Portrait By Venera Alexandrova
Back when my kids were in elementary school, I was the chair of the yearbook committee. It was the best volunteer job because I got to go into the school and take photos of the kids on special days—my favorite being Veterans Day, when the school put on a big celebration to honor students’ family members that had served our country.
My least favorite part of that job was choosing two winners from the 40+ “Cover Contest” submissions we received from fourth graders hoping to see their artwork grace the front or back of that year’s yearbook. Each submission was original and creative. You could tell the how much time and effort the students had put into their artwork. They all deserved to be on the cover.
This experience is very similar to picking the students featured in this issue’s “Teens to Watch” (page 64). We were truly inspired by the overwhelming response and incredible nominations we received, making the selection process feel like an impossible task.
The 2025 Teens to Watch represent a diverse range of accomplishments. They all excel in academics and are leaders in their school communities. They are also budding entrepreneurs and innovative artists. Some are passionate advocates, others are scientific trailblazers. Their stories are a testament to the bright future being shaped by the next generation right here in our towns.
In this issue, we also highlight the incredible programs that our tireless community members have created to give our children amazing opportunities. Like the group of local residents that purchased and restored the Greens Ledge Lighthouse who are now transforming it into an educational hub and a living lab for students (page 25). We also look at how our town squash programs are producing some of the country’s top players and attracting the world-ranked coaches who help them get there (page 13).
On page 86, we talk to a different type of coach—the college counseling kind. Darien native Kate Stone shares ten things that will help your teen succeed in high school and beyond.
As always, we celebrate new additions to the local culinary scene, with the opening of an incredible French bakery in New Canaan (page 46) and a steak and seafood hotspot in Darien (page 48).
We also celebrate new projects by some of our creative neighbors. Darien’s Carrie Seim recently released a new book (page 16) in her YA series Horse Girl—which my 11-year-old gave two thumbs-up. And New Canaan native Mary Jane Macdonald shares her heartwaming custom childrens art (page 20).
It’s another issue chock-full of stories about local people (both adults and teens) doing amazing things and inspiring us all.
EILEEN MURPHY