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 November 10 and featured nine members of the Class of 2026.

Yasmine Abunasra, a four-year senior from South Windsor, Connecticut, reflected on her journey at Suffield, beginning as a boarder and finishing as a day student. She shared how boarding taught her to find home in the people around her, while returning home allowed her to reconnect with her family and cherish those moments. Yasmine highlighted the lessons she has learned about love and presence, concluding that both experiences have shown her “what love truly means.”

Elizabeth Eaton, a four-year senior from Fort Myers, Florida, spoke about the influence her family has had on her life. She described her mother’s courage in starting a new life, her father’s quiet dedication, her younger sister’s lighthearted spirit, and her grandmother’s steady love and wisdom. Elizabeth explained how each of them carried her through difficult moments, teaching resilience, joy, and the quiet strength of showing up. She closed with gratitude, saying, “These people didn’t just raise me, they saved me,” emphasizing their profound impact on who she is today.

Natalia Paradies, a four-year senior from Makati City, Philippines, spoke about the power of family and how one person can completely change your experience. She shared how her cousin Jack became like a big brother, offering guidance, laughter, and comfort that helped her open up and feel at home at Suffield. From him, she learned that “Family isn’t just who you’re related to, it’s who shows up for you when you need them most.” Natalia also expressed gratitude for her friends, her roommate, her siblings, and her parents, acknowledging how their love, support, and belief in her helped shape her confidence and experience at Suffield.

Seth Healy, a four-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut, spoke about the evolving friendships and support systems that shaped his time at Suffield. He shared how bonds formed as a freshman have grown, while new connections have enriched his experience and taught him to adapt, thrive, and face future challenges with confidence. Seth emphasized the importance of cherishing friendships and making memories, reminding classmates, “These high school years are ones you will remember for the rest of your lives, so make them count.” He expressed gratitude to his parents, siblings, teachers, advisors, coaches, and friends for their guidance and support throughout his journey.

James Li, a four-year senior from Guangdong, China opened his speech by humorously questioning the idea of testing in philosophy, noting that true wisdom can’t be measured through grades or essays. The real philosophical realization, he said, lies in the unknowing moments that mark our “last times”—the unnoticed endings of familiar routines and experiences. “No one warns you. There’s no sign. The last time always arrives softly—no headlines, no drumroll—and when you look back, everything has already changed.” He reminded classmates to slow down, be present, and “not drown in what’s gone, or live so far ahead that you miss what’s here.” James expressed deep gratitude to his teachers, friends, and family—his greatest sources of love and support—and concluded that the true philosophy of life isn’t learned in a classroom, but through appreciation and presence.

August Shapiro, a three-year senior from New York, New York, spoke about confidence—how it’s not something you’re born with but something you build. Reflecting on his own growth, he shared that as a freshman he was smaller, quieter, and never imagined speaking on the chapel stage. Over time, he found confidence through the sport of polo, imagining himself in his “polo boots”—a symbol of strength and comfort that helps him stay grounded in challenging moments. “Find your polo boots,” he advised. “Find something that allows you to feel great and keeps you going, even when you feel like giving up.” August closed by expressing gratitude to his teachers, coaches, friends, and especially his mom—his greatest supporter and “forever coach.”

Kathryn Clark, a four-year senior from Agawam, Massachusetts, shared the enduring impact of her grandparents, whose home has always been a place of consistency and love. She described how the photos on their walls capture family memories, but it’s the spaces between them that remind her that her own story is still being written. “Family isn’t just where you come from, it’s who you become because of it,” she said, emphasizing that the lessons and love passed down from her family shape who she is and who she hopes to be. Kathryn concluded by thanking her mom, sister, advisor, and grandparents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Emma Dupere, a four-year senior from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, shared the lessons her father taught her about living fully in the face of uncertainty. She reflected on the “last times” she has had with loved ones and how her father’s guidance helped her face those moments with courage. Emma described learning to live intentionally despite fear and hardship, applying her father’s wisdom: “You can’t let what happens in your life change how you live your life.” She expressed deep gratitude for her parents, sisters, grandmother, teachers, and advisors, acknowledging how their love, support, and example have shaped her. She concluded by emphasizing the importance of presence, love, and courage in navigating life’s challenges.

Emily Yates, a four-year senior from Pawling, New York, reflected on a family saying that has guided her throughout her life: “Be brave, be kind, be strong.” She explained how her parents modeled these values daily through their sacrifices, patience, empathy, and determination, teaching her that bravery and strength come from action and kindness comes from thoughtfulness. Emily shared that these lessons have shaped how she approaches challenges, relationships, and her own growth. She concluded by thanking her parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors for their guidance and support, emphasizing that the values they instilled in her will continue to guide her beyond Suffield.

View Photos   Watch Video