Senior Speakers

The senior speaker series, now in its eleventh year, is a valuable Suffield Academy tradition. As a 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 13 and featured eight members of the Class of 2026. 

Ava Butterfield, a four-year senior from Bermuda, reflected on the contrast between her slower-paced upbringing and the fast-moving rhythm of life at Suffield. She urged her peers to slow down and be present, reminding them that “when you treat life like a race, you lose sight of what makes it worth living in the first place.” Drawing on personal experiences—from welcoming a baby brother to navigating the pull of social media—Ava emphasized the importance of embracing uncertainty and valuing genuine connection over superficial distractions. She expressed gratitude for her family, friends, and faith, highlighting the sense of peace that grounds her. Ultimately, her message encouraged the community to trust timing, live in the moment, and appreciate the relationships that matter most. 

Emma Siegel, a four-year senior from New York, New York, reflected on an unexpected and deeply meaningful friendship with her longtime roommate, Anna. What began with uncertainty and personality clashes evolved into a bond built on trust, honesty, and unspoken understanding. Emma shared that despite not fitting the traditional definition of best friends, their connection runs deeper, grounded in the idea that “I never need to explain myself… she gets it, she gets me.” Through moments of conflict, laughter, and quiet support, their relationship grew into something she now considers family. She closed by expressing gratitude to her parents and advisor for their constant support throughout her journey. 

Alex Spence, a four-year senior from Concord, Massachusetts, traced his growth through the distinct “chapters” of his time at Suffield. From early setbacks to moments of self-doubt, he described how learning to move forward and embrace change helped him find direction, even without having everything figured out. Alex emphasized the importance of support systems, noting that “no one is truly alone when facing challenges,” and credited his advisors, coaches, and family for guiding him along the way. Through reflection and perseverance, he discovered a stronger sense of purpose and confidence in who he is becoming. He closed by encouraging others to find their people and move forward together, grounded in connection and resilience.

Will Kotchen, a three-year senior from Irvington, New York, shared how learning to manage uncertainty and self-doubt shaped his growth at Suffield. Recounting a demanding summer working construction, he described how pushing through long, exhausting days alongside a resilient coworker shifted his mindset from uncertainty to focus. Instead of overthinking the future, Will learned to take things one step at a time, realizing that “you don’t have to have everything figured out today… just take it one day at a time.” These experiences helped him build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self. He encouraged his peers to trust the process, embrace the highs and lows, and remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. 

Rhys Wilson, a four-year senior from Somers, Connecticut, highlighted the lasting impact of his Spanish class as a reflection of his time at Suffield. Over four years, the class evolved into a close-knit community, balancing moments of focus with humor—especially during a tense AP exam when “we all burst out laughing,” breaking the pressure in the room. Rhys described how that shared experience, along with everyday moments of connection, made the class meaningful beyond academics. Through it all, he emphasized that the most valuable lessons weren’t just in language, but in communication, friendship, and community. He closed by expressing gratitude to his family, friends, and the broader Suffield community for their support and influence. 

Mackenzine Rosenberg Toro, a four-year senior from Simsbury, Connecticut, described her childhood home as a living, ever-changing “character” shaped by an unusually large and interconnected family. She shared how growing up in a constant flow of people—relatives, friends, and chosen family—taught her to embrace chaos as a source of comfort rather than confusion. Through memories of a home filled with noise, movement, and love, she reflected on how those experiences shaped her understanding of connection and belonging. Mackenzine also honored the people who have been part of her story, from her siblings and parents to friends and mentors who helped turn her home into a foundation of identity. She concluded by recognizing that while chapters may change, she will carry every “character” from her life into whatever comes next. 

Ava Willcutts, a four-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut, shared how gymnastics has shaped nearly every part of her life since the age of three, describing it as both her constant and her greatest teacher. She spoke candidly about returning from knee surgery on crutches, noting that the experience made her realize, “I missed the hard and was tired of easy,” and helped her rediscover her drive for the sport. From grueling twenty-hour training weeks to late-night study sessions, she explained how discipline in the gym translated into discipline in the classroom, even if it sometimes came at the cost of exhaustion. Still, she emphasized that the most meaningful moments were not the competitions themselves, but the early morning practices and car rides with teammates who became “siblings,” memories that grounded her through years of intensity. Concluding her speech, Ava thanked her family, advisor, and coaches, and reflected that gymnastics gave her more than skills—it gave her resilience, gratitude, and a second family she will carry beyond Suffield. 

Ayden St. Martin, a two-year senior from Southampton, Massachusetts, closed chapel with a message centered on growth, resilience, and self-investment, noting that his time at Suffield has been “far better than just pretty good” and has helped him discover more about himself than he ever expected. He emphasized that the most important investment young adults can make is in themselves, pointing to everyday challenges like early morning lifts, late-night assignments, and constant academic pressure as moments that often feel like stress but are actually building character. He explained that “minor moments of resistance are an absolute necessity” for growth, comparing personal development to physical strength training—and stating that nothing changes without resistance. Drawing on his father’s advice that “every step back is nothing but preparation for a larger comeback,” he encouraged his classmates to stay committed through setbacks, trusting that consistency eventually brings goals within reach. He concluded by thanking his mother for her unwavering support and reminding the community to prioritize mental and physical health, adding that “you matter” as they move into their next chapter.