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 began at chapel on September 29 and featured seven members of the Class of 2026.

Ava Carroll, a four-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut reflected on her unique journey growing up as a faculty child at Suffield Academy. She shared how the move to campus at age nine shifted her identity, leaving her caught between being both a boarding and day student. Over time Ava came to appreciate the privilege of being part of a community that connects people from all over the world, gaining perspective she never would have encountered otherwise. She expressed gratitude to her parents, friends, and teachers—especially Mrs. Selvitelli and Ms. Rawlings—for their guidance, kindness, and support throughout her time at Suffield.

Kaitlyn DeSiena, a four-year senior from Hopewell Junction, New York shared the special meaning behind the phrase “just keep swimming.” Once a simple encouragement from her grandmother before swim meets, it grew into a reminder to persevere through challenges both in and out of the pool. “If you just keep swimming, you’ll always make it through to the other side,” Kaitlyn reflected, noting how the phrase carried her through tough days at Suffield and unexpected moments, like standing as part of the first chapel advisory group. She closed by thanking her coaches, friends, and especially her grandmother, parents, and advisor Ms. Rawlings for their constant love, support, and encouragement.

Mette Feldman, a four-year senior from San Francisco, California reflected on her unexpected journey of friendship and growth through her freshman-year roommate experience. Initially, Mette and her roommate Kira struggled to get along, with clashing personalities and messy dorms creating tension. Over time their differences faded and Mette found that their friendship became one of the most important parts of her life, sharing everything from playlists to Chipotle orders. “If you think you hate your new roommate… stick it out, because they might become one of the most important people in your life,” Mette advised, and she expressed gratitude to her parents, teachers, and especially Kira for their support, encouragement, and lasting friendship.

Jerry Guo, a three-year senior from Shaanxi Province, China reflected on the importance of community and the lessons he has learned at Suffield Academy. He expressed gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support and to his friends for making his high school experience meaningful. To honor these connections and the special memories he has shared, Jerry dedicated a cello performance of a piece by Bach to his family, friends, and the moments that have shaped his time at Suffield.

EJ Lee, a four-year senior from Seoul, South Korea shared a moving reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of leaving home. He recited an original poem, Leaving, which captured the memories, sights, and sounds that make a place feel alive and the emotions tied to saying goodbye. “It is of leaving that one fears most, but there always remains something that will make you laugh and remember,” EJ reflected, encouraging his peers to create meaningful memories. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his friends, teachers, teammates, and especially his family and grandparents for their love, guidance, and lasting influence throughout his time at Suffield.

Anna Jolly, a four-year senior from Chicago, Illinois reflected on the many places she has called home, from London to Toulouse, Columbus, Chicago, and finally Suffield Academy. She shared how each move taught her that home isn’t defined by geography but by the experiences, relationships, and sense of belonging that shape us. “Home isn’t something we leave behind—it’s something we take with us,” Anna reminded her peers, emphasizing the importance of connection and community. She expressed gratitude to the friends, teammates, and teachers who have helped her build a sense of home at Suffield, and for the memories that will carry her into the next chapter of her life. 

Seamus Sullivan, a four-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut shared a powerful and deeply personal story about his struggle with mental health and the turning point that helped him heal. He described the “vampire hours” of procrastination and sleeplessness that led to depression and self-harm, and how seeking help changed his life. Seamus spoke openly about his time in a health facility, challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to be honest about their struggles. “All it takes is one person for others to feel safe to talk about it,” he said, hoping his story will give his peers the courage to reach out for support and remind them that “it never has to be just you.”

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