Every year, our schools turn out students whose resumes seem almost impossible to fit on a page. They are athletes and artists, researchers and entrepreneurs, advocates and volunteers, musicians, mentors, scholars and community builders. This year’s Teens to Watch are no exception. From the rink to the lab, the football field to the courtroom, the stage to the service site, these students are already leading with purpose, discipline and heart. They are not waiting until adulthood to make an impact; they are doing it now, in their schools, towns and communities. Meet Westport, Weston and Wilton’s 2026 Teens to Watch: Jack McCullough, Owen Brady, Oliver Rohrbasser, Danya Herman, Evie Herman, Sophia Carrington, Rowan McGrath, Isabel Jo, Uma Choudhury, James Adams, Murphy Levesque, Angela Zhao and Cecilia Costa.
JACK McCULLOUGH
BRUNSWICK SCHOOL
Jack McCullough is the kind of athlete who understands that excellence is built both on the ice and far beyond it. A stand out senior defenseman on Brunswick’s elite hockey team, McCullough has spent his years at Brunswick relentlessly pursuing improvement with puck and stick, while also treasuring the friendships forged in the rink.
“Mr. McCullough is what one might call a hockey professional at ’Wick, dedicating his time to success on the ice for the sake of the squad,” said his advisor, Nick Salazar.
But when McCullough wanted to elevate his game, he didn’t rely only on extra hours at the rink. He also turned inward, studying discipline, motivation and mindset. Recent reads include Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow, about the brain and decision-making, and Greg Harden’s Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive. Harden, a longtime University of Michigan mental coach, worked with some of the most successful athletes of our time, including Tom Brady and Michael Phelps, helping them learn to “master their mindset.”
That work has shown up in McCullough’s own growth.
“Jack has changed a lot,” Head Hockey Coach Mike Kennedy said. “He grew up, and as a senior defenseman, he approached every day on the ice with discipline, energy and a positive attitude.”
“He even smiled a lot—modeling what it means to be a true leader and competitor,” Kennedy adds. “This all carried into his performance on the ice, where he contributed at a high level in all facets of the game. He very likely led the team in total ice time.”
McCullough played 102 games in a Brunswick sweater and was one of nine Bruins honored at Senior Night in February. His senior class helped lead the program to championships at the St. Sebastian’s Tournament and the Belmont Hill/Nichols Tournament, four straight NEPSAC Tournament berths and three Elite 8 appearances.
For all of these reasons—and perhaps thanks in part to his passionate pre-game pep talks—it was no surprise when McCullough’s teammates voted him the unanimous winner of the Hal Rogers Award. The honor is the team’s only senior award and is given for character, sportsmanship, leadership and dedication to both Brunswick hockey and Brunswick School.
Beyond the rink, McCullough is a high-achieving student who brings the same thoughtfulness and humility to his academic life. His senior coursework includes AP Calculus, AP Economics, AP Statistics, Engineering I, English XII: Mind over Matter, Heroes in Sport, Physics and Roadmap for Life.
“We are very proud of Jack, and excited to follow the next chapter of his story,” Kennedy says.
McCullough will play junior hockey next year.
“He grew up, and as a senior defenseman, he approached every day on the ice with discipline, energy and a positive attitude.”
– MIKE KENNEDY, HEAD HOCKEY COACH
OWEN BRADY
FAIRFIELD PREP
Westport resident Owen Brady’s discipline shows up quietly but consistently—in the classroom, on the water, at work and in the way he treats others.
A senior at Fairfield Prep, Brady rows year-round for an intensive club crew team, training three hours a day, six days a week during the fall, spring and summer seasons. The commitment requires stamina, time management and the ability to keep showing up, even when the schedule is demanding. For Brady, that work ethic extends far beyond athletics.
At school, he is involved in Campus Ministry and has participated in Prep’s Urban Plunge program, experiences that reflect his commitment to faith, service and community. Outside of school, Brady balances a job at the Fairfield Beach Club with running his own landscaping business, independently managing and maintaining six properties in his neighborhood.
That same sense of responsibility carries into the way he gives back. Brady volunteers regularly with the Boys & Girls Club of Bridgeport, working in the after-school program to support younger students. He is also an altar server at his parish and attends church nearly every weekend. Whether through formal service, ministry or simply noticing when someone needs support, Brady is motivated by empathy and a desire to make others feel valued.
Teachers and counselors describe Brady as authentic, resilient and exceptionally hard-working. Academically, he is known for seeking extra help, asking thoughtful questions and committing himself to true understanding rather than surface-level success. He embraces challenges, learns from setbacks and is not afraid to put in the effort required to grow.
Next year, Brady will attend Trinity College in Hartford, where he plans to pursue a rigorous academic program while remaining involved in community service. Those who know him are confident that his maturity, gratitude and self-motivation will serve him well in college and beyond.
OLIVER ROHRBASSER
GREENS FARMS ACADEMY
Wilton resident Oliver Rohrbasser seems to run on the same principles that draw him to engineering: precision, endurance and an understanding that the strongest structures are often built from steady, unseen work. A senior at Greens Farms Academy, Oliver has earned a reputation as a grounded leader whose impact shows up everywhere he commits his time: in the classroom, on the court, at work and in service to others.
His interests span engineering, leadership and competition. At GFA, Oliver has pursued a rigorous academic path that includes multivariable calculus and advanced physics, while deepening his interest in engineering through selective summer programs at Duke University and Tufts University. Those experiences allowed him to explore real-world engineering applications and confirmed his interest in building practical, innovative solutions.
Oliver also brings commitment and focus to athletics. He is captain of the varsity cross-country team, where he organizes practices, leads workouts and helps support team performance and cohesion. He also competes on the varsity tennis team and previously captained the JV squash team.
Oliver serves as the Chair of Model UN, leading meetings, mentoring younger members and preparing students for national conferences. He is also an Admissions Ambassador, representing GFA to prospective students and families; plus, he’s an accomplished musician who performs as a pianist and band member while contributing as a leader within his ensemble.
Outside of school, Oliver has worked for the past four years at the Four Seasons Racquet Club as a Concierge Desk Attendant and Assistant Tennis Professional. Balancing a demanding academic schedule, varsity sports, leadership roles and a year-round job of more than 20 hours per week speaks to his exceptional discipline and time management.
Through At Home in Darien, he serves as a weekly “friendly shopper” for a senior citizen, helping with groceries and household needs so she can maintain her independence. He also mentors younger students and athletes through Model UN, sports, admissions and tennis coaching.
Oliver will attend Georgia Tech, where he plans to study engineering and pursue a master’s degree. His leadership is defined by action: showing up, doing the work and supporting the people around him. His humility, reliability and grounded presence make him someone others trust and depend on.
DANYA HERMAN
GREENS FARMS ACADEMY
In the Herman family, achievement clearly runs in pairs. Twin sisters Danya and Evie Herman are both headed to two of the country’s most selective colleges, but their paths there could not be more distinct. For Danya, the through- line has been entrepreneurship: Not simply studying it, but building the systems that help other young women see themselves as founders, leaders and changemakers.
A senior at Greens Farms Academy, Danya is the founder and president of Future Girl Entrepreneurs, a fast-growing initiative that provides entrepreneurship education, mentorship and funding opportunities to young women. She designed and built a comprehensive online curriculum, recruited a network of more than 30 prominent female founders and investors, and expanded programming to schools and nonprofits across the country.
Her work has already reached well beyond the classroom. Danya has contributed to research with Harvard Business School’s Entrepreneurial Management Unit, including case studies such as Duolingo’s growth strategy. She has also taken her interest in global entrepreneurship abroad, interning and speaking in Chile, where she presented in Spanish to female founders on venture development and fundraising.
At GFA, Danya serves as co-editor-in-chief of Penumbra, where she helped launch the publication’s first digital platform and archive. Locally, she is co-chair of the Westport Youth Commission, leading townwide initiatives that support youth well-being.
Through Future Girl Entrepreneurs, she has created accessible pathways for young women, particularly those in under-resourced communities, to gain entrepreneurial skills, mentorship and real-world experience. She also serves as a bilingual ESL tutor with Building One Community, supporting immigrant families and helping students succeed academically. As a member of Reisenbach Philanthropies’ Junior Board, she participates in grantmaking and mentorship for nonprofits serving vulnerable populations.
Danya will attend Harvard College, where she plans to continue pursuing business, social entrepreneurship and public impact, with a focus on creating mission-driven organizations.
EVIE HERMAN
GREENS FARMS ACADEMY
If Danya Herman’s work is about expanding access to opportunity, her twin sister Evie’s is about turning experience into healing, research and voice. A senior at Greens Farms Academy, Evie brings together two qualities rarely found at such a high level: scientific rigor and deep personal purpose.
Evie is a paid research intern at The Jackson Laboratory, where she works as a full lab member conducting advanced cancer research focused on leukemia and therapeutic resistance. Her work includes complex molecular biology techniques and has contributed to authorship on a scientific paper currently under review at Science Translational Medicine, with additional manuscripts in preparation.
She has also expanded her research experience through an oncology and AI internship at Envisagenics, where she worked with machine-learning platforms to identify novel therapeutic targets. For Evie, science is not abstract. As a pediatric cancer survivor, she understands the human side of research as deeply as the technical one.
That perspective inspired her to found Cancer Starts With Can, an organization supporting pediatric cancer patients and families. She also founded The Can Review, a literary magazine that amplifies the voices of children affected by cancer and gives young patients a space to tell their own stories.
Through partnerships with organizations including Make-A-Wish and Camp Rising Sun, she leads art and writing workshops that offer creative outlets for children undergoing treatment. She also serves as a Make-A-Wish ambassador and Teen Leadership Board member for Circle of Care, helping lead fundraising, outreach and support programs for families affected by pediatric cancer.
At GFA, Evie is also co-editor-in-chief of Penumbra, where she helps shape a publication that reflects a wide range of student voices. She is also co-captain of the Math Team and a leader within the Jewish affinity group, where she helped organize a schoolwide Model Seder.
Evie will attend MIT, where she plans to study biomedical research with a focus on cancer biology and therapeutic development. Her work already reflects the depth of a future leader in medicine and research: precise, empathetic and driven by purpose.
SOPHIA CARRINGTON
KING SCHOOL
Wilton resident, Sophia Carrington has spent much of her life with a violin in hand. A senior at King School, Sophia began playing at age seven and has built her musical life through years of discipline, focus and consistent practice.
Today, Sophia performs solo repertoire as well as ensemble and chamber music, practicing approximately two hours a day and attending lessons and studio sessions three to four times each week. Her commitment to classical music reflects not only talent, but patience and persistence.
Sophia’s love of music extends beyond her own performance. She gives back by mentoring younger musicians at her studio, working one-on-one with students as they practice and develop their skills. She also serves as a teaching assistant for group classes, helping early-stage musicians build confidence and stay connected to the arts.
Outside of music, Sophia is committed to service in her broader community. She volunteers regularly with the Wilson Food Bank, helping unload food deliveries and prepare grocery bags for distribution to local families. At King, she has served as leader of the Health and Wellness Club since the end of her sophomore year, supporting student well-being and helping raise awareness around mental and physical health.
Sophia is also a writer, turning to poetry in her free time as a creative outlet and another form of expression. Whether through music or writing, she brings thoughtfulness and care to the way she communicates and connects with others.
Sophia will attend Brigham Young University next year. She is currently deciding between studying music or English, but she plans to continue her music education through private instruction and/or university ensembles regardless of her major.
For Sophia, music has shaped more than her schedule. It has strengthened her discipline, focus and sense of identity—qualities she will carry with her into college and beyond.
ROWAN MCGRATH
LAURALTON HALL
For Rowan McGrath, strength has never meant just playing through the whistle. It has also meant knowing when to speak up, when to support a teammate and when to create space for conversations athletes are too often taught to avoid.
A senior at Lauralton Hall, the Wilton resident has built her high school experience around athletics, service, mentorship and mental health advocacy. On the field, Rowan is a four-year member of Lauralton Hall’s varsity field hockey team and serves as captain. A center defender, she helps lead practices, drills, summer league and team activities, while competing in the CIAC quarterfinals in 2024. She is also a four-year member of the varsity lacrosse team, playing defense and contributing to Lauralton Hall’s 2024 State Championship win. Outside of school, Rowan has played with Gold Coast Lacrosse Club since sixth grade.
Her leadership extends beyond athletics. As president and founder of Lauralton Hall’s Morgan’s Message x L.E.T.S. Club, Rowan brought a new mental health initiative to campus. She presented the concept for approval, built interest among students and helped launch the club with 36 members. Through dedication games, fundraisers, bake sales and awareness efforts, the club educates students about athlete mental health and the resources available to support those who are struggling.
Rowan is also a Peer Mentor, helping freshmen adjust to high school through monthly meetings, strategy sessions and one-on-one support. As a member of the National Honor Society, she participates in food drives, tutors underclassmen and offers academic and organizational help to peers.
Her commitment to service is just as consistent. At Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Rowan worked with students in third through fifth grade, helping with homework and supporting their growth. She has also been a counselor at Children’s Day School of Wilton, working with children ages two to five, and has volunteered with the Discovery to Cure Walk in support of ovarian cancer awareness.
Whether leading a defensive line, mentoring younger students or creating space for honest conversations about mental health, Rowan stands out for her compassion and willingness to take initiative. She is a teammate, advocate and leader who understands that strength also means showing up for others.
ISABEL JO
STAPLES
For Staples High School Valedictorian Isabel Jo, success has come from pursuing the activities she genuinely loves. Whether she is competing on horseback, performing with an orchestra or speaking in front of her graduating class, Isabel has spent her high school years challenging herself while remaining grounded in passion, community and gratitude.
A competitive equestrian for 10 years, Isabel trains at the Fairfield County Hunt Club and competes primarily in equitation, a form of jumping judged on the rider’s skill and form. Last fall, she competed at national 3’6” equitation finals across the country and finished among the top 50 riders at the ASPCA Maclay Final in Kentucky.
“The sport challenges me in a way that is very different from academics and music,” Isabel said. “I love getting to spend time with the horses, whether I am competing or just feeding them treats in the barn.”
She is especially proud of qualifying for and competing at both the USEF Medal Final and the ASPCA Maclay Final, two of the highest-level competitions in equitation. Reaching that level while balancing academics and music made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
Music has also played a major role in Isabel’s life. She plays both violin and viola, and served as concertmaster of the Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. She qualified for All-State three times on viola and once on violin, and she was ranked second in Connecticut for viola during her senior year.
As president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and concertmaster of two orchestras, Isabel also used music to give back to the Westport community. She participated in performances including Candlelight, Pops and concerts for the Westport Y’s Men.
Although she once had a severe fear of public speaking, Isabel gradually became more confident as she found subjects and activities she cared deeply about.
“Throughout the years, I have found so many things that I am passionate about, which has motivated me to articulate my thoughts and gain confidence in my voice,” she said. That growth came full circle when she delivered a speech at graduation.
This fall, Isabel will attend Dartmouth College, where she plans to study chemistry and potentially minor in mathematics.
Her advice to others reflects the approach that guided her through high school: “Do what you love and trust that success will follow.”
UMA CHOUDHURY
STAPLES
Whether she is working through a complex math problem, exploring a new area of computer science or helping younger students build confidence in STEM, Staples High School Salutatorian Uma Choudhury is always looking for her next challenge. Her love of puzzles and problem-solving has shaped a high school experience defined by intellectual curiosity, academic exploration and a desire to share that enthusiasm with others.
As co-captain of the Staples Science Olympiad team, Uma helped lead the group to a third-place finish at the state competition. The achievement was especially meaningful because she shared it with teammates she had worked alongside for three years.
“We not only pushed ourselves to achieve this but worked hard to motivate the underclassmen,” Uma said. “It was overall a very rewarding experience.”
Uma also served as co-president of Staples’ Math Honor Society, where she helped students find ways to serve their community through mathematics. Through both organizations, she made an effort to encourage underclassmen to explore science and math beyond their regular coursework and discover the subjects that excited them most.
Uma practiced Tae Kwon Do throughout high school and earned her black belt. Last summer, she participated in a research program at Boston University, where she studied the optimal transport problem within theoretical computer science.
Uma believes her curiosity is one of the qualities that sets her apart.
“I have a genuine love for learning, no matter what it’s about,” she said. “I have also always had a deep passion for solving puzzles, and that sparked many of my academic interests, and taught me to enjoy asking questions and solving problems.”
This fall, Uma will attend Carnegie Mellon University, where she plans to major in computer science. She also hopes to pursue research during college and continue exploring the questions and challenges that have inspired her throughout high school.
JAMES ADAMS
ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL
Southport resident James Adams is a true scholar-athlete-artist, the kind of student whose interests stretch from the soccer field to the sailing course and to the museum wall.
A senior at St. Luke’s School, James has been a four-year varsity soccer player, competing as a defender and fullback in the NEPSAC and FAA leagues. He helped contribute to the team’s FAA Tournament Championship in 2023 and also plays club soccer with InterCT, a highly selective program. His commitment to the sport continues off the field, through his part-time work as a youth soccer referee.
James is also a competitive Laser sailor at Pequot Yacht Club, racing in regional regattas and spending his summers as a Junior Instructor. At school, he serves as a Community Goals for Leadership facilitator, leading peers through constructive conversations while encouraging critical thinking and respectful dialogue.
Service is central to James’s high school experience. He has completed more than 175 service hours across several initiatives, including co-founding and coaching a free soccer clinic at the Stamford Boys & Girls Club through Kids Helping Kids. At Pequot Library, he helps with book sales, festivals and online book listings, and serves on the Teen Advisory Board. Through the Appalachian Service Project, James spent a week in West Virginia repairing siding and roofing, and building handicap accessibility ramps for families in need. As a Covenant School tutor, he provides ongoing academic support to middle school students from Bridgeport, working with them on reading and writing.
James is also an award-winning visual artist and photographer, earning Gold and Silver Keys at the Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards. His work has been exhibited at venues including Wilton Library and MoCA Westport. As a four-year Aldrich Teen Fellow at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, he has collaborated with artists, curators and fellow students to study contemporary art and help create public exhibitions.
James will attend Princeton University as a member of the Class of 2029, where he plans to study history, continue playing soccer at the club level and explore the university’s rich arts and cultural offerings.
MURPHY LEVESQUE
ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL
When Murphy Levesque joined the St. Luke’s football team as a freshman, she was not looking for the easy path. Four years later, she has become a defining example of grit, commitment and barrier-breaking.
The Westport resident is the sole female player on the Storm football team and has competed throughout high school as No. 8, playing running and defensive back. Her teammates voted her “Most Likely to Never Miss a Workout,” a fitting tribute to an athlete known for showing up early and staying late. On Senior Day, that commitment came full circle when Murphy scored her first career touchdown.
“Murphy is one of the hardest-working athletes I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” Head Football Coach Tyjee Williams said. “From day one, Murphy was always the first one on the field/weight room and one of the last to leave. Her ambition to be great at the game of football outmatched some of the best talent I ever coached.”
Murphy’s athletic life extends well beyond football. She is a competitive equestrian with Hidden Gem Show Stables, competing in .90M English jumpers while also riding western recreationally. Working with her horses, Cardinal and Hermes, has taught her patience, communication and resilience. In 2025, she earned Champion and Reserve Champion in the PHA show division for .80M jumpers. She also trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a discipline she began to build physicality for football and self-defense, but came to appreciate for its strategy and artistry.
That same drive fuels Murphy’s service. In 2020, she co-founded Hidden Gem Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that grew from rescuing four kittens at her local barn into a sustainable organization that traps, provides medical care for and rehomes animals in need. She also served as a counselor for the SLS Ukrainian Refugee Summer Camp, working with children ages 4 to 17.
As part of the St. Lukes Global Scholars Program, she conducted a yearlong research on NGO effectiveness for her project, “Doing Good Better: Rethinking the NGO Playbook.”
Murphy has taken every drawing and painting course available to her at St. Luke’s and has received the St. Lukes Art Award in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Murphy will attend Villanova University’s School of Business, where she plans to study business while continuing her equestrian career and animal rescue work. As her advisor put it, “Classic Murphy—getting things done and doing it with heart.”
ANGELA ZHAO
WESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Angela Zhao’s interests may span the tennis court, concert stage and robotics lab, but each reflects the same curiosity, determination and desire to help others. The Weston High School valedictorian has spent years pursuing both STEM and the arts, building an impressive record of achievement.
Angela began participating in robotics in sixth grade and became a team captain as a freshman. One of her proudest accomplishments came during her junior year, when she led her team to the World Championships. No team from Weston High School had qualified for the competition in the program’s 10-year history. The experience not only marked an important milestone for Weston’s program, but also helped Angela strengthen her programming, leadership and mentoring skills.
Angela continued exploring autonomous robotics through MIT’s Beaver Works Summer Institute. She initially attended the program’s Autonomous RACECAR course as a student and returned the following summer as a teaching assistant. She also contributes to Neobotics, a nonprofit organization working to make autonomous robotics education more accessible by developing affordable, fully equipped vehicle kits for schools and universities.
Her high school experience, however, has extended well beyond robotics. Angela performed as first clarinet in Weston’s Wind Ensemble and Pit Orchestra, and competed in first doubles on the girls varsity tennis team. She also served as a Link Crew commissioner, helping incoming freshmen adjust to high school.
Angela has also spoken openly about imposter syndrome. With encouragement from her robotics coach, Mrs. Kaplan, she learned to take pride in her accomplishments and shared that message in her valedictory speech to help classmates feel less alone.
This fall, Angela will attend Yale University, where she hopes to become involved with the Social Robotics Lab and contribute to the development of assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Her long-term goal is to become a professor, allowing her to continue researching robotics while teaching and mentoring future students.
CECILIA COSTA
WILTON HIGH SCHOOL
Wilton resident Cecilia Costa is already building the foundation for a future in law, advocacy and public service.
A junior at Wilton High School, Cecilia serves as president of the Mock Trial team, where she competes in legal case simulations and leads her team in developing arguments, preparing examinations and getting ready for competitions. Her interest in the justice system extends beyond school through an internship with the Connecticut Public Defender’s Office.
Cecilia is also deeply involved in civic engagement. Through her internship with the League of Women Voters, she helps organize voter education initiatives and participated as a poll worker during a municipal election. She brings that same commitment to leadership development through Ms. President US, where she mentors younger girls as they build confidence, public speaking skills and a stronger sense of their own voices.
At school, Cecilia is Editor-in-Chief of the literary magazine, overseeing the publication process and supporting student writers. She is also a Link Crew mentor, helping freshmen transition into high school, and works as a math tutor through the YourAcademics Program. Outside of school, she is a certified lifeguard and shift captain at the Country Club of New Canaan.
Service is central to Cecilia’s life. She volunteers with Special Olympics and the Saint Aloysius Buddies Program, supporting individuals with special needs through companionship, encouragement and inclusive activities. She also created a Service Initiative within the Buddies Program to expand opportunities for participants to engage in projects such as donation drives and charitable contributions.
Her faith is another important part of her leadership. As a Team Leader and Adoration Liaison for the Emmaus Youth Retreat, Cecilia helps guide peers through reflection, community and spiritual growth.
Cecilia balances these commitments with a rigorous academic schedule, including multiple AP courses, while maintaining strong academic performance. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society and earned the Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy.
Cecilia plans to study political science in college and hopes to attend law school. Her experiences in Mock Trial, public defense, civic engagement and service have strengthened her desire to use critical thinking, communication and advocacy to make a meaningful impact on her community.