Senior Speakers

The senior speaker series, now in its tenth year, is a valuable Suffield Academy tradition. As the capstone to the Leadership Program, it provides a unique opportunity for students and faculty to hear from each senior and is a weekly highlight in our community. The 2024-2025 senior speaker series continued at chapel on December 16. It featured eight members of the Class of 2025.  

Jack Carey, a four-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut, spoke about the often-overlooked concept of gratitude, emphasizing that even the smallest acts can have a lasting impact. He began by asking the audience how many had a door held open for them that day, using it as a metaphor for how easy it is to take kindness for granted. Jack expressed his deep gratitude to his family, starting with his grandfather and grandmother, who have always supported him, to his sisters, who inspire him to excel and uplift others. He particularly thanked his parents for their unwavering support, saying, “Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed by my sisters and I. We are all eternally grateful for what you have done for us.” Jack also acknowledged his friends, teachers, and advisors, expressing gratitude for their roles in his life and growth. He closed with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped shape his journey.

Jay Hong, a two-year senior from Seoul, South Korea, reflected how baseball has been a constant source of stability and joy in his life. He shared that growing up in South Korea, he spent countless hours playing with friends and following professional teams, fostering a deep passion for the sport. When Jay moved to the U.S. in 7th grade, baseball became his anchor, helping him adapt to the challenges of a new environment. At Suffield, his love for the game has only grown, as he found a welcoming community and strong connections with his teammates. For Jay, baseball is more than a sport—it’s a meditative routine that reduces anxiety, enhances his focus, and inspires his aspirations to continue playing, whether in Korea or the U.S.

Ryan Kim, a four-year senior from Busan, South Korea, reflected on the transformative power of friendship. Despite his reserved nature and initial feelings of being out of place at Suffield, Ryan shared how meaningful connections, starting with fellow student Jihoo Choi, reshaped his experience. He expressed deep gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support and to his friends for their unique contributions to his growth and happiness. Ryan closed his speech with heartfelt acknowledgments to numerous peers, celebrating their influence on his journey.

Claire Mastella, a four-year senior from Farmington, Connecticut, shared how meeting her friend Jordie's best friend, Matteo, had a profound impact on her. Initially expecting it to be awkward, Claire quickly realized that Matteo’s positivity, confidence, and humor made a lasting impression on her. His ability to find the good in any situation and laugh in the face of adversity, even in awkward moments, taught Claire to embrace life’s challenges with a lighter heart. She quoted, “Laughter is the best medicine,” embodying how Matteo’s approach to life has helped her become a better person. Claire also thanked her family, advisor Mrs. Selvitelli, and her friends for their unwavering support and impact on her life, expressing her deep gratitude for their role in her journey.

Ava Maglieri, a four-year senior from Southborough, Massachusetts, reflected on her boarding experience at Suffield through stories about her roommates. From navigating name mix-ups with her freshman roommate Ava Jacobson to forming a lifelong bond with her sophomore roommate Lola Byrnes, Ava shared how each year brought unique challenges and connections. Reflecting on her junior year as a proctor, Ava joked, “If asked to do it all again, I would say no. Just kidding. Maybe.” She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her teachers, friends, and family, especially her parents, saying, “There are no words in the world to describe how much I love you.” Ava’s speech celebrated the relationships and memories that shaped her Suffield journey with humor, warmth, and appreciation.

Isabel Rodriguez, a four-year senior from Bronx, New York, shared her journey of finding peace and belonging through poetry. Isabel expressed feelings of disconnection and longing for her home in Puerto Rico, vividly describing the contrast between the vibrant, warm imagery of her dreams and the gray reality she often finds herself in. Her heartfelt poem served as a dedication to anyone who feels out of place, offering a message of hope and resilience. Through her words, Isabel emphasized the power of dreams to shape how we perceive our reality and reminded her audience of the strength found in embracing their inner peace.

Sariah Shawwaf, a four-year senior from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reflected on the cultural shock and homesickness she experienced when she first arrived at Suffield. She shared how her older brother, Saud (a 2023 graduate), played a pivotal role in helping her adjust, offering advice and making her feel less alone. Sariah humorously acknowledged their sibling rivalry but expressed deep gratitude for Saud’s guidance in navigating life at Suffield, calling him one of the wisest people she knows. Sariah quoted, “I never realized how nice it was having someone with me on all those 12-hour flights home until I had to start flying back on my own,” capturing the bittersweet transition to independence. She also thanked her parents for their unwavering support, her grandfather for making her journey possible, and her advisor Mrs. Mercure for always being a motherly presence. Lastly, Sariah thanked Suffield staff member Kathy Nai for the special role she plays in her life. 

Melissa Smith, a three-year senior from Nassau, Bahamas, shared her unexpected journey to Suffield, initially not considering studying abroad. After touring the campus in 2020, she was drawn to the snow and the opportunities Suffield offered. Reflecting on her time at home, she cherished the vibrant, close-knit community of Nassau, where her family instilled values of gratitude, resilience, and connection. Melissa shared how boarding school exceeded her expectations, becoming not just a place of academics but a community where she made lasting memories. She expressed gratitude for her coaches, friends, and family, especially her parents, sisters, and advisor, Mrs. Mercure, who made her feel at home from the start. Melissa thanked everyone who played a role in shaping her into the person she is today and for being part of her journey.

« View Chapel »