Senior Speakers

The senior speaker series, now in its eleventh 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 2025-2026 senior speaker series continued at chapel on April 6 and featured seven members of the Class of 2026.

Dylan Manuilow, a postgraduate from Corte Madera, California, shared his journey of resilience and faith through an unconventional high school path. Dylan shared that attending three different high schools taught him perseverance and trust that “God always has a plan for me.” Rather than wishing to change his path, he emphasized that every challenge helped build the strength and character that define him today. He expressed heartfelt thanks to his parents, sister, Coach, and close friends for their constant support and belief in him. Dylan closed with the message of Romans 8:18, reminding the community that present struggles are temporary and that greater things lie ahead for those who keep their faith.

Will Napier, a postgraduate from Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania, reflected on a year of transition and growth at Suffield. Facing a new school, new coaches, and a new position on the football field, he described how “there’s no better privilege than pressure” and how he embraced the uncertainty as a chance to bet on himself. Will emphasized the importance of community, highlighting the support of his family, teammates, and coaches in helping him navigate both athletic and personal challenges. By stepping out of his comfort zone, he discovered confidence, built new relationships, and gained a deeper understanding of what it means to take risks. Ultimately, he encouraged peers to “stay confident, keep grinding, and always bet on yourself.”

Andy Zhang, a three-year senior from Hong Kong, reflected on his time at Suffield by celebrating the people who made a difference along the way. He credited mentors and friends for helping him find a place where he could be unapologetically himself and was encouraged to “never change… the part of you that stands up for what you believe is right.” Andy embraced the lessons of creativity and stubbornness, reminding peers that “the world will give you a thousand reasons to become a smaller version of yourself” but it’s worth staying true to who you are. He also acknowledged his family for the sacrifices that allowed him to pursue opportunities far from home. Ultimately, Andy encouraged everyone to take risks and treasure the people who make a place feel like home.

Will Ruffa, a three-year senior from East Dorset, Vermont, explored what it means to be yourself amid pressures to conform. He emphasized that authenticity isn’t about standing out, but is about honesty—“being truthful with your mind” and making choices that genuinely reflect who you are. Acknowledging that confidence isn’t always part of the process, Will noted that uncertainty and growth are natural, and that people change as they discover their values and ideals. He encouraged his peers to resist pressure—whether external or internal—and focus on finding peace between who they are and how they live. Grateful for the support of his family, Will closed by reminding the community that people appreciate authenticity far more than a version of someone wearing a “costume.”

Joe Banks, a three-year senior from Brooklyn, New York, shared lessons on growth, perseverance, and the uncomfortable choices that shape us. Acknowledging that “growth is hard physically and mentally, but it is also how we progress in life,” he shared how leaving home for Suffield pushed him to become more disciplined, honest with himself, and focused on his goals. Joe spoke candidly about pursuing his dream of becoming a Division I baseball player, noting that setbacks and uncertainty were part of the journey, but perseverance made success possible. He encouraged peers to embrace difficult decisions and trust that discomfort often signals meaningful progress. Grateful for the unwavering support of his parents, Joe reminded the community that growth takes time, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Caiden Peña, a four-year senior from Queens, New York, spoke about perseverance, mindset, and embracing challenges. Reflecting on his baseball journey, he shared how constant hard work and lessons from his dad and coaches taught him that “hard work won’t make you perfect, but it will push you to grow on and off the field.” Caiden opened up about learning to manage frustration and turn mistakes into motivation, realizing that strength is just as mental as it is physical. Through setbacks and self-doubt, he developed confidence by focusing on the next play and accepting that failure is part of growth. He closed by thanking the mentors, friends, and family who helped him find a home at Suffield and pushed him to become the best version of himself.

Oluwatamilore Olayinka, who most people know simply as Tami, a four-year senior from Newark, New Jersey, originally from Nigeria, shared a powerful reflection on identity, resilience, and the meaning behind her name. Explaining that in Yoruba culture, names carry deep intention. She revealed that “Oluwatamilore means ‘God has given me a gift,’” a name rooted in her family’s story of loss, reconciliation, and new beginnings. Tami recounted how her birth followed hardship, helped bring healing within her family, and coincided with the opportunity for her family to move to the United States, making her name a symbol of timing, peace, and resilience. She emphasized that her story is not just about her name, but about the sacrifices, faith, and perseverance that shaped her family’s journey and allowed her to stand where she is today. Grounded in gratitude, she thanked her advisor, college counselor, friends, and especially her parents for their unwavering support, leaving the community with a reminder that our names and stories often carry deeper meaning than we realize.

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