Kids these days. It’s a common refrain with each generation. Google defines this effect as: “The incorrect belief that children in the present are substantively different and necessarily worse than children a generation or two ago.” Even Google knows that it’s a myth, but we have gone a step further and ventured out into our community to prove that kids these days are, in fact, exceptional. Well, at least ten of them are (plus a bunch more who would have made the cut if we were featuring twenty or thirty of Westport, Weston and Wilton’s finest young folks).
Staples High School, Weston High School, Wilton High School, Greens Farms Academy, Fairfield Prep, St. Luke’s, King School and Wooster School submitted their most impressive upperclassmen from our towns, and the pool is brimming and bright with: nationally ranked athletes, political prodigies, environmental stewards, award-winning artists, published writers, multilingual phenoms, school ambassadors and budding medical researchers. Each of our finalists juggles a mind-boggling schedule of academic and extracurricular activities, and every last one is a compassionate human being who proves KIDS THESE DAYS ARE AWESOME.
JULIETTE MURPHY
Greens Farms Academy
Juliette Murphy is a creative triple threat—she excels at writing, design and art. This has made her a valuable asset to the publications at Greens Farms Academy as well as to the Theater Department. She is also passionate about Mandarin, knows American Sign Language and founded the IAA Comedy Club in 2022, during her time at Interlochen Arts Academy. Juliette is the most fascinating version of “well-rounded.”
“I’ve always been interested in storytelling,” says Juliette. “I’m most interested in the creative writing sides of my history and English classes, and since I was young I’ve done a lot of writing and drawing together. I like to create worlds.” She was Art Director and Layout Editor for Penumbra, GFA’s literary magazine. “The literary magazine has been really important to me,” comments Juliette. “Getting to design the whole book was amazing.” She was also a writer and editor for GFA’s newspaper, Beachside Press, covering politics and theater, as well as editor of “The Thumb” satirical section.
While Juliette considers herself an introvert, she has an appreciation for sharp wit and has been a longtime SNL fan. The comedy club she formed at Interlochen offered a unique outlet for expression through skits and written pieces. “Comedy is such an interesting thing,” says Juliette. “It’s fun and creative but also intellectual. You need to know the political background on things and have the facts straight to create good, hard-hitting comedy.” Juliette also sees comedy as a way to make an impact and change views. “In high school, you are sort of at the mercy of your administration. Comedy is a way to speak out really honestly about things you care about,” she explains.
Juliette’s joy in expressing herself carries over into other languages. “In the third grade, everyone at my school took Mandarian and ancient Greek,” she says. “Mandarin clicked early on with me. I really enjoyed learning it. It has a really different writing system. It’s like a puzzle to figure out.” She volunteered at a Won Dharma Center in New York. One summer vacation, she practiced Mandarin by working as a hostess in a Chinese restaurant. Her efforts yielded her a 5 on the AP Mandarin exam.
Juliette’s honors and awards include High Honors, Head of School Distinction, Academic Recognition Assembly Speaker and Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in both art and writing. She has also volunteered at Publicolor in New York, painting schools, and as a tutor for Building One Community. She is attending Barnard this fall.
—
What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?
Probably self-doubt. I compare myself to people who are more outgoing and opportunity seekers. I’ve had to learn not to rely on other people’s perception of me—to take control of my own life and reflect on what I like to do and what really makes me happy.
What would you tell your freshman self?
To be more open to change, and don’t try to hold on to what you think you know about yourself. Don’t hold on so tightly to the past. Be open to new things and new people. Don’t let your emotions take over too easily. As a freshman, I was in a new place, out of my depth and got nervous a lot. I stopped myself from trying new things because of my emotions. I’d allow myself to be more logical.
Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?
My art teacher, Dennis Denisdalesio. He’s really someone I want to be when I’m older. He’s wise and knows about more than art. He knows philosophy, science, anatomy. He’s open and easy to talk to. I could always ask him advice, and he has so many interesting stories about his life. Also my English teacher, Kevin Coll, who was also my advisor, had a big impact. He was open about how his path was not so linear on his way to becoming a teacher and writer.
Words to live by?
Flexibility is the most important thing. Allow all the different parts of yourself to intermingle—your emotional side, your logical side. Don’t box yourself in.