Senior Spotlights

Nicholas Stringer

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Nicholas Stringer

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Chaotic, Funny, Tiring

What song reminds you of high school?

“Stayin' Alive” by Bee Gees

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Flying drones

What is your favorite activity and why?

My favorite activity is gaming because it is relaxing and competitive.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The senior lounge

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher is Dr. Goldberg because he is enjoyable to talk to and we have had many good conversations over the time I have been here.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

Cooking for advisory lunch.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

Getting lost on a mountain after taking a wrong turn.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I have made more friends.

What is your dream job?

I do not have a dream job - I'm still figuring it all out.

Where is your journey taking you next?

Home sweet home.

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

The routine and the fact that my alarm actually meant something.

Wishing Nicholas all the best as he heads into his next chapter — taking with him great memories, good friendships, and the same humor and laid-back spirit that made him such a fun part of the Wakefield community.

Bryan Beltran

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Bryan Beltran

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Motivation, ambition, and tears

What song reminds you of high school?

“What could've been” by Sting ft. Ray Chen

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Theater

What is your favorite activity and why?

Tutoring the younger grades because they're all unique and view subjects like math and science through a different lens.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Catwalk - peace and quiet are serene.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mrs. Daeschel, because she accepts all kinds of children regardless of how tired she is that day.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

The people I have met and cared about.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

The experience of seeing my lizard onstage with me for the first time was something I never dreamed of occurring.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I've come to accept who and what I am, without regard to what those around me deem to be "normal." I may not always be the best person, but I will always be myself.

What is your dream job?

Mechanic in a rural town where everybody knows everybody.

Where is your journey taking you next?

To VCU with the goal of transferring into Civil Engineering at another college.

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

My people.

Wishing Bryan all the best at VCU as he continues to embrace his individuality, build meaningful connections, and bring the same authenticity and heart that made him such a memorable part of Wakefield.

Andie Mason

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Andie Mason

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Family, Tight-Knit, Bond

What song reminds you of high school?

“Young Forever” by JAY-Z

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Community Council(prefect), Model UN, Interact (board member)

What is your favorite activity and why?

Tennis, because it is a calming way for me to spend time with my friends while still playing a moderately intense sport.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The wall next to the senior garden because the sunrise is the most beautiful up there, and I used to go there to write in Mr. Martin's class in my sophomore year.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mr. Zontine, because each morning he puts up with our energy and complaining and still manages to keep us engaged in discussion despite our efforts to stop.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

The freedom that allows me to do what I want with my education.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

I have a relationship with my teachers that is so unlikely to happen at a public school because of small class sizes.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I've grown into my role as a leader in my class and my community.

What is your dream job?

I wish to be a neurologist in my own private practice.

Where is your journey taking you next?

I'm going to pursue a degree in neuroscience at Virginia Tech.

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

The friends and bonds I've created with the people there, and not seeing them every day.

Wishing Andie endless success as she heads to Virginia Tech with leadership, curiosity, and compassion — ready to pursue a future in neuroscience, build meaningful connections, and continue inspiring those around them with the same warmth and determination that made Wakefield feel like home.

Taewoo Oh

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Taewoo Oh

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Unity, Curiosity, and Joy

What song reminds you of high school?

“Jung” by Vinxen, Ovan, and Im Soo

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Soccer, Tennis, Lacrosse, Model UN Club, Community Council Club, and Interact Club

What is your favorite activity and why?

Listening to music.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The senior lounge because that's where all my friends hang out.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mr. Lerch because he was my middle school advisor.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

Spending time with my friends.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

Spending time with my friends.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I've learned how to be more patient and calm.

What is your dream job?

Starting a fashion brand.

Where is your journey taking you next?

George Mason University

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

My bestie, Abigail

Wishing Taewoo endless success as he heads to George Mason University with patience, determination, and a passion for creativity — ready to build new friendships, chase big dreams, and maybe even launch the next great fashion brand.

Finnliegh Miller

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Finnliegh Miller

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Everything is awesome

What song reminds you of high school?

“Equestria Girls (Cafeteria Song) by Twilight Sparkle

Spartan or Athenian?

Athenian

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Academics, Community Council, Poetry Club

What is your favorite activity and why?

Painting classrooms over the summer because it is very satisfying

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The senior parking lot before school because it has some great bird watching and is a serene way to start the day

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Ms. Daeschel, because she's been a keystone of my Wakefield experience, and it feels like we have grown together in our Wakefield experience.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

The accessible and close relationships built with teachers

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

Either Ms. Daeschel's Latin class and her profound ability to make Latin approachable, if not almost fun, or Dr. D's jarring classes that taught you the usually unsaid part of history.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I learned to be comfortable in the discomfort of not knowing and learning to explore who I am and who I am meant to be.

What is your dream job?

Snow leopard nanny

Where is your journey taking you next?

Into the wilderness of Vermont

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

Quiet mornings in the parking lot, jamming out, and watching the birds fly about

Wishing Finnliegh all the best as she takes her thoughtful spirit, love of learning, and adventurous heart into the wilderness of Vermont and beyond — carrying with her quiet mornings, bird watching, and the courage to explore who she is meant to be!

Kendall Padfield

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Kendall Padfield

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Creativity, Friendly, Environment

What song reminds you of high school?

"Drops of Jupiter" by Train

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Community Council

What is your favorite activity and why?

Horseback riding and hacking out (trail riding)

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Dr. Miller's prep room because it's where I eat lunch and laugh with my friends every day, and it's also really cozy

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Dr. Goldberg because not only has he guided us all through the arduous process of Capstone, but he imbues our advisory with an unreal energy every morning, and I feel like he has a new crazy story to tell us every day

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

The connections I have made with my teachers.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

The senior kayak trip in Shenandoah. Though I was racing my friends on the river, it really taught me how to slow down.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I'm a lot less scared to try new things.

What is your dream job?

Not sure yet, but definitely something in the equine industry

Where is your journey taking you next?

University of Findlay

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

My teachers

Wishing Kendall all the best as she takes her creativity, adventurous spirit, and love for new experiences to the University of Findlay and beyond, exploring her future in the equine industry!

Ethan Nelson

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Ethan Nelson

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Opportunity, Individual-Action, Personal-Growth

What song reminds you of high school?

"Men At Work" by Down Under

Spartan or Athenian?

Athenian

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Captain of soccer, swim, and tennis; Member of Interact, Community Council, Improv Club

What is your favorite activity and why?

My favorite activity is playing sports at Wakefield because, in general, sports are fun, and the level of competition we play against isn't selective, so anyone can participate (I don't play tennis or soccer outside of school, yet I am top of the conference for both). It's also a great way to meet new people at the school.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place is the gym because there are a variety of activities to do, and I go there all the time. There isn't a day that I can't see myself going to the gym, because for the six years I have spent at Wakefield, I have gone there nearly every day.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

I really like Mr. Martin because his lessons exposed me to brilliance in the liberal arts, altering my perspective on the literary field forever. Had he not maintained his exhilarating enthusiasm, my perspective on literature as a whole may have remained forever bleak.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

I really do appreciate the close-knit style of teaching. Most of my classes average about 5 people, so I often find myself working with others to ensure our continued success. I am comforted that my friends boosted me, and that I was able to help out in some way to the people around me.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

Being able to play varsity soccer for 5 years - competing in state tournaments, making the state finals, winning the GPAC conference, being an all-state player, and starting as an 8th grader - is something impossible to do had I stayed on the public-school route.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

When I first entered Wakefield, I was reserved, taciturn about my abilities and uncertain about who I wanted to become. Now, I have matured and my further dreams in life of becoming an electrical engineer are abundantly clear.

What is your dream job?

To be an electrical engineer working on nanotechnology.

Where is your journey taking you next?

I'm going to the University of Illinois, majoring in electrical engineering.

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

The great people at Wakefield are what make the school so special. I am so appreciative of the welcoming people I encountered in the six years I have spent here, and I feel as though I am losing a part of myself now that I am leaving.

Wishing Ethan all the best as he takes his leadership, competitive spirit, and passion for growth to the University of Illinois and beyond, pursuing his dream of advancing the future of nanotechnology through electrical engineering!

Addison Smith

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Addison Smith

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Connection, Community, Support

What song reminds you of high school?

“Running Out of Time” by Tyler, The Creator

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Athletics, Student Athlete Mental Health Club, Community Council, and Interact

What is your favorite activity and why?

Playing basketball because it's my favorite sport and helps me get through Winter at school.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Senior Lounge, because we've been able to make a stronger connection with each other over the year.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mrs. Hoover, because she has pushed me to be a better student and given me a safe place to open up about things I am struggling with.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

The people

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

Going out of the country with my friends to Australia, New Zealand, and Greece over spring break and learning so much.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I have learned how to manage my time and created a strong work ethic over the years here.

What is your dream job?

Sports manager or sideline interviewer.

Where is your journey taking you next?

NOVA and then hopefully the University of Michigan for my last three years

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

My friends and favorite teachers.

Wishing Addison all the best as she takes her teamwork, drive, and love of sports from Wakefield to NOVA and beyond, pursuing her dream of working in the world of athletics and sports media!

Sadie Seaborn

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Sadie Seaborn

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Friends, Community, and Intelligence

What song reminds you of high school?

"Vienna" by Billy Joel

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Wakefield Wellness Club, Interact, Community Council, Girls Soccer

What is your favorite activity and why?

My favorite activity is going to a nice dinner with my family or friends because I love spending quality time with the people in my life.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the rock wall going up the hill because it offers the best views and is very calm.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mrs. Maraska is my favorite teacher because she has helped me grow since before I even started her class in middle school. Her classes throughout middle school were tough, but I learned the most out of any other classes I have had. She is a great person for me to talk to now, as I am leaving high school, since she genuinely cares about her students.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

My favorite thing about Wakefield is the campus, I love to drive up to the view in the morning and after long games or practices your can see a very pretty sunset.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

Having closer relationships with my teachers helped me understand their teaching and the material, and helped me solve problems more effectively.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

I learned how to become more independent and driven.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to start my own business in sports marketing.

Where is your journey taking you next?

I am studying market innovation and design at Bucknell University.

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

I will miss the comfort of Wakefield since I have been here since fourth grade, but I am excited to start my new journey.

Wishing Sadie all the best at Bucknell as she turns her passion for community, creativity, and connection into a future in sports marketing and innovation.

Abigail Mwangi

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Abigail Mwangi

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Way, hill, Capstone

What song reminds you of high school?

"Remember When" by Wallows

Spartan or Athenian?

Athenian

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

Community Council, Lower School lunch buddies, Rock Band, Poetry Club

What is your favorite activity and why?

Lower School lunch buddies because it is always fun talking to and playing with the little kids!

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The Music Room

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mr. Zontine, because he's helped me look at literature in an introspective way, which I hadn't thought of before. Also, his music club was really cool, and he's been a great advisor for my Capstone.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

The teachers

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

J-Term

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

In the values of the Wakefield Way.

What is your dream job?

Rocket Scientist

Where is your journey taking you next?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

My bestie, Taewoo

Wishing Abigail all the best at MIT as she blasts off toward her future and pursues her dream of becoming a rocket scientist!