Senior Speakers

The senior speaker series, now in its tenth 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 2024-2025 senior speaker series continued at chapel on March 3. It featured eight members of the Class of 2025.   

James Bois, a four-year senior from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, used his speech to express deep gratitude to the people who shaped his time at Suffield. He thanked Mr. Sullivan for his guidance and gave a heartfelt shoutout to his roommates, along with the Fuller Hall crew, for making boarding life unforgettable. He also recognized his siblings, grandparents, and extended family for their constant support. Closing with an emotional tribute to his parents, he reflected, “Dad, you've been such a huge inspiration in the man I want to become,” and shared with his mother, “I could write a whole speech just about you… but honestly, there aren't enough words to describe how much you mean to me.”

Kurt Burkhart, a four-year senior from West Hartford, Connecticut, reflected on the profound impact his mother's aunt Susan has on his life. After the passing of both his grandmothers, Susan stepped in as a constant presence, bringing warmth, laughter, and a love for Italian cooking to his family. Her unwavering kindness and positive attitude, even in difficult times, taught Kurt an important lesson—that perspective shapes every situation. He encouraged his peers to bring their best energy into every moment, reminding them that “energy is contagious, and you could make someone’s day better.”

Jihoo Choi, a four-year senior from Seoul, South Korea, reflected on his journey of adapting to life at Suffield. He shared the challenges of adjusting to a new language, culture, and dorm life. Jihoo spoke about the unwavering support of his family which taught him that “no matter what happens, family will always be there for you.” He encouraged his peers to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, reminding them that while endings can be bittersweet, they also mark new beginnings.

Jakub Lomicka, a one-year senior from Prague, Czech Republic arrived in the U.S. expecting basketball to be his main focus, but he soon realized his experience would be far richer than he had imagined. Despite initial doubts, he found a home within his team, friends, and especially his host family. Now, as a boarding student, he reflected on the friendships that shaped his time at Suffield, giving special thanks to his teammates, managers, and close friends who always made him feel welcome. He summed up his journey with a sentiment that has guided him along the way: “Home isn’t a place, it’s the people you surround yourself with.” Jakub closed by thanking his family back home for their constant love, support, and late-night game-watching, reminding him that no matter where he is, he is never alone. 

Andrew Mack, a four-year senior from Suffield, Connecticut used his speech to highlight the importance of kindness and gratitude. He thanked his parents for providing him with the opportunity to attend Suffield, his sister for her constant support, and his uncle for being a role model of resilience and independence—even at 88. He expressed appreciation for his teachers, especially Mr. Edwards and Mr. Yuan, as well as his student mentor, who welcomed him to campus. Andrew also gave a special shoutout to his advisors and retired teachers who shaped his journey, reflecting, "It's always important to be a nice person. You should always try to lift others up and be kind to them—like all these people did for me."

Austin Rappaport, a four-year senior from Simsbury, Connecticut spoke about the importance of enjoying the journey rather than just focusing on the end result. He reflected on how fast-paced life at Suffield can be. Using his squash team’s championship win as an example, he emphasized that the victories along the way made the final achievement even more meaningful. Throughout the season, his team practiced relentlessly, celebrating both personal and team victories that ultimately contributed to their success. Austin encouraged his peers to practice mindfulness, reminding them that “if you appreciate a new detail in the moment, then you were successfully mindful.”

Vyom Tiwari, a four-year senior from West Springfield, Massachusetts shared a heartfelt poem that captured the mix of emotions that come with senior year—the nostalgia, anticipation, and uncertainty of what comes next. Originally written for an English class assignment on "funny feelings," he updated it to reflect his current experiences. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic verses, he touched on themes of change, fleeting moments, and the passage of time. His poem resonated with the audience, reminding them to embrace the unknown and find meaning in every moment.

Noreen Flanagan, a four-year senior from Wilbraham, Massachusetts shared her college personal statement, recounting an unexpected challenge during her time in China. Through her experience, she discovered the power of using her voice to challenge taboos and foster understanding. “Standing out is a gift I am eager to share because my bicultural identity has challenged me to weigh different opinions and perspectives,” she reflected. She left her classmates with a powerful message—urging them not to let fear silence their truths, but instead to show up every day as their authentic selves.

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