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 March 2 and featured seven members of the Class of 2026.

Lily Malone, a postgraduate from Southport, Connecticut, described arriving at Suffield as stepping into a community where everyone else had already chosen to leave home—and already seemed settled. During her first days she observed everything around her, from dining hall routines to seasonal campus shifts, while quietly struggling to adjust and second-guessing herself at every turn. Calling home in tears, she clung to her mother’s steady reassurance: “Just give it 10 days,” counting down even when Lily doubted anything would change. On the morning of that tenth day, something did shift—her dorm began to feel like her room, her roommate like her friend, and Suffield like a second home. Grateful for the support of her advisor, coaches, friends, and family, Lily reflected on how patience, encouragement, and time transformed uncertainty into belonging. 

Finn Bjork, a postgraduate from Berkley, Massachusetts, arrived at Suffield focused solely on football, believing the year would be about preparing for the next level. Instead, he discovered growth that extended far beyond the field, learning to carry himself with greater confidence, communicate more clearly, and embrace the expectations of the community. Reflecting on the friendships he built, Finn shared, “I came here thinking short term, and I’m leaving with someone who’s going to be part of my life well beyond Suffield,” describing a bond with his roommate that will continue in college. He credited his teammates and coaches for pushing him daily and thanked faculty members and his family—especially his mom—for their unwavering support. Though he came to improve as a player, Finn leaves better prepared for what lies ahead both on and off the field. 

Theo Dengler, a postgraduate from Cleveland, Ohio, invited the community to consider the vast timeline of Earth and our shared place within it. Reflecting on the reality that in millions of years the very ground beneath us will shift and recycle back into the planet, he noted that “the iron in your blood… will be indistinguishable from the iron in my heart,” underscoring how deeply interconnected we truly are. Theo challenged listeners to see beyond fleeting differences and recognize that how we treat others is, in some sense, how we treat ourselves. He urged his peers to act with empathy, remembering that every person carries an inner world just as complex and meaningful as their own. Grounded in both science and wonder, his message was a call to live with humility, perspective, and compassion. 

Madison Brodacki, a four-year senior from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, reflected on the power of character and the steady nature of personal growth. Centering her message on the idea that “Present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They determine where you start,” she emphasized that while situations change, the integrity and resilience we build remain with us. Madison credited her sister for teaching her that growth happens quietly, in unseen moments that shape who we are becoming far more than any single achievement. She encouraged her peers to consider how they carry themselves, treat others, and live out their values, noting that character leaves the most lasting impact. Closing with gratitude for the Suffield community, she wished the graduating class well as they step into their next chapter. 

Migyong Song, a three-year senior from Tokyo, Japan, recounted leaving home at 30,000 feet, gazing out the airplane window and thinking, “Wow… this is the real America I’ve heard about,” before realizing she was truly on her own. Arriving in the United States brought daily culture shocks—from oversized ice cream portions to the casual freedom of leaving class for the bathroom—but those small differences constantly reminded her she was far from Tokyo. With limited English and moments of homesickness, she pushed herself to adapt, eventually finding belonging and connection at Suffield through friendships and cultural exchange. Reflecting on her journey, Migyong shared that “being uncomfortable doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place—it means you’re learning,” a lesson that reshaped her perspective and strengthened her independence. Grateful to her teachers, advisors, friends, and family, she encouraged others to embrace new and even uncomfortable experiences, knowing they often shape us most. 

Jamie Liu, a three-year senior from Shanghai, China, reflected on how quickly her time at Suffield has passed, noting that “so many moments that once felt so normal are now just memories.” She recalled the ordinary days—walking to class with friends, laughing at jokes, and even missing first period—that became the threads of meaningful experiences over the past three years. Grateful for her advisor, teachers, friends, and family, Jamie emphasized the importance of those who supported her and shared her journey, especially her roommate Katherine and friend Jackson. As she prepares to graduate, she recognizes how much she will miss the community and connections she’s built, cherishing both the long and short moments that shaped her time at Suffield. 

Kate Willcutts, a three-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut, delivered a deeply personal reflection on the promises she once made to herself—and the courage it took to break them. Admitting, “I promised I wouldn’t make it to high school… and then I broke it,” she revealed the hidden battles behind the image of a quiet, high-achieving student who insisted she was fine. Kate described reaching a point where everything fell away, leaving her with one choice: continue hiding behind secrets or fight to become “the person I needed instead of the person others wanted.” Choosing to speak up and accept help, she learned that “letting somebody in isn’t a weakness, it is a strength,” and that some promises must be rewritten in order to survive. With gratitude for the advisors, teachers, and family members who stood by her, Kate used her voice to remind the community that no one is ever too far gone—and that empathy and courage can change a life. 

View Photos   Watch Video