PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHARINE CALDERWOOD
The teen years are tough for everyone. There are the teens themselves, saddled with that underdeveloped prefrontal cortex; the parents, watching their agreeable pre-teens morph into hormone-riddled shells of their former selves; the siblings, victims of a lot of yelling or silence, equally torturous.
Fortunately, this is not a story about the trials and tribulations of teenage-hood. In fact, this section is about teens who have taken this awkward phase and its addictive gadgets by the horns, like a scrawny 17-year-old cowboy on the wildest bull in the arena, and glided through as though the rodeo paddock were a dressage ring.
These are the teens who are juggling AP classes, varsity sports, school clubs, performing arts and community service while designing robotic arms for operating rooms in their spare time (and we are not talking about theoretical operating rooms). These are kids donning black belts in Taekwondo class and winning top honors in international engineering contests while their peers are scrolling through TikTok. These are teens who are heading to Syracuse to play basketball and Notre Dame to play football, with academic honors that match their prowess on the court and field.
Did their parents ever experience the teen eye roll? We didn’t ask. But we did ask these teens to share their insights on acing the high school experience and some scoop on their awe-inspiring accomplishments. Their responses sure make the whole teen angst thing seem like a myth.
1
DILLON MALTESE
King School
A senior this year at King School, Dillon Maltese has accomplished more than most people twice his age. With a passion for robotics and engineering and expertise in coding, Dillon’s innovations run the gamut from a self-driving car to a custom graphics engine to a robotic hand. While he does a lot of building in his garage in Greenwich (his self-made makerspace), he also has worked alongside professionals in labs where life-saving research takes place.
During an internship through King’s ASPIRE program, in a lab with surgeons and medical professionals at Weill Cornell, Dillon noticed problems with the robotic tools being used. He then developed a voice-controlled robotic arm that assists surgeons during procedures. He now spends much of his free time refining the arm, which, as of press time, was on track for patenting and use in the operating room by the end of the summer.
“Other robotic tools are used to perform surgeries directly, while mine is designed to aid surgeons during operations,” explains Dillon. “Also, all other robotic systems in the operating room currently use a master-slave control system. This means that it mimics a surgeon’s movements instead of completing independent tasks on its own. My arm utilizes voice activation to enable autonomous operation, adding a ‘third-arm’ capability that other systems currently lack.”
Dillon took his first coding workshop before kindergarten, and he rapidly became SummerTech’s youngest instructor in the camp’s history. He now teaches middle- through high-schoolers and mentors year-round at SummerTech365. Moreover, he launched Project Jamaica, a nonprofit organization that brings coding instruction to underprivileged students via Zoom. The top student was flown in for two weeks at SummerTech last summer.
Dillon is part of King’s Math Team, Varsity Debate Team and STEM Club. He leads the Robotics Club, co-founded the school’s Esports Team and finds time to help younger students in the AfterCare program and Fellowship Fridays. The entrepreneur also launched his own custom keyboard business, designing and selling themed keyboards.
On the athletic field, Dillon plays for the King Baseball Team and serves as the goalkeeper for Varsity Soccer. Did we mention he holds a black belt in Taekwondo?
Highlights of Dillon’s many honors include: First Place in Engineering at the 2024 International Forum on Research Excellence; Sigma Xi National Science Honors Society; one of 16 students statewide selected to present at the 2025 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium; first place in Applied Technology, third place in Physical Sciences, and a finalist in Biotechnology at the 2025 Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair (competing against 400 students).
Dillon plans to pursue a degree in robotics or mechatronics, with a goal of making a lasting impact through the power of technology and design.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
When my internship started, I developed imposter syndrome. I was by far the youngest and least experienced. I felt pressure to prove myself. I silenced that voice by accepting that growth comes from moments of uncertainty. Overcoming this has made me more confident, resilient and willing to take risks.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
Dr. Schulman empowered me to conduct research as a high school student, leading to success in science fairs and real-world innovation. Mr. Fischthal taught me core engineering skills and helped me discover my passion. Mr. Hyatt sparked my love for physics, showing me how deeply it connects to engineering.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
I used to obsess over what came next, what needed to be done and what I hadn’t achieved. I’ve learned not to let the pressure of the future steal the joy of the now. This skill of separating aspects of my life has not only made times more enjoyable but also helped me become more efficient, create more memories and even feel like there were sometimes more than 24 hours in a day.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
As an inventor, I live by: Dream big. Start small. Act now. It is essential to dream big to create novel ideas. Starting small keeps the goal within reach. There is never a better time to start than now. The first step is the most challenging, but you will not regret having taken it.
2
CHARLOTTE PASTEL
Greenwich Academy
Just this spring, we highlighted the growing popularity of squash as a youth sport. Charlotte Pastel is a good decade ahead of us. The Greenwich resident started playing tennis at four (her dad, Jonathan, played in college and competitively on tours) and added squash at six. She was the No. 1 player on Greenwich Academy’s squash team, which won the High School Division I National Title all four years she was on the team. She also trains with Rodney Martin at Ox Ridge Riding & Raquet Club in Darien. In 2023, she was the National Champion in the U16 category. At press time, Charlotte was ranked No. 2 in the nation in the U19 girls category and preparing for the World Squash Junior Championships in Egypt.
Charlotte is known for her nerves of steel but also her humor, humility and eagerness to cheer on her teammates. “I’m inspired by the players I’m surrounded by and my coaches, who push me to get a little better each day,” she says. “Knowing results will come from working hard makes me have a positive attitude. I’m also motivated by the health aspect; the workouts make me feel great.”
Even while reaching a world-class level in squash, Charlotte continued to play varsity tennis at Greenwich Academy and captained both the squash and tennis teams last year. “Playing on the tennis team was probably my favorite part of my high school experience,” she says.
She pursued honors and AP coursework across the disciplines and held leadership roles in every realm, including as a Peer Leader and President of the Athletic Board. Her stellar record in the classroom and on the field earned her a place at the University of Virginia, where she will play on the squash team.
Charlotte also fundraises for Squash Out Cancer and Squash Haven in New Haven. “The program raises money for kids in the New Haven area to have help with tutoring and to play squash,” she explains. “A lot of them end up playing squash in college.”
With squash recently added to the Olympics, Charlotte will keep her eye on that ball for an exciting goal after college.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Early in my sophomore year, I had some awful results. It’s easy to get in your head in this sport; you’re in a box with one other person. I’ve learned that the mental side plays such a big role. Talking to a sports psychologist was a huge help. It’s totally normal to have those negative thoughts, but it’s more about how long you stay in that mindset. I acknowledge the thoughts but don’t stay in that negative place too long.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
Miss Blunden, who taught Honors Civil Rights. She is the most genuine person, with the biggest heart. We took a trip to the South with the class, and it was so impactful, learning what it was like for people in the Civil Rights Movement. I will never forget it.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
So much! I came from Greenwich Country Day School, where I’d been my whole life. For the first two weeks at GA, I was miserable. I just wanted to go back to where things felt comfortable. My parents encouraged me to trust this and take it slow. It honestly took the whole year to adjust. In English class, I wrote about my freshman experience and how much I wish I could tell that girl: it will all work out. The anxious feeling, the nerves, feeling like you don’t belong—it’s all part of it. I know I’ll probably have those feelings at UVA. Change is good, but it’s not easy at all. The second half of high school I realized people are so focused on themselves, you have to do what makes you happy and not be afraid of people judging you.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
Try to stay in the moment as much as possible. Appreciate time with the people you love, and enjoy each precious moment in the present.
3
DOMINIQUE ALVAREZ
Rye Country Day
Rye Country Day School senior Dominique Alvarez is such a devoted musical theater teen that each year she performs in five to six musicals. She is also a member of RCDS’s concert choir and the highly selective WildScats a cappella group.
“My parents took me to see Wicked when I was four,” recalls Dominique, “and I said, ‘Mom, I need to do that’!” She has been at it since kindergarten. Two of her favorite roles are Mimi in Rent (which she played at Random Farms) and Cady Heron in Mean Girls. “I played Cady sophomore year,” says Dominique. “Freshman year I had a theater slump. I was nervous, worried about what other people were thinking and about keeping up with my academics, so I stopped doing theater. It was one of the lower times in my life because of not doing what I love. Cady was experiencing all the same struggles I was. I really found myself in Cady. She kind of led me back into the theater. Mimi was the first role I played that wasn’t super-bubbly and charismatic. Rent is so important right now because of all the conflict in our world. I’m happy that I got to share that story with a lot of people.”
Dominique loves mentoring younger students as a Peer Leader, and she’s also an enthusiastic tour guide for prospective students and a CCD co-teacher on Sundays. Inspired by her experiences at French Woods performing arts camp, Dominique is involved in events and fundraisers to give kids summer camp experiences, in her role as co-president of SupportSCOPE and as part of the Junior Leadership Council for SCOPE.
Dominique is uniquely qualified to work with autistic kids in Random Farms workshop program. “It has been really fulfilling,” she says of her assistant director role there. “I have two brothers on the spectrum. It takes a toll on the family and also on the kids.It’s harder for them to get involved in things they love. It’s inspiring just knowing that theater helped save my life, so I hope they get the experience of doing something they love.”
She also participates in fundraising cabarets and is working on her own cabaret to promote Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in the performing arts.
A powerhouse onstage and off, Dominique plans to pursue a BFA in musical theater after high school and make her way to Broadway.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Learning that you are your own biggest critic. I used to be really scared about what other people were thinking of me and that would drive all of my actions. I’ve learned over time it’s important to pursue what you love, and you don’t need to change for other people. If people are making fun of you for doing something you love, then you probably aren’t hanging out with the right people.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
My tenth-grade English teacher, Mr. Cerpa. When I first met him, I wasn’t a great writer. He really encouraged me to get in touch with my Asian heritage and being Filipina. I’m first-generation—my parents both grew up there and we take trips there—but I was kind of trained to brush past the fact that I was Filipina. He assigned this project where he had us look at our family heritage. It was the first time I really talked to my parents about my ancestors. I’m really grateful to him, because now I’m really passionate about my heritage.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
Do what you love. There is so much pressure freshman year to get everything done, to do well academically and do all the extra-curriculars, because it’s when you start thinking about college. But in actuality, you should just be doing what you love, because when you love something, you are better at it. Don’t try to make yourself somebody you are not.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
Follow your dreams. Dreams are so important. They drive what you do. What your dream is says a lot about you.
4
STEVEN CSAK
Greenwich High School
At age six, Steven Csak joined the theater program at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, and a new world opened up to him. “It was daunting at that age, but that was the single biggest contribution to who I am today,” says Steven. “I would have never been introduced to so many people or many aspects of who I am, if I hadn’t stepped through those doors all that time ago. But also, if there hadn’t been such a positive community to help me get through moments of weakness. Even as I grew older, the club was a staple in my life.” Along the way, Steven also became enamored with fashion, and his dapper attire is part of what makes him stand out in life as onstage.
Steven is part of the National Thespian Society and is a passionate writer, inspired by Shakespeare. He wrote and directed pieces during high school. “These projects were primarily in short form, scenes between two and ten minutes long,” he explains, “which I find rather restrictive, so I’m looking forward to working on longer projects.”
Steven is intrigued by screenwriting but sees a writer/director role as ideal, as otherwise, “once you hand in the script, it’s not yours anymore.” He enjoys the freedom of literary writing but has not hung up his actor hat. “Anything can happen. I can decide to take up painting in college. It is really up to time, and time alone,” he says.
Steven has enjoyed many summers at Camp Simmons, including several volunteering as a counselor in training and several working as a counselor. “I love watching children discover something they never thought they would enjoy,” he says. “The format of cycling every kid through every station allows everyone to find at least one thing they really connect with, and I’m just glad to be a part of it.”
Steven will attend Hofstra this fall. “Hofstra’s strong core curriculum will hopefully give me a bit of a balance,” he says. “Though I know I want to pursue something in the arts, I know that isn’t exactly stable, so I plan to double-major.”
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Learning to ignore what other people thought of me. Funnily enough, it let me better myself in ways previously unavailable. It helps you find your own voice. Also, when I started dressing better, people became more blunt, and it was easier to tell who I did and didn’t want to hang out with. It’s almost a litmus test for me as to who I devote my energy to.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
My theater director at Open Arts Alliance, Rocco Natale. Every step of the way, he found different ways to challenge me to help me become the performer I am.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
That he’s going to military school, to scare him into working harder than I ever did. But in all seriousness, I would tell him not to be afraid to be vulnerable around his friends. Connections are made through a shared vulnerability, not an acrylic shell of masculinity. It might not be ‘cool’ to show emotion or to care, but it is much more fulfilling.
Put yourself out there, and live.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
Everything will be forgotten, everything, so you might as well just try to enjoy your own life. In Greenwich, I am surrounded by people who are focused on large ideas of success and taking on the world. I used to follow this to a different extent—to be remembered, to have people look back on whatever I did and be grateful for my existence. But I realized recently that such an undertaking is pointless. Eventually, humanity will die out, the sun will explode, taking Earth with it, and not even a scruple of this earth will live to be documented by whoever comes after us. If I can look back on my existence and say I enjoyed and lived every second of it, I will be better off than even the wealthiest.
5
CALIJAH JOSEPH
Greenwich High School
The past year has been momentous for Calijah Joseph. He graduated from Greenwich High School and was named Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s 2025 Youth of the Year.
Calijah has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club for 13 years. He was co-adviser of the Touch Club (the middle school community service club) and handled public relations for the Keystone Club (the high school community service club). Since 2023, Calijah was also a part-time staff member. Through the Keystone Club, he has volunteered for Greenwich Green & Clean, Live Like Luke, Town Paper Shredding Day, Riverside Run and other community events.
He names Midnight Run as one of his most fulfilling service activities. “We would ask people if they have any clothes or toiletries to donate, and they would give it to us,” he explains. “We made a big care package, and we would bring it to five different spots around the city from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Hint: That’s where it got the name Midnight Run.” Calijah adds, “I also work with kids all the time, and I love working with them.”
This fall, Calijah will begin his studies at Western Connecticut State University, where he plans to major in criminal justice and minor in art history. “After four years, I would like to go to John Jay for two years and get my immigration law degree,” he says. “Just seeing the people who need help brings me a warm feeling in my heart; I would love to help and give back to them.”
Calijah has seen the struggles of immigrants in the community firsthand. He credits one of his Greenwich High School teachers, Mr. Schopick, and a law school field trip with opening his eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career as a lawyer. “His passion for the subject was contagious, and it made me see the world in a new way,” he says.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Living with dyslexia. For as long as I can remember, words on a page would blur together, and trying to express myself in writing felt frustrating and overwhelming. But I started reading more, little by little. I picked books that interested me. I found strategies that helped—like reading out loud and using audiobooks. Over time, something amazing happened: reading didn’t feel quite as impossible anymore. Pushing myself has helped me build confidence. Dyslexia may be a part of who I am, but it doesn’t define me. Instead, it has taught me perseverance, patience and the value of hard work.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
From the first day of Law and America class, Mr. Schopick made the subject come alive. The highlight of the class was a field trip to visit law schools. Walking those halls, seeing the students studying and listening to speakers talk about their journeys made something click in me. I realized I want to go into immigration law. I’ve seen firsthand how immigration impacts people and families, and I want to help make that process fair and just. Mr. Schopick helped me believe that someone with my background and challenges could succeed in a field like law.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
Stay in class, don’t skip, and always give your best effort. Study smarter and more often. It’s not about being perfect but about putting in consistent effort and making progress day by day. I’d remind myself to believe in who I am and who I can become. There will be moments of doubt; the key is to keep going. High school is about building habits, learning resilience and setting the foundation for the future. It all starts with showing up and doing the work.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
Your struggle is your strength. What makes life harder for you today will make you stronger tomorrow.
6
MATTY AUGUSTINE
Brunswick School
Matty Augustine was a student at Brunswick for fifteen years. It might be tough to graduate and move on after that long … without the lure of 33 Division 1 football offers. The six-foot-seven, 290-pound offensive lineman had quite the high school football career. Matty was a three-time first-team All-League and two-time First-Team All-New England player. He was also voted captain by his teammates both junior and senior year and played basketball throughout high school as well.
Matty was a Riverside Gator when he was little but didn’t like tackling kids. “I was kind of a gentle giant,” he says. He focused on basketball until the football bug bit him in high school. Winning the NEPSAC Mike Silipo Bowl in 2022 was a highlight.
“When the final whistle blew and we walked off the field as champions, the feeling was indescribable,” recalls Matty. “All the blood, sweat and sacrifice had been worth it. That moment is etched in my memory not just because we won, but because of what it represented: the power of commitment, the brotherhood, the strength of a team and the pride that comes from earning something the hard way.”
Off the field, Matty works hard to make a difference. He was part of the Breast Cancer Alliance teen committee. “My grandmother and aunt are both breast cancer survivors,” he says. “Unfortunately, almost everyone I know has been affected by breast cancer in some way.”
Matty also mentored the lower and middle schoolers at Brunswick to teach them about sportsmanship and brotherhood. “I always tried to instill in them what I had learned from the older guys when I was young,” he says. He is the youngest of four and cherishes time with his close-knit family, especially engaging in some friendly competition in one of the many sports they love.
And where did he land with the dozens of college offers? Cue the marching band drum roll: Notre Dame! “One of the main reasons I chose Notre Dame is that it reminds me of Brunswick, with the close-knit community and sense of tradition. I have already found family there with my football team,” he says.
He plans to major in finance and has “an entrepreneurial streak.” He also dreams of the NFL but says, “Realistically, if that doesn’t happen, I know I am getting an amazing education at Notre Dame.”
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Last spring, I was walking into my grandmother’s funeral when a driver, who was high on drugs, hit me from behind. The next thing I remember was waking up on the ground in excruciating pain and then holding my family’s hands tightly, telling them I loved them. I had no idea how bad my injuries were. By some miracle, and my grandmother watching over me, I walked away with minor injuries and some lingering PTSD. My size helped protect me physically, but it was my family who helped me heal emotionally. That experience taught me that life can change in an instant, and with the love and support of your family, you can survive anything.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
The obvious answer would be my head of school, Mr. Philip, or my football coach, Coach Cuddy. They’ve both been pillars in my life. But there’s someone who has had just as deep of an impact but doesn’t always get the recognition—Mrs. Anderson, our school counselor. Her impact is quiet, but it’s lifelong. I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t be who I am—or where I am—without her.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
Stop letting sports consume your entire mindset. I treated football like it was the only thing that mattered, but over time I learned that academics create the foundation for everything else. Once I started prioritizing my studies, I became more confident, consistent and less stressed. Ironically, that shift made me even better at football. Success in sports is built on discipline, and that starts with how you manage your time off the field.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
“To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.”
—Michael Jordan
7
EMMA SOLLENNE
ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL
Emma Sollenne is following in her big sister’s footsteps. Ava Sollenne was honored in this section two years ago. That pattern of following her sister goes way back. “I fell in love with basketball when I was a toddler in my driveway, getting lessons from Ava,” says the St. Luke’s graduate.
“Watching her games as a kid inspired me to be just like her as a player. Family is a huge part of my life, and I am so grateful to have a built-in coach and role model.”
The driveway lessons worked. Emma played on St. Luke’s varsity basketball team throughout high school and helped the team secure its first NEPSAC Championship in 2023. In the 2023–2024 school year, she received an FAA honorable mention. For her senior year season, she was awarded Second Team All-FAA honors and was named a NEPSAC All-Star Player.
“My most proud accomplishment of my basketball career has been my journey in earning my Division I offer from Mercyhurst University,” says Emma. “When I traveled with my AAU team to our final tournament in Kentucky last July, I didn’t have a Division 1 offer that appealed to me. The end of the recruiting process was nearing, and the upcoming 24 games my team would play back-to-back felt intimidating. But I knew all I could do was put my best foot forward in every game. In the end, the Mercyhurst coaches told me I was the most consistent player in the tournament, and for me, that’s one of my proudest accomplishments.”
Emma also played on St. Luke’s varsity volleyball team for three years and was captain senior year. She was a member of St. Luke’s Captain’s Council and won the Teddy Balkind Memorial Award for her impact as a teammate and player.
A devoted animal advocate, Emma volunteers at Lucky Dog Refuge. She was also a volunteer coach/mentor at High Rise Basketball Camp, a Greenwich Boys & Girls Club basketball mentor, and participant in Relay for Life. She is an assistant Sunday School teacher at Sacred Heart Church in Greenwich.
“My faith has been a big part of my journey as a person, athlete and student,” she comments. “I’m proud to help the next generation at Sacred Heart have the same great experience there that I’ve had.”
A top student, Emma won awards in history, math, science and world language, and she is a member of St. Luke’s Cum Laude Society. She will major in cybersecurity at Mercyhurst.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Switching from Western Midde School to St. Luke’s my freshman year. Leaving everything familiar behind and entering a new place was hard, but being true to myself helped me form new bonds and overcome the nerves I was experiencing. I learned to trust that even when a situation seems unknown and overwhelming, I will find a way to make it all work out. In the end, I am so grateful for my time at St. Luke’s and would not have wanted it any other way.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
My physics teacher, Mr. Schneider, has had the biggest impact. Not only did he teach physics in creative and effective ways, he always made sure to check up on me if I looked down. Having a teacher who genuinely cares about you as a student and a person is so refreshing, especially when schoolwork gets frustrating and stressful. It was an amazing experience being one of Mr. Schneider’s students for two great years, and I hope he knows how far his acts of kindness have gone in our community at St. Luke’s.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
I would tell my freshman self to have more confidence, and never doubt her abilities. I have learned that confidence is so powerful, and believing that you can do something is half of the battle. On and off the court, having confidence in myself has transformed both the way I play basketball and the way I live my life.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
—Abraham Lincoln
8
CAMDYN NELSON
ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL
In her senior year at St. Luke’s, Camdyn (“Cam”) Nelson aced calculus, played varsity soccer and volunteered with multiple charities, while also dribbling her way to 1,000 points in her young basketball career. This young woman is unstoppable on the court and in the classroom, so it’s no surprise she will be playing Division 1 basketball for Syracuse University, where she will be a student in the Whitman School of Business this fall.
Camdyn made the varsity basketball team her freshman year at St. Luke’s and was elected captain of the team junior year. She is a NEPSAC Class B Champion (2022–2023), NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year (2023–2024 and 2024–2025), two-time FAA Champion and three-time FAA All-League First Team. She made it to the FAA finals every year of her high school career and was named JCC Schoolgirl Classic MVP in 2025 and Gatorade 2024-2025 Player of the Year.
Camdyn also played AAU Basketball with the Empire State Blue Flames from third grade on and was named to the Select 40 1st Team. Of these accolades, she says: “Hitting the 1,000 points was definitely a big one for me, because it was beyond the number. It showed all the hard work and dedication and practices, along with the help of my teammates, coaches and family. Gatorade Player of the Year was also rewarding. That was a goal I had been working toward.”
Camdyn wouldn’t have had any trouble calculating those 1,000 points, because she won St. Luke’s Math Award in 2023. Teachers praised her ability to balance rigorous courses with an elite athlete’s schedule.
Along with her cousins, Camden launched a charity called Kids Know Best. “My cousin was diagnosed with cancer. He is cancer-free now,” says Camden. “It’s an organization to fundraise to pay for camps for siblings of cancer patients.” She has also enjoyed volunteering for Filling in the Blanks. “It’s a food organization, where we packaged food up to give to people around the world,” she explains. “I did that throughout high school.” She was a member of SLS Midnight Run Club from ninth through twelfth grades and helped to organize clothing and food drives for local homeless shelters.
Camdyn was also a camp counselor for High Rise Basketball Program, volunteer camp counselor for Greenwich YMCA and ran her own basketball training program for youth players. She hopes to stay involved in basketball in some capacity in her career, possibly pursuing sports medicine or broadcasting.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
A big challenge was losing our head basketball coach and assistant coach. There was a whole regrouping from my sophomore to my junior year. I was an upperclassman, so there were a lot of eyes on me looking for leadership. I helped the new coach get used to things, and this went beyond basketball to scheduling team bonding activities to bring us together.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
My advisor/teacher, Ms. Santos—she was always someone I could lean on. Since sophomore year, we met two times a week. What she helped me with went beyond school. If I had a problem, I always knew I could go to her.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
Enjoy the process. There is a lot coming your way. There will be good days and bad days. Don’t compare yourselves to others. Keep working. Be a sponge. During my whole high school career, having an older sister who had all these accomplishments, I was compared to her. I loved it because it made me want to work more, but I’d also tell myself: Run your own story, learn from her but you don’t have to follow her footsteps.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
Definitely be where your feet are. Live in the moment. Don’t live with regrets. Never stop learning. Learn from others, and learn from yourself.
9
DYLAN EVER
Greenwich Country Day School
Dylan Ever, a senior at Greenwich Country Day School, is a modern Renaissance man with impressive athletic, musical, theatrical, academic and leadership skills.
As a varsity soccer player, Dylan helped his team achieve its first undefeated conference season and championship last year and was voted captain for this year (his fourth on varsity). Dylan has also played varsity tennis throughout high school and helped lead his team to the first undefeated season in GCDS history, winning the FAA season and tournament and the NEPSAC Class B championship. He was All FAA First Team Tennis and FAA Tennis Tournament Doubles Champion.
Dylan has been taking piano lessons since he was five and teaching kids for the past six years. He plays piano and saxophone in GCDS jazz band and won an Outstanding Piano Solo Award in the Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Festival. He also plays piano concerts at nursing homes.
Sophomore year, Dylan landed a lead role in Legally Blonde and inspired students who hadn’t done theater before to join, creating the largest group of students GCDS has seen on stage. Dylan won a HALO Award nomination (a program that celebrates high school theater throughout Connecticut) for his performance as Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It’s in Dylan’s nature to lead.He was President of his class for two years and is going into his second year as Vice President. He also volunteers with Abilis.
“It’s hard for me to pick,” he says, when asked about his favorite activity. “I love soccer and tennis and also love playing piano, being in jazz band and learning guitar.” Dylan is an A-student, in all honors/advanced classes. “Doing well in school is a top priority, so I ensure my schoolwork comes first,” he says. “I am then able to fit in doing the things I love. There are times my packed schedule can be very challenging, since I need to be in two places at once. It is by establishing great relationships with my teachers and coaches, who are there to help me succeed, that I’m able to juggle it all.”
He hopes to play soccer on a college level, where music and math are also part of his plan. “I am an enthusiastic mathematician, and I’m passionate about music and learning about businesses and entrepreneurs. For my junior thesis, I analyzed the effects of AI on the music industry, which got me excited about pursuing something in that field.”
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Balancing my rigorous course load and involvement in the arts and sports has always been a challenge. In the fall of sophomore year, all three intensified at the same time. The soccer team was gearing up for the FAA tournament while A Midsummer Night’s Dream was in its final weeks of rehearsal. In math class, I was using calculus to be the first to solve a murder mystery case. This was a difficult time, but in the end, I was able to memorize my 50 monologues, help lead the soccer team to the FAA final and crack the math case. That year was crucial in understanding how to proactively manage multiple passions while leaning on the support system around me.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
Dr. Grene is both a great English teacher and soccer coach, and he always has a smile on his face. He has inspired me through his teaching style and insightful discussions to interpret literature from a new perspective. He is a talented musician, so we bonded over our shared love for music. From math class to the tennis court, Mr. Feder has been a constant presence in my life for three years. He’s passionate about what he does and pushes us to work hard while keeping things fun and engaging. He’s fair, honest and truly cares about his team. He’s had a big impact on my growth as a student and athlete.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
Don’t sweat the small things. In the end, everything gets sorted out, and something that might seem like a huge challenge can be solved with persistence and hard work.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
Do what you love, love what you do.
10
NATASHA ARAKAL
Sacred Heart Greenwich
Old Greenwich teen Natasha Arakal is a gifted writer and filmmaker. They say: Write what you know. This Sacred Heart Greenwich grad has plenty of topics to choose from.
Sasha was treasurer of her senior class, a Peer Leader, a Eucharist minister, co-chair of the Sacred Heart Greenwich Film Festival, co-head of the Lunchtime Service Club, a social ambassador for The Social Institute, as well as part of the Leadership Academy, You’ve Got Mail Club, Neighbor to Neighbor club, Speech and Debate Team, Fashion Club, Advanced Writing Seminar, Perspectives literary magazine and the varsity cross country team.
Of her many extracurriculars, Natasha says, “Filmmaking is most important to me. I started taking film classes as a freshman, and it evolved into a focus point in my life.” She has produced creative films as well as PSAs.
“One I’m really proud of is a PSA I made for the League of Women Voters of Greenwich, as part of a contest. There is a statistic that one in three people in the U.S. don’t vote, and we wanted to encourage specifically women to vote and use their voice. We researched the topic and interviewed real women,” she explains. “It was really inspiring as we won runner-up. It made me realize the power of filmmaking.”
Natasha also worked with Impact Fairfield County. “It was the ten-year anniversary, and they wanted to give the under-resourced nonprofits they work with videos to represent them and share their work with the world,” she explains. “Our real-world film class created videos for each non-profit, which was exciting. I could really see the impact these videos were creating for these organizations that needed a way to share their message.” Natasha also mentors young filmmakers.
Natasha found her time at King Street Rehabilitation Center very rewarding. “We worked one-on-one with residents, playing games with them and singing carols during the holidays.” She says. “I love working directly with people and hearing their stories.”
This fall, Natasha will attend Fordham and major in communications. “I can’t pinpoint exactly what career I will pursue, but I think it will involve the skills I’ve learned in my filmmaking classes,” she says. “I love telling stories, connecting with people and also learning how to present myself. I think the future will have me sharing others’ voices and amplifying my own.”
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Convincing myself that my voice matters. As a young person, it is easy to doubt yourself and think you’re not good enough, especially when you’re still finding yourself. It was hard to believe that my perspective held value. But as I started to create work that I was proud of—especially through my films—my mindset began to change. Seeing something I created come to life gave me structure as well as a sense of ownership. To then receive recognition and see its impact on others gave me a new kind of confidence in my work. That’s when I began to realize the power of my voice and celebrated it. I’ve come to understand just how much the stories we tell truly matter.
WHICH TEACHER HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
Dr. Baptista, my junior-year American Literature teacher, pushed me in every way with my writing. That year, I saw a lot of growth. I could actually track my progress and feel myself getting stronger as a writer. That was the first time I took my creative writing seriously. She encouraged me to submit poetry for national awards, and I ended up applying to attend a writing camp in Brooklyn. I found confidence in the creative voice that I had previously thought of as private, playful or a hobby at best. I joined Perspectives, the school literary magazine, which she led. She continued to encourage me to submit my work to competitions and celebrated myaccomplishments. She gave me a new perspective on what mywork can be.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRESHMAN SELF?
Be brave enough to be bad at something new.
WORDS TO LIVE BY?
“Asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up.”
—Charlie Mackesy