Waterford School recently highlighted six members of its Class of 2026, featuring student profiles that detail their academic journeys and the impact of the school community. The seniors shared insights into how their time at Waterford has fostered resilience, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.
Molly Cook described how Waterford helped her become a better communicator and developed her resilience through setbacks. She highlighted the impact of Profe Smith, noting that her Spanish class was a significant part of her education due to the teacher's care for students as individuals.
Faith Wilde reflected on finding new passions in photography and theater thanks to the school's liberal arts focus. She credited faculty members like Profe Smith and Mr. Tanner with influencing her perspective, particularly noting how Mr. Tanner's approach to literature changed her view of the world.
Grant Brady shared that his time at the school inspired him to work hard and love learning. He noted the influence of Mrs. Morris, with whom he traveled to locations including New York, London, and Eastern Europe.
Kenzie Sevy discussed how joining Waterford in her sophomore year taught her the value of deep connections and community involvement. She credited the art department, specifically Mrs. Somsen's ceramics class, with helping her develop a creative problem-solving mentality.
Jerry Xie spoke about growing through the school's diverse opportunities, moving from a focus on mathematics to exploring robotics and photography. He mentioned how Ms. Bienert helped him find a balance between academics and fun, while Ms. Callens encouraged his interest in 3D printing and computer architecture.
Alex Tatos, who has attended Waterford since age three, noted that the school provided a supportive community that challenged him. He highlighted the impact of Ms. Brunken, who helped him develop more purposeful writing.
The featured students shared collective advice for underclassmen, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside comfort zones, trying new activities, and being kind to others within the tight-knit community. As they prepare for graduation, many noted they will most miss the strong sense of connection and support found at Waterford.
