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 20 and featured seven members of the Class of 2026. 

Eddie Flanagan, a four-year senior from Wilbraham, Massachusetts, shared a personal exploration of identity, reflecting on what it has meant to reconnect with his Chinese heritage. Though he explained that for much of his life being half Chinese “felt more like a fun fact than a part of me,” a recent trip to China challenged that perception and revealed how much of that identity had quietly remained with him. Navigating language barriers and cultural differences, he realized how much distance had grown over time, but also how deeply rooted those values still were in his life. He described recognizing familiar traits—work ethic, family structure, and connection to culture—as things that had always been part of him, even when he wasn’t fully aware of it. Concluding with gratitude for his parents and the Suffield community that supported him, Eddie emphasized that understanding where you come from can help you better understand who you are. 

Sean Hu, a four-year senior from Shanghai, China, delivered a memorable and humorous reflection, opening with the now-infamous moment when a microwave in his dorm caught fire after he accidentally heated a Five Guys order—foil and all. Recalling the chaos, he described carrying the smoking microwave outside to avoid setting off the sprinklers, later admitting, “there were actual flames in the microwave.” While the story drew laughter, Sean used it to highlight a larger takeaway, explaining that mistakes are inevitable, but “how fast you react matters.” He connected the moment to his broader experience at Suffield, noting that even in messy or unexpected situations, he was always supported by those around him. Sean concluded by thanking his teachers, advisors, friends, and family for guiding him through four years filled with growth, resilience, and unforgettable moments. 

Aidan Ryder, a four-year senior from New York City began his speech by defining “family” as a group of people who “choose to love, support, and care for each other unconditionally.” He used his time at Suffield to show how that definition evolved in his own life. Aidan recalled touring campus as an eighth grader and immediately noticing the sense of community, which was confirmed on his first night in Hornet when he was surrounded by dormmates, music, and laughter that made Suffield feel like home. Over the years, he explained, that feeling deepened through friendships, dorm life, and his experience on the swim team, all of which shaped his sense of belonging and helped guide his college decision. He shared the moment he learned he was accepted to Santa Clara, describing how his friends gathered around him in celebration as a clear reflection of the “family” he had found here. He closed by thanking his friends, family, and advisor, reflecting that what began as a search for community ultimately became something far greater—“my family.” 

Alex Suárez Vargas, a four-year senior from Bogota, Colombia, opened his speech by expressing gratitude to his parents for giving him the opportunity to study abroad and for their constant trust and support throughout his journey at Suffield. He also thanked his friends for showing up at his bodybuilding competition, sharing that although he did not place first, the experience still felt like a victory because it reminded him that he is surrounded by people who genuinely believe in him. Reflecting on this past year, he spoke about discipline, consistency, and the importance of staying committed to long-term goals, both in and out of athletics. More importantly, Alex emphasized that “the people you surround yourself with shape the entire experience,” noting that the right community challenges, motivates, and pushes you to become better than you would be alone. He concluded by reminding his peers that where you are now does not define where you will end up, but how you show up and who you grow with along the way. 

Nile Bean, a three-year senior from Sandys, Bermuda, challenged the community to think more deeply about character, asking, “What kind of person do you want to be when no one is watching?” He emphasized that true character is not built in moments of recognition, but in the quiet, everyday decisions—choosing honesty, effort, and integrity when it would be easier not to. Acknowledging that no one is perfect, he reminded listeners that growth comes not from getting everything right, but from the willingness to improve after mistakes. He encouraged his peers to “be kinder than you have to be” and to act with patience and courage even when it feels uncomfortable. Nile concluded by thanking his family, teammates, and friends, reflecting on the relationships and experiences that shaped his time at Suffield. 

Orrie Berman, a four-year senior from Manhattan, New York, offered a thoughtful perspective on confidence and individuality, using her distinctive red hair as a lens to explore self-acceptance. Recalling years of compliments that helped her embrace what made her different, she explained that by the time teasing began, “I already loved it too much to care.” She encouraged her peers to recognize the power in choosing what to internalize, emphasizing that “you get to decide what affects you” and can reject negativity in favor of self-confidence. In a world that often rewards conformity, Orrie highlighted the importance of embracing what makes each person unique, noting that it builds resilience and authenticity. She concluded by thanking her advisor, college counselor, and her mother for their unwavering support throughout her journey. 

Charlotte DeLong, a three-year senior from Washington DC, delivered a heartfelt reflection on identity, belonging, and the meaning of home, centering her speech around the nickname “Bug,” a name that has long connected her to her family. Arriving at Suffield and being known simply as Charlotte initially felt like losing a part of herself, but over time, as friends embraced her nickname, she found that sense of identity restored and even expanded. She explained that this experience reshaped her understanding of family, realizing it can be chosen as much as it is inherited, formed by those who “embrace your identity.” Drawing a parallel to her years at summer camp, she reflected on the bittersweet nature of endings and the lasting impact of shared experiences. Charlotte closed with the reminder, “this is goodnight and not goodbye,” encouraging her classmates to carry their connections forward into what comes next.