Photography by: KATHARINE CALDERWOOD
Every year, a fresh group of remarkable students emerges from the high schools of New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton—and this year’s class is no exception. Among them: a two-time World Cup fencing champion, a published neuroscience researcher working alongside a Yale lab, a state champion debater bound for aerospace engineering and a licensed pilot. There’s a football quarterback who plays piano and teaches Sunday school, a dancer who trains 20-plus hours a week while running her own mental health initiative and a valedictorian shadowing physicians at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who is also a gifted painter. Others have channeled their ambition into service—collecting prom dresses for girls in need, traveling to Lourdes on a healing pilgrimage, founding clubs for cancer awareness and pediatric oncology research. Their achievements go far beyond test scores and grades—spanning science, athletics, the arts, service and leadership. Individually, each is exceptional. Together, they represent what’s possible when talent meets purpose.
BRYNNLEY MCKEE
Hometown: DARIEN
STUDENT RECORD:
High School: GREENWICH ACADEMY Class of 2027
Athletics: TWO-TIME JUNIOR (U20) WORLD CUP FENCING CHAMPION; JUNIOR (U20) WORLD TEAM MEMBER (2026); CADET (U16) WORLD TEAM MEMBER (2025)
National Titles: TWO-TIME JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPION
National Medal: GOLD MEDAL, DIVISION I SENIOR NATIONAL COMPETITION
WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO FENCING?
The Princess Bride first drew me to fencing. After seeing the movie and driving by a club in Stamford, I had to try it! I was around nine or ten when I started and only became serious about it going into high school.
FENCING IS A MENTALLY INTENSE SPORT. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT HANDLING PRESSURE AND SETBACKS?
“You win or you learn.” This phrase reminds me that the lesson is a gift not always appreciated in the moment. Some of my biggest wins have come immediately after a crushing defeat and, while those losses really sting, I have learned that I have an opportunity to start addressing the biggest issues right away in my technique, timing or strategy. I have learned that I control my response to failure, and the faster I focus on what I can learn, and practice those changes, the more success I will see later.
HAS THERE BEEN A DEFINING MOMENT IN YOUR FENCING JOURNEY?
A big turning point in my career was a Junior World Cup in Budapest. Before the World Cup, I felt discouraged and unhappy with my recent results, and wasn’t even sure if I should travel to compete. Two weeks before the tournament, I decided to double down on bringing a positive attitude to practice every day no matter what. When I shifted my focus to controllable factors like attitude and energy, I ended up not only enjoying the sport much more, but I also won the World Cup.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF OUTSIDE OF COMPETITION?
I really crave being part of a team. I love working in school groups like SPARC, a research collaborative I participated in this year aimed at studying and improving student life on campus. I also work on local service projects with my sisters. Even casually, I like to organize groups for studying during my free blocks at school, or crash an improv session on campus to revisit the class I took sophomore year.
YOUR TEACHERS DESCRIBE YOU AS SOMEONE WITH GENUINE INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY. WHAT SUBJECTS EXCITE YOU MOST?
I really enjoyed my Comparative Government class. My teacher, Mr. Kress, is a fantastic lecturer and keeps us engaged by weaving current events into every class.
Last year, I was lucky enough to have a U.S. History class and English class where my teachers, Mr. Sliter and Mr. Sullivan, taught their classes in tandem, interweaving the literature of the time while teaching the history of the era. It was a wonderful way to examine the events shaping the United States through different lenses and literary styles from all across the country. As a result of both classes, I am thinking about majoring in history, government or political science.
WHAT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED?
It’s easy to become consumed in your sport. One way I stay grounded is by spending time with my family and shifting my focus to other things we like to do together— like board games, movie nights or being active together. I also stay grounded through other hobbies like cooking and reading. When there is time, I love to experiment in the kitchen with my mom.
WHAT DO YOU THINK FENCING HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT LEADERSHIP?
To me, leadership in fencing is leading by example. As one of the older teens, practicing sportsmanship by example is mostly about how I react consistently at practice, but even more critical in high stakes situations. Learning to control your emotions and having respect for your opponent is important, especially in front of the younger students. At my club, we emphasize always staying at the competition until all your teammates are done competing, and to cheer loudly and support them through every bout. My goal is to show them through example to keep composure on the strip, respect everyone and, hopefully, give them the kind of support that I love getting from them while I am fencing.
BEYOND MEDALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR FENCING JOURNEY?
As a student athlete, I hope to emerge as someone who constantly seeks to get a little bit better every day. Fencing has a way of exposing one’s weaknesses both technically and mentally, and I’ve learned to face those head-on rather than avoid them. Improving every day, no matter how small that improvement, compounds into real growth. I hope to carry this mindset into every aspect of my life, not just as an athlete or student, but as a sister, daughter, leader and friend. There is always something to learn and room to grow. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I can usually point to one or two things to work on tomorrow, and that’s enough to keep moving forward.
MOLLY FITZGERALD
Hometown: DARIEN
STUDENT RECORD:
High School: DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2027
Leadership: PRESIDENT, EmpowHER
Honors: SAINT LAWRENCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AWARD
Athletics: CIAC & FCIAC ICE HOCKEY CHAMPION
Service: HENRIK LUNDQVIST FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR
WHAT WAS IT LIKE JOINING A CHAMPIONSHIP-LEVEL VARSITY HOCKEY TEAM AS A FRESHMAN?
While it was intimidating, I was excited to find the environment welcoming and incredibly supportive. The camaraderie of this team is its defining strength and that atmosphere allowed me to feel comfortable trying new strategies and skills. As a rising senior, I now see my role as a mentor and leader responsible for creating a positive community for my younger teammates.
HOW HAS HOCKEY INFLUENCED YOUR APPROACH TO TEAMWORK?
Hockey has taught me that improvement always demands purpose, consistency and a willingness to bounce back from disappointments. I have learned that cooperation yields the best results, and that I can benefit from listening to the input and perspective of others.
WHAT DOES GIVING BACK MEAN TO YOU?
Throughout my work outside of school, giving back to the community is what keeps me motivated. Volunteering gives me purpose and I have found that I am my best self when I have goals that relate to others, not only my own. Balancing my jobs with athletics has helped teach me time management as well as taking responsibility for myself.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE PROM WITH PURPOSE?
I believe social media has really changed the landscape for young women today, adding pressure to look and dress a certain way. Prom dresses can be really expensive, and I hated the idea that cost could keep someone from feeling included in such a fun experience. Knowing that many young girls do not have the resources to spend on dresses and accessories, I was inspired to do what I could to ease the pressure, and ensure all women had the chance to attend their prom with confidence.
WAS THERE A MOMENT DURING THE PROJECT THAT FELT PARTICULARLY PIVOTAL?
One moment that stayed with me was seeing how many people donated dresses, showing me how powerful a community can be when it comes together. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity from people I had never met. It was amazing to realize that one idea could turn into over 100 dresses and help real students.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK WITH BUILDING ONE COMMUNITY AND EMPOWERHER?
I think my commitment to inclusion and empowerment is tied to my experiences as a female athlete. Darien has a reputation for stellar sports teams, and being a younger member introduces pressures that can, at times, feel daunting. When older members set a tone that emphasized belonging, I saw how a positive, supportive atmosphere can build a cohesive team. I love working with the kids at Building One Community on their homework and playing games, helping them to feel included and supported.
WHAT HAVE YOUR JOBS TAUGHT YOU?
Lifeguarding and retail taught me independence, responsibility and how to communicate with all kinds of people. Lifeguarding taught me to stay calm under pressure. Both helped me become more confident because I was trusted to take responsibility and manage challenges on my own.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?
What excites me about environmental science is how the challenges we face are the direct result of the decisions we humans make regarding our Earth. Environmental science has helped me to see that positive change is truly a matter of changing human attitude and behaviors. Unlike other areas of science—like biology or physics—environmental science introduces an empowering level of control with respect to improving outcomes. I am drawn to the fact that positive change is in our own hands and we have the power to pivot!
WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE FOR YOUR CAREER TO MAKE ONE DAY?
As an eventual career, I hope to make an impact on the environment and encourage sustainability through my work. Outside of my career, I am sure that I will continue to work to create inclusive spaces and empower individuals who may lack resources or a voice.
I hope to always find ways to incorporate volunteer work into my life and continue to be a leader and impactful figure in my community.
PATRICK GUNN
Hometown: DARIEN
STUDENT RECORD:
High School: ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL Class of 2026
College: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
Academic Honors: CLASS VALEDICTORIAN
National Recognition: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM CANDIDATE (2026); NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WINNER (2026)
School Honors: DARTMOUTH BOOK AWARD (2025); ST. LUKE’S HONOR AWARD (2024)
Leadership: FOUNDER, PAINTING WITH NONPROFITS; CREATOR, PREMEDEXPO
Arts: SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS: THREE GOLD AND FIVE SILVER AWARDS (PAINTING & DRAWING)
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN MEDICINE?
I have loved the natural sciences since my 9th-grade biology class, where I found myself curious about the “hows” and “whys” behind physiology. With that interest, and because I wanted a career with immediate human impact, I realized early in high school that I wanted to pursue medicine.
WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL WHEN YOU CREATED PREMEDEXPO?
In high school, I found myself wanting to ask medical professionals and physicians about their day-to-day work and research, but there weren’t many opportunities (it’s not every day you can talk to a neurosurgeon!). I figured a forum designed to connect those interested in healthcare with medical professionals would offer a solution, which is why I created PreMedExpo. Having students from other countries participate was terrific, particularly given the different healthcare models operating.
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST EYE-OPENING MOMENT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IN A MEDICAL ENVIRONMENT?
Shadowing an N/IICU doctor at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I was able to sit in on a department case review. I felt as if I were watching a scene in a medical TV show, where doctors are collaborating to solve technical problems they encountered in a life-saving ICU situation. That really solidified my interest in medicine, exciting me with the prospect of working with like-minded professionals on intensely meaningful problems.
HOW HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH?
My research hit many bumps over the years, particularly in the lab; the cell batches died twice due to fungal infections. I have found research is rarely a linear path; you have to remain flexible and be comfortable with things not always going as planned, regardless of how carefully you design a study.
WHAT KEEPS YOU CURIOUS ABOUT SCIENCE?
The same curiosity I had back in 9th-grade biology has sustained me throughout my Independent Study and STEM Scholars project. I approach ScienceDirect and PubMed articles expecting to encounter gaps in my knowledge and to correct some of my previous assumptions. I often bump into terms I’ve never heard before—what even is ferroptosis, anyway?—and happily dive down rabbit holes to discover not just answers, but many more questions. It’s thrilling to stumble upon complexities I’d never considered; it’s like finding a secret door in a familiar room.
HOW DOES ART INFLUENCE YOUR APPROACH TO SCIENCE?
I find that my art plays into my scientific inquiries. Specifically, as I have been striving for hyper-realism in my paintings and drawings, I feel my objectivity has only grown over the years. With that, science has been able to come more naturally.
WHAT HAS PAINTING TAUGHT YOU?
I try to follow my art teacher’s advice: “Paint what you see, not what you think you know.” I’ve realized that much of the challenge in painting isn’t just the technical skill itself but seeing past your bias and depicting what’s actually there.
WHAT VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE HAS IMPACTED YOU?
Recognizing that many individuals lack access to the arts, I founded Painting with NonProfits in 2024 to provide free lessons to underserved communities across Connecticut, sharing the comfort and growth painting has brought me. While I’ve learned how to manage an organization, the most meaningful part has been making art accessible to all.
LOOKING AHEAD TO VANDERBILT, WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE?
As I plan to pursue an MD-PhD, I aim to connect with and care for people in a clinical setting and to make research contributions. In that way, I can work to improve disease prognoses and people’s lives. I’m excited about the prospect of using my clinical experience to inform my research, keeping patient care and needs front and center throughout the investigative process.
BHHAVYA SOMAYA
Hometown: NORWALK
STUDENT RECORD:
High School: ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL Class of 2026
College: PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Research: CONDUCTED AEROSPACE-FOCUSED QUANTUM COMPUTING RESEARCH THROUGH PIONEER ACADEMICS. PUBLISHED A 15-PAGE RESEARCH PAPER ON OPTIMIZING CUBESAT MISSION PLANNING USING IBM’S QISKIT SOFTWARE
Leadership: STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT; RANKED #1 IN CONNECTICUT IN VARSITY POLICY DEBATE; QUALIFIED FOR THE NATIONAL SPEECH & DEBATE TOURNAMENT
Mathematics: SELECTED TO REPRESENT CONNECTICUT AT THE AMERICAN REGIONS MATHEMATICS LEAGUE (ARML) NATIONAL COMPETITION
Advanced Coursework: COMPLETED UNIVERSITY-LEVEL APPLIED LINEAR ALGEBRA, DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, AND ADVANCED DISCRETE MATHEMATICS WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN ENGINEERING, DEBATE AND MUSIC?
I’ve always been curious about how things work. When I was younger, I started teaching myself math topics because I wanted to understand them. As I progressed through high school and was exposed to more advanced classes, that curiosity expanded into physics and engineering, where I realized I could use those concepts to design and build things that exist in the real world—or more recently, in my STEM Scholars project, even a prototype that hadn’t been made! Music developed alongside that journey, because where engineering satisfied my desire to understand physical systems, music gave me a way to express myself and connect with people.
WHAT’S A PROJECT OR EXPERIENCE THAT YOU ARE ESPECIALLY PROUD OF?
I’m especially proud of teaching math to students in India. I went in expecting to share what I knew, and although I did so, I ended up learning just as much from them. Watching students who initially viewed math as just another school subject begin asking questions about its real-world applications, and which resources I used to fuel my love of the subject was incredibly rewarding. It only reinforced my belief that mastery isn’t just about understanding something yourself, but about helping others discover their own confidence.
WHAT HAS DEBATE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT HOW TO THINK, LISTEN OR COMMUNICATE THAT SURPRISED YOU?
One thing I’ve learned through debate and leadership is that the strongest communicators are often the strongest listeners. Early on, I believed persuasion came from having the best argument. Now, a good argument is absolutely crucial to your case, whether that’s in debate or in any good conversation you have. Over time, however, I realized it comes more from imagining yourself in the other’s shoes—and the good part about a debate is that you don’t have to imagine it. They read their case out to you, and without being attentive, your rebuttal could mistakenly be a response to something they’d never claimed to begin with. At the very least, you’d risk not being entirely accurate. That’s where I learned that the most productive conversations are not about winning—they’re about learning.
WHERE DOES MUSIC FIT INTO YOUR LIFE COMPARED TO EVERYTHING ELSE YOU’RE DOING?
Long before I discovered engineering, I picked up a guitar and continued to strum until I’d put together a melody that transported me into an entirely different dimension. As this evolved into piano, drums and, most recently, vocals, I’ve recognized music as being the glue to everything else I do, and what gives me a sense of balance in such a busy life. Much of my academic and extracurricular life revolves around solving problems and working toward long-term goals; music is what allows me to slow down, be present and make connections with friends and others I’ve never before met.
WHAT HELPS YOU STAY GROUNDED?
Exercise, music and spending time with the people I care about. Working out, rock climbing or picking up my guitar gives me a clearer perspective. Rock climbing is a newer passion of mine and it’s one I’ll take with me to Purdue. Not only does it give me the same physical challenge as working out does, but it combines that with a challenge for the mind.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE IN YOUR FIELD OR BEYOND?
I hope to contribute to the future of aerospace engineering and space exploration, particularly through spacecraft systems and propulsion technologies. But alongside my career, I want to have an impact that goes beyond technical work. The mentors and teachers who invested in me shaped who I am today, and I hope to do the same for others. If I can help people become more curious and confident in their own potential—whether in math, music or service—I would consider that a meaningful legacy.
LEXI PARSONS
Hometown: NEW CANAAN
STUDENT RECORD:
High School: SACRED HEART GREENWICH Class of 2026
College: BOSTON COLLEGE
Academic Honors: CLASS SALUTATORIAN • CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
Leadership: STUDENT BODY CO-HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE • ADMISSIONS AMBASSADOR CO-CHAIR
Service: ST. VINCENT’S HOSPITAL YOUTH SERVICE AWARD (2026); SISTER SHEEHAN SERVICE HONOR SOCIETY MEMBER
Initiative: CO-FOUNDER AND LEADER OF THE GARDEN PROGRAM
Arts: SACRED HEART ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL HOST AND 1ST PLACE, CREATIVE CATEGORY
WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TOWARD YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
I was first drawn to pursuing nursing and caring for others after my experiences with community service through mission. My interest in nursing was solidified after I attended a pilgrimage where I had the opportunity to work with sick and elderly individuals. In this role, I helped those seeking healing through their daily routines: assisting them with eating meals, maintaining hygiene and transportation. The ability to form personal relationships stood as a necessary part of what I hoped to gain out of my future career.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO TURN IDEAS INTO ACTION AT SCHOOL?
Being a founding member of the Garden Program is one example where I experienced the Sacred Heart community inspire and empower young women like myself to take initiative. Serving as the Student Body Co-Head of Community Service this past year, I addressed awareness through various service events and fundraisers. The possibility of making a difference in a marginalized community inspired me to embrace the support Sacred Heart provides to make ideas come to life.
FROM TUTORING TO SOUP KITCHENS, WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE STAYED WITH YOU?
[The pilgrimage to] Lourdes has always been an experience that I feel so connected to because of the lessons I learned about myself and others. Lourdes was an opportunity to grow in my faith alongside serving others. What impacted me most were the relationships I formed in just ten days. Being surrounded mostly by elderly people who are in search of healing either physically, mentally or spiritually was such a blessing. I had never heard so many stories of people’s childhoods and incredible journeys in life while helping them through simple tasks.
Each person had their own story, and I am so grateful I was able to experience that and to share with others.
WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP LESSON YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK?
One moment that something I organized didn’t go exactly as planned was the Carver Center Holiday Toy Drive. My partner as Co-Head of Community Service and I had worked to plan and execute the toy drive. However, the day before we had to deliver the donations, our faculty leader made an announcement calling students to bring in gifts since we barely had fifteen in our donation bins total. The next day there was an overflowing pile of donations. In the end, there were three extremely packed carloads of donated items that we were able to deliver to the Carver Center. This experience taught me that leadership isn’t about accomplishing everything on your own; it’s about bringing people together around a shared purpose. Although asking for additional support wasn’t part of our original plan, I learned that collaboration often leads to greater impact than working independently.
LOOKING AHEAD TO BOSTON COLLEGE AND NURSING, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE PEOPLE YOU CARE FOR?
I hope to have the same impact on others that they have on me.
As someone who is always seeking to build meaningful relationships and learn from those around me, I hope to leave every patient feeling seen, valued and cared for.
One experience that continues to shape my perspective happened during my time in Lourdes. During the Mass of the Intentions, I felt an overwhelming emotional calling to share my thoughts and prayers with one of the resident chaplains. I was so torn between if I was doing the right thing at the right time or not. However, I realized it meant something that I was struggling so heavily with what to do in the situation and chose to act on my instincts.
In that conversation, I experienced what it truly means to be cared for and loved selflessly by someone I may never see again. That moment changed the way I think about healthcare. I realized that the greatest miracles I witnessed in Lourdes were not those of physical healing—they were the miracles of hope, compassion and human connection.
As I begin my journey in nursing, I hope to become a source of that same hope, love and reassurance for others. Lourdes taught me that caring for people extends far beyond medicine and procedures. Sometimes the most meaningful healing comes from making someone feel safe, heard and never alone.
GRACE VILLAR
Hometown: DARIEN
STUDENT RECORD:
High School: SACRED HEART GREENWICH Class of 2026
College: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Academic Honors: ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL (2022–2026)
Leadership: HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE (2026)
Service: GREENWICH AWARD (2026) • ST. VINCENT’S YOUTH AWARD (2024) • SUSAN B. ANTHONY AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD (2025) • SACRED HEART GOAL 3 AWARD
Arts: SACRED HEART FILM FESTIVAL PSA 1ST PLACE (2023) • ESCU FILM FESTIVAL EXPERIMENTAL THIRD PLACE (2024) • SACRED HEART FILM FESTIVAL PSA 2ND PLACE (2026)
Film & Media: ALL-AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL FILM FESTIVAL DOCUMENTARY OFFICIAL SELECTION (2023) • ALL-AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL FILM FESTIVAL SPORTS FEATURE NOMINEE (2024) • COLUMBIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION GOLD CIRCLE VIDEO DOCUMENTARY 3RD PLACE (2025) • COLUMBIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION GOLD CIRCLE VIDEO PSA CERTIFICATE OF MERIT (2025)
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN HEALTH SCIENCES OR MEDICINE?
My interest in medicine first started when I was six years old after meeting my friend Scarlett James. Scarlett was a year older than me and had just finished treatment for Stage 4 T-Cell Lymphoma. After her battle against cancer, she and her family started the Scarlett Fund, which raises money for pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Having met Scarlett right as the fund was founded, I grew up with it being a large part of my life. As I got older, I wanted to have more of an impact in what I did for the fund outside of just raising money. This led me to wanting to become a pediatric oncologist so I could help those like Scarlett.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND CANCER AT YOUR SCHOOL?
I wanted to spread the two issues that I am most passionate about. It is hard not to care about these issues once you are educated on them. Shoulder Check is very well known in Darien and the hockey world but not as well known outside of it. I wanted my friends outside of those communities to become a part of Shoulder Check’s mission of reaching out, checking in and making contact.
CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT FROM VOLUNTEERING OR SERVICE WORK THAT REALLY STAYED WITH YOU?
One moment that really stayed with me was at Cycle for Survival this year, when I was talking to a woman who was helping with the event tell me her story of how she beat breast cancer. It was incredible to hear her story while knowing that the entire room was filled with people who have stories just like it. Cycle is one of my favorite things, as is the Shoulder Check Showcase, for the same reason of bringing people together because of something terrible. It is that unity that is formed at these events that I find particularly beautiful and meaningful—to see how well people come together to work toward a solution.
WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART ABOUT STARTING A NEW INITIATIVE?
I would say the hardest part of starting an initiative is getting other people to buy into and be excited about it. A lot of the time people have very busy lives and it can seem like another thing to add to the to-do list, but going about it the right way can get people excited.
WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE TO YOU IN PRACTICE?
Leadership to me looks like hearing other people’s ideas and incorporating them into what you plan to do. It also looks like taking initiative and knowing when to step back, too. I’ve grown into a leaderwho wants to lift up others.
YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN BOTH SPORTS AND CREATIVE WORK LIKE FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY—WHAT DO THOSE OUTLETS GIVE YOU THAT ACADEMICS DON’T?
Being a part of JVB Field Hockey was something that led me to have a fun way to get my exercise in at the end of my day. Sports photography is something that I have become very passionate about, and it has allowed me to still be creative despite my lack of any kind of artistic talent.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE TRIED THAT DIDN’T GO AS PLANNED, AND WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE EXPERIENCE?
Something that I have tried that did not go as planned was my experience freshman year on the rowing team. Although I loved rowing, I was not the best at coxing like I had planned to be, but I dedicated more and more time into the sport hoping to get better. That experience taught me how to truly work hard for the things you want. It also taught me to know when to walk away and that it is ok to not be good at everything.
LOOKING AHEAD TO UNC CHAPEL HILL, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE—ON CAMPUS OR BEYOND?
I hope to continue bringing The Scarlett Fund and Shoulder Check into the lives of my classmates and friends, expanding both of their reaches. I hope to continue taking photos and grow in my skill as well.
BEN ROLAPP
Hometown: DARIEN
STUDENT RECORD:
School: BRUNSWICK SCHOOL Class of 2027 (COMMITTED TO BOSTON COLLEGE)
Leadership: BRUNSWICK FOOTBALL CAPTAIN (2026)
Athletics: NEW ENGLAND PREP FOOTBALL CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM QUARTERBACK (2025) • ALL-STATE HONORS (2024) • FIRST TEAM ALL-FCIAC (2024)
YOU RECENTLY TOOK ON A RIGOROUS ACADEMIC SCHEDULE WHILE ADJUSTING TO A NEW SCHOOL AS A STUDENT ATHLETE. HOW DID YOU MANAGE THAT TRANSITION?
There is a reason Brunswick is so esteemed. The school’s classes are rigorous, yes, but the teachers are amazing and work with schedules and advisors help with time management because so many of the Brunswick students are high-level athletes, so it was not an issue.
YOU HAVE A DIVERSE COURSE LOAD—FROM ETHICS AND PSYCHOLOGY TO RACE AND FILM. WHAT HAS STAYED WITH YOU THE MOST?
One thing that sticks out to me is in psychology class we learned about something called reframing. When something happens, usually negative, reframing it in a positive light can literally change your mood and happiness. So after a bad practice or game, instead of sulking, you can reframe it as an opportunity to learn from mistakes and be a better player because of it.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE JOINING THE BRUNSWICK FOOTBALL PROGRAM JUST BEFORE THE SEASON?
Stepping into a higher level of football challenges you mentally, emotionally and physically. While Brunswick and my coaches made it as smooth as possible, there’s always bumps along the road between summer workouts, fall camp and adjusting to new teammates. Everyone was welcoming and supportive, so the team did not feel “new” for long.
YOUR COACHES HAVE DESCRIBED YOU AS VERY CALM. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN NATURALLY COMPOSED?
I have always been very levelheaded. Most likely because I grew up with two older brothers who liked to play tackle football with me when they were three times my size. But experience has also helped. I’ve started in around 35 varsity high school games, so I’m not saying I’ve seen it all, but I’ve been blessed to be a part of many different situations.
TAKE US BACK TO THOSE FINAL SECONDS OF THE HOMECOMING GAME. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST CLEARLY?
I remember Coach McGillicuddy’s speech before letting us know that we rep two-minute drills every week in practice and this should be nothing new. This helped me put into perspective what I was doing so I wasn’t overwhelmed.
YOUR COACHES SPEAK HIGHLY OF YOUR LEADERSHIP. WHAT DOES BEING A GOOD LEADER MEAN TO YOU?
Being a good leader means not just calling guys out and screaming on the field. Being a leader means giving yourself the credibility to be able to lead others, meaning you have to be the first in and last out, put in time in the film room, be coachable and be present 24/7 before you can call someone else out and hold the team to a standard that your already at or exceeding.
FOOTBALL CAN BE EMOTIONALLY INTENSE, ESPECIALLY AT A COMPETITIVE LEVEL. HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE PRESSURE?
Don’t take anything personally and don’t take football home with you. Meaning when you get chewed out, criticized or feel pressure, remember it’s a game and nothing is attacking you as a person; admit the mistake and move on. Not taking football home with you means if a bad practice or bad game occurs don’t let it leak into other aspects of your life because football is not the be-all and end-all. Brunswick also has so many good people that support you so it’s easy to get back on track.
YOUR COACH SAID YOU ARE SOMEONE WHO CONNECTS EASILY WITH ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE. WHY IS THAT SOMETHING YOU VALUE?
I think social connection is the single most important thing for overall health and happiness, also something I learned in physiology with Coach J. It’s also easy to connect with people that are interesting and social like so many of my teammates and the people at Brunswick are, there is a reason it’s considered such a special place.
WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT REALIZE ABOUT YOU BEYOND FOOTBALL?
I have played the piano since I was eight, and I am an avid golfer. I also team teach a Primary Class for six-year-olds at my church.
WHEN YOU LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE, WHAT KIND OF TEAMMATE, STUDENT OR PERSON DO YOU ULTIMATELY HOPE TO BECOME?
At the end of the day I want to be a person who is at peace in whatever field I am in and enjoys time with people, family, friends and constantly stays curious.
LILAH MEHTA
Hometown: NEW CANAAN
STUDENT RECORD:
School: KING SCHOOL Class of 2027
Academic Honors: CONNECTICUT SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR (CSEF) FINALIST, HEALTH & MEDICAL CATEGORY • SELECTED AS 1 OF 18 STUDENTS STATEWIDE TO PRESENT RESEARCH AT THE HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM (HSHSS)
Research: CO-AUTHORED AND PUBLISHED LITERATURE REVIEW, WITH YALE LAB TEAM IN CURRENT OPINION IN IMMUNOLOGY
Leadership: VARSITY TENNIS CO-CAPTAIN • MATH TEAM CO-CAPTAIN • PRESIDENT, GIRLS ADVANCING IN STEM • CHAIRPERSON, GRASSROOTS TENNIS & EDUCATION AUTUMN CLASSIC FUNDRAISER
Athletics: 2024 NEPSAC ALL-PLAYE • 2025 FAA ALL-LEAGUE; LED VARSITY TENNIS TEAM TO THREE CONSECUTIVE NEPSAC CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES • KING RANKED #9 AT SMALL SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Civic Engagement: INSPIRICA VOLUNTEER
Model UN: HONORABLE MENTION, BROWN UNIVERSITY SIMULATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS • BEST DELEGATE, KING MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)
WHERE DID YOUR INTEREST IN ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH BEGIN?
My interest started in one of my math classes, with a teacher who didn’t just teach the subject but showed its applications. She discussed computational biology, and that idea stayed with me—that mathematics could be a tool for understanding living systems. Around the same time, a summer neuroscience course introduced me to how much we still don’t understand about the brain. When those two interests converged in my research internship at Yale, Alzheimer’s became the focus, and the more I learned, the more I became invested.
HOW DID YOU ADJUST TO PARTICIPATING IN THE RESEARCH INTERNSHIP AT YALE WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL?
When I first walked into Yale School of Medicine just having turned 16, the biggest adjustment wasn’t the science; it was learning to be comfortable not knowing things in a room full of people who did. I realized that asking good questions was actually what my mentors respected most.
WAS THERE A MOMENT DURING YOUR RESEARCH WHEN THE WORK STARTED TO FEEL MEANINGFUL?
A stranger on my commute once overheard me talking about my research and told me her father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She asked me questions I wasn’t expecting, not about specific disease mechanisms, but about her hope for new treatments. Hearing stories such as hers reinforced how my work had actual stakes for real people, and could have meaningful impacts on their lives. I carried those encounters into the lab with me, and they became part of why the work mattered.
YOU’VE PRESENTED YOUR WORK AT MAJOR SCIENTIFIC FORUMS. HOW HAS THAT SHAPED YOUR CONFIDENCE OR PERSPECTIVE?
Presenting complex concepts has taught me that if I can’t explain my work clearly in terms that people can understand, I don’t understand it as well as I think I do. I started to see each presentation as a way to test and alter my thinking, not just broadcast my results. It also made me a better collaborator, because I got comfortable translating my work across different levels of expertise.
As President of Girls Advancing in STEM, what do you hope to encourage In younger students?
I hope to encourage younger students to take more risks. Even if they are afraid of branching out into something that seems new and daunting, I want to inspire them to feel confident. I want to shift our culture from chasing perfection to embracing curiosity. I hope that I can inspire girls to realize their own potential, and go into STEM fields as a way to create real-world solutions that help others.
AS VARSITY TENNIS CAPTAIN, WHAT HAS SPORTS TAUGHT YOU THAT CARRIES OVER INTO ACADEMICS AND LEADERSHIP?
Tennis has taught me that losing can be a great learning opportunity. Whether I mess up a shot on the court or hit a wall in my research, I’ve learned to stay calm and figure out what went wrong. Embracing that trial-and-error process is exactly how I handle tough classes and leadership roles.
YOU MENTOR STUDENTS THROUGH MATH TUTORING. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT TEACHING OTHERS?
What I enjoy most is the mindset shift. I saw this with one particular student I worked with throughout the school year. He came to me dreading math, convinced he just wasn’t a “math person.” Over time, I learned how to connect algebra to things that made sense to him, and by the end of the year something had changed. He wasn’t just solving problems; he was actually enjoying the challenge. That transformation is what makes me love tutoring.
YOUR WORK AT INSPIRICA INVOLVES BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE TAUGHT YOU?
It has taught me that true empathy means taking myself out of the equation and understanding what someone’s situation means to them. I am deeply inspired by the families we meet. I strive to step into their shoes by remaining entirely open to their stories and community without making any assumptions.
SCARLETT STEWART
Hometown: NEW CANAAN
STUDENT RECORD:
School: NEW CANAAN HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2027
Leadership: FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, NEW CANAAN DANCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION (11TH–12TH GRADE); CO-FOUNDER, TEEN PAUSE
Arts: CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP WINNER (2022–2026) IN BALLET, BALLROOM, JAZZ, AND ALL-AROUND CATEGORIES AT 24/7, JUMP, HEAT, RADIX, ASH, AND NUVO • HEAT NATIONALS SUPER NOVA WINNER WITH NEW CANAAN DANCE ACADEMY • HALL OF FAME TOP 10 SOLOIST, TEEN DIVISION (2024) AND SENIOR DIVISION (2025 )• HEAT TOP 10 SOLOIST, TEEN DIVISION (2024) • TOP 3 DUO/TRIO, TEEN DIVISION HEAT (2024)
Initiative: ESTABLISHED A 501(C)(3) SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION SUPPORTING UNDERFUNDED DANCERS AND DANCE PROGRAMS ACROSS CONNECTICUT
WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO DANCE?
What first drew me to dance was simply that it was so fun! I started in hip hop and jazz, and the more I watched the incredible company dancers at New Canaan Dance Academy, the more I fell in love with the art form. What surprised me was how much it became about storytelling. Learning to hold your body with strength and stillness, to communicate emotion without just moving fast, that’s a whole different challenge.
YOU CO-FOUNDED TEEN PAUSE, AND HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOCUS ON THAT ISSUE?
I’m sure I’m not alone; so many teens hit a rough patch at some point, whether it’s a social crossroads, the first time recognizing signs of depression or anxiety creeping up as life gets overwhelming. Maybe you’re lonely, maybe you just don’t know how to meet new people. Teens need a place to just breathe, a real pause. That’s exactly what Teen Pause is built around. We create after-school spaces where kids can decompress and actually have fun. There’s no grade, no judgment, just a room full of kids who maybe needed somewhere to be that afternoon. They come in for the [crafts] and stay because they found their people. And connection, more than anything, is what protects young people’s mental health.
WHAT LED YOU TO CREATE THE DANCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION?
Anyone who’s taken a dance class and traveled for dance [knows] that it’s unaffordable for most. At competitions, I’d see studios full of so much potential, but the reality is that the hours of training and the travel it takes to compete are just unrealistic for most. It bothered me for a long time. My dad owns our local grocery store, Stewart’s Market, a family business that’s been around 119 years and gives back to nearly every local charity. The Youngs, who own New Canaan Dance Academy, care just as much about our community. I thought Elaine Young would think I was crazy, but she gave me the biggest hug with tears in her eyes. So NCDAF is a 501(c) that raises money to break down the economic barriers to dance.
WHAT WAS IT WAS LIKE TO PLAN A LARGE-SCALE FUNDRAISING GALA AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR LIFE?
At 17 (16 when I started), I did need some adult help. First, we formed a board, with the help of Elaine and her lawyers. We had to define our mission, learn all the legalities and get the right paperwork done. The longest part was actually becoming an established 501(c). We got our legal status so late that we were suddenly rushing to plan an April event, and we realized we shouldn’t risk the integrity of the mission just to make a date work. It was a tough call at the time, but we decided to move the gala to September 26 and we feel so good about it now. Everything happens for a reason, and it means we’ll be at the New Canaan Library, which feels so fitting for this community story. It’s going to have an amazing dance performance with artistic direction by the iconic Sheena DiMatteo. We’ll also have an auction, and then a DJ with dancing. The proceeds will go to two or three charities. One we know is ASK at the Klein (After School at the Klein) — the only completely tuition-free performing arts program in Fairfield County.
YOU’RE ALSO INVOLVED IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND POLITICAL WORK—HOW DOES THAT INTEREST CONNECT, IF AT ALL, TO YOUR WORK IN THE ARTS AND NONPROFIT SPACE?
You don’t get anything accomplished by just talking about it. At the heart of civic engagement is just doing what’s best for your community to thrive. I’m proud to intern for Congressman Jim Himes. Being the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee and part of the Gang of Eight is genuinely impressive, and I can’t wait to learn from him, especially on issues like the future of AI, which, I’ll be honest, scares me a little. Starting a foundation taught me you don’t have to wait for permission to solve a problem you see in your own town. This internship feels like the natural next step in understanding how change works on a larger scale, and how government can show up for the people and the gaps that too often get missed. To me it’s all connected. Art, giving back and wanting to make my community better are just different versions of the same instinct.
TYLER TEMEROWSKI
Hometown: ROWAYTON
STUDENT RECORD:
School: GREENS FARMS ACADEMY Class of 2027
Leadership: EXTRACURRICULAR CLUB CO-FOUNDER
Aviation: COMPLETED SOLO FLIGHT AT AGE 16
Community & Civic Engagement: POLITICAL CAMPAIGN STAFF MEMBER FOR CONNECTICUT STATE REPRESENTATIVE TRACY MARRA
Athletics: TENNIS COACH
Academic Support: ACADEMIC TUTOR
WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE?
I took a trip to Washington, D.C., when I was five with my grandparents. I had the privilege of going into the White House because of my grandpa’s service to this nation. By the end of the tour, I turned to my grandparents and said politics was my future. During COVID, I [hosted] weekly press conferences on COVID cases in Norwalk to my parents. I was inspired by all the governors and mayors who updated their constituents across the country. That’s where my interest in speechwriting began. Then, inspired by my 8th grade government class, I started writing legislative bills. I want to help serve my community somehow, and what better way to do it than participating in local government.
HAVING WORKED ON A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT SEEING THAT PROCESS UP CLOSE?
I’ve noticed we aren’t always as divided as the media wants us to think. On a local level, people are genuine and kind. Local government is the purest form of democracy. One evening I was at our local library to listen to five Connecticut state representatives talk about their recent legislative session. Among these representatives were three Democrats and two Republicans—[including] the representative I worked for, Tracy Marra. As the event went on, I began to notice the civility in the representatives’ tone. This is the type of discourse that we don’t see often. After the event, I went up and thanked the politicians for their time and for their neutral postures. I went home thinking, we need more of this.
YOU ALSO COMPLETED A SOLO FLIGHT AT 16. WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND THE FIRST TIME YOU TOOK OFF ALONE?
I remember anxiously waiting to take off because I was third in line on the runway. I kept imagining scenarios on what could happen. I tried to distract myself by looking at the other planes departing. If they can do it, I thought, then so could I. I put in hours and hours of practice for this moment. I took off, mesmerized by the specks on the ground. On approach, I kept looking at my airspeed indicator and aiming point on the runway. As I came within ten feet of the runway, I waited for the wheels to touch the ground, and they did: gently greasing the runway for my first landing. As I taxied back to the runway I was met with smiles by family from the hangar, and I finally let out a deep breath.
PUZZLE CLUB IS SUCH A UNIQUE EXTRACURRICULAR—WHAT DO PUZZLES AND GAMES REVEAL ABOUT THE WAY YOU THINK?
My friend and I were inspired by our very own math teacher who hosts an annual Upper School puzzle hunt. His puzzles provided us with the groundwork to establish our own club. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to host our very own puzzle hunt for the Middle School, create crossword puzzles and other creative puzzle content for our school newspaper. But we don’t focus on the traditional jigsaw puzzles or even crosswords puzzles. It’s the type of puzzles where you may be given images, flavor text, symbols that either correlate to a theme or a shared idea. You have to use the context clues to figure out the theme which then corresponds to an answer, usually a location. The puzzle is a labyrinth—it requires a lot of thinking and problem-solving skills to complete the puzzles. Lots of friendly bickering, disagreements, until you come to your ultimate solution. Science and math have always been weaker subjects of mine. Things didn’t click the same way as history or English had. I’d easily give up and get frustrated at myself. I didn’t view these subjects methodically. However, since getting my reps in with puzzles, I’ve changed my approach. Now, when facing something that seems difficult at first, I approach [it] the same way I approach puzzles: methodically, with patience, trying to connect different puzzle pieces in my head. It’s this step-by-step process, the ability to break down things has led me to become a more efficient and organized learner.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE?
I’ve discovered that the extracurriculars I have participated in, such as politics and volunteering, have opened new doors. They take you places you may have never imagined. I hope to continue passing down knowledge, encouraging students to be eager about learning, whether that’s through coaching tennis or tutoring. I don’t need people to remember everything that I did, that should be reserved for myself, but I hope that along the way I inspired one or two people or more, and made a bit of difference in their lives, disrupting the order that they may have had without me.