Senior Speakers [April 29]

The 2023-2024 senior speaker series continued at chapel on April 29. It featured seven members of the Class of 2024 and one member of the Class of 2025: 

Michaela Kridlova '25, a one-year junior from Bratislava, Slovakia is Suffield’s ASSIST Scholar. Michaela joined the Suffield community in September and will return home in June after a remarkable year on campus. Michaela shared that this year has challenged her in ways she did not imagine, forced her to adapt to new environments, and embrace change. “As I stand here today, one the cusp of returning home, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences, memories, and friendships that I will carry with me forever. Each of them has left an imprint on me, shaping me into who I am today.” She concluded with “I would like to confide in you and tell you that I do not like goodbyes. They evoke a feeling of an ending. And that is why, I would rather use the words see you later.”

Cooper Marcum, a postgraduate from Greenville, North Carolina chose to attend Suffield rather than a college to challenge himself academically and athletically. “Reflecting on this year, this group of postgraduates have made a tremendous impact on my life, and they’ve made this an experience I’ll never forget. Cooper thanked his parents, Coach Gamere, and Coach Setian for believing in him.

Mason Wright, a two-year senior from West Hartford, Connecticut spoke about his relationship with his younger sister Lauren. “As I’ve grown and faced challenges, I have come to recognize the significant role you have played in my life and will continue to cherish the moments we make together.” Mason reflected on his time at Suffield and shared that he’s come to realize the importance of gratitude. He thanked Coach Gamere, Coach Atkins, and Coach Godin for helping shape him into the man he is today.

Rob Elliott, a postgraduate from Willington, Connecticut shared how Suffield has helped him achieve his academic goals ahead of college. “The relationships I’ve built at Suffield are ones I’ll carry with me forever. Despite my initial uncertainty about how a postgraduate year would unfold, I believe that the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had have truly made it remarkable.”

Brady Fisher, a postgraduate from Barrington, Rhode Island comes from a large family consisting of six aunt and uncles and 26 cousins. He spoke about his unique relationships with each of them and how proud he is to come from such a close family. “Everywhere you look in my family there are skilled, creative, and hardworking people. The most important to me are my parents and sisters.” He thanked his parents for the sacrifices they’ve made and shared how proud he is of his sisters. “I have learned so much from you two and I hope you can say the same about me. Thank you for becoming such good friends and I look forward to seeing everything you both accomplish.”

Colin Walsh, a four-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut was shy and reserved his freshman year. During his sophomore year, Colin began to take advantage of all that Suffield offers and immersed himself in the community. “As the days go by fast before Commencement, I need to pause and take the time to thank the people that made my Suffield experience so memorable.” Colin showed his appreciation for his faculty advisor, teachers, family, and friends.

Hayden Rowley, a four-year senior from Old Greenwich, Connecticut centered his talk around a quote that has resonated with him: “No man ever steps in the same river twice. For it is not the same river, and he is not the same man.” Hayden shared how past mistakes have taught him many lessons and he is very appreciative of the distance he’s traveled at Suffield. “I’ve learned that the type of people you choose as your friends is almost as important as the type of person you are. My parents have always cemented this concept into my mind.” Hayden thanked many faculty members and friends who he is forever grateful for.  

Siena Dagnoli, a four-year senior from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts has three younger siblings who she is very close with. She spoke about Dean’s never-ending curiosity, Bianca’s huge heart and sense of humor, and the close relationship she has with Ava. She continued by sharing how grateful she is for her parents. “They have shaped me into the person I am today, and I can’t thank them enough for giving me the opportunity to attend Suffield.” She concluded by thanking several faculty members and friends who have made her time at Suffield so special.

The senior speaker series is a valuable Suffield Academy tradition and capstone part of the Leadership Program. It is a weekly highlight in our community.

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