbee. It was the perfect full-circle moment to close out our time at Thayer.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns n’ Roses. It’s a Thayer jazz combo staple.

My friends and I have been together every step of the way. Whether it was late night FaceTime calls before math tests or early-morning summer training runs for cross country, we always pushed each other to be our best selves. None of us would’ve accomplished as much without that support from each other.

The jazz combo concerts. Ever since my freshman year, I’ve loved playing in and attending the two student concerts each year. I remember being so impressed and inspired by other student musicians like Ryan Noreke and Tatiana Allen, which led me to pick up the bass guitar. Now as a senior, I’m inspired watching the underclassmen perform. I’ll miss the feeling of community and support at those concerts.