CLASS OF 2023 | BY THE NUMBERS
June 1, 2023
Waterford School instills qualities of critical thought, curiosity, responsibility, and integrity as it helps students lay a foundation for college and beyond as they prepare to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Congratulations to the Class of 2023 for their accomplishments and extraordinary efforts as scholars, artists and athletes!
Perhaps more important now than ever is the liberal arts curriculum and interactive learning environment that they have experienced at Waterford. These students will take their skills of analysis, their deep and broad knowledge of many disciplines, and their communication,reading, writing, and discussion skills into their lives as critical thinkers, scientists,humanitarians, artists, future teachers and leaders.
This class is not only prepared to excel in college but also to pursue lives of meaning and purpose in an ever-changing world that needs citizens who question and dig deeper. Students credit their love of learning to the extraordinary breadth and depth of the Waterford college preparatory curriculum and programs, and the talented faculty who provide opportunities for each student to find and pursue their individual passions. The personal interest and attention given by the faculty helped each student succeed across a broad and demanding liberal arts curriculum.
Waterford’s College Counseling Office guides and supports students as they consider an exciting variety of undergraduate options. Recognizing that this transition is important both for students and their families, Waterford college counselors work individually with students and parents ensuring that each student will have college choices that align with their interests, needs, and will ultimately be the right fit for each student.
Acceptance rates far above national averages place the Waterford Class of 2023 among the top students in the country. The colleges and universities that the Class of 2023 will be attending show how much hard work has gone into their time at Waterford and how carefully each student sought institutions of quality across the country. Students in Waterford’s senior class will attend colleges that are suited to cultivate their passions and will continue to challenge them to succeed and excel in all of their future endeavors.
In an admissions climate where many selective colleges are seeing increasing numbers of applications and thus lower admission rates, Waterford students continue to do well in admissions. A number of factors contribute to their success, but an important factor is that colleges know they are academically well-prepared, reflected in many parts of the application. The integrity and rigor of our academic program is seen and understood, and the preparation Waterford graduates have shown on their campuses in the past are important factors, as well as the self-reflection and writing abilities our students show in the application process. The strength and depth of the Waterford Class of 2023 was reflected in the quality and diversity of colleges where students were accepted and where they will enroll. Our 73 students were accepted at 141 different colleges and universities. Students work one-on-one with our counselors to discover and gain admission to colleges where they will thrive.
Waterford taught me how to think and collaborate. It’s prepared me to think holistically, to seek a full picture of how the things I do might impact the world. I learned the power of questions, that the only way to grow is to embrace curiosity, seek understanding, and never stop learning.
Ryan Bookman is passionate about computer science and data analysis. A Cum Laude scholar, he looks for opportunities to apply his extensive knowledge in real-world settings, working as a WIX developer and completing an internship at Teal Drones. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through in ElkShelf, a business he built to encourage environmentally-friendly consumer choices. Ryan has tried his hand at soccer, cross country, crew, and our Outdoor Program, but his true passions are for mountain biking and skiing, which he has pursued on the junior ski patrol at Park City resort.
Waterford’s diverse course offerings have provided me with an opportunity to explore my interests. Not only that, the independent study program has also helped me to excel in the subject I am most passionate about. I am also grateful for the various extracurricular programs Waterford offers — from student-led clubs to sports programs, all of which are essential to my growth as a student. Both academically and non-academically, I felt strongly prepared for my college career.
A fiercely independent advocate for global social issues, Kelly has made her mark on Waterford School. A lover of art and history, she nurtures a deep interest in East Asian studies. Despite having to manage an extended stretch of remote learning from China during the pandemic, Kelly sustained her commitment to academic excellence. With her art promoting gender equity, and her leadership in the Chinese Club, Kelly uses her talents to invite both reflection and action. Kelly’s quiet resilience, empathy, and steady pursuit of knowledge make her an inspiring figure.
Waterford has prepared me for college by having high academic expectations that will allow me to smoothly transition into a college course load, and I have been given the knowledge to know how to manage a good homework schedule. Waterford gave me many opportunities to branch out my interests and try new things that helped me figure out what I wanted to focus on in college by providing many unique classes and clubs. Along with these opportunities came times when I held more responsibility and leadership which will be crucial to having a successful college experience.
Thoughtful, humble, and hard-working, Spencer has been an outstanding Student Body President. Overcoming initial discomfort with public speaking, he now always seems to strike the right note when addressing school audiences, inspiring us with his understated eloquence, clever humor, and apparently perfect ease. Spencer perseveres and achieves in everything he does,whether earning Cum Laude Society honors for his scholarship, or shining on the cello as part of the orchestra, chamber, and sextet. Committed to service, both at Waterford and through his church, Spencer exemplifies the values of caring and excellence.
I cannot think of better things to say about how Waterford prepared me for what is next. The standards we are held to as students are quite high but there is such a supportive community at Waterford which is more than willing to help you with anything you need. These high educational standards prepare you for college while also leaving room for mistakes as there is a wonderful community to fall back on.
Priya is a vivacious and compassionate individual, committed to social justice. She interned at the International Rescue Committee, assisting refugees in navigating immigration law. Her passions extend to the arts, where she excels in ceramics and plays the violin in the orchestra, her joy and kindness echoing through each performance. An active participant in Bhangra and Irish dance, Priya’s energy is truly infectious. She has a deep interest in history and is greatly admired for her empathy and uplifting spirit.
Though coming into Waterford in the middle of COVID was a difficult transition, Waterford gave me the support I needed to step out of my comfort zone. I felt comfortable taking challenging classes because I knew the faculty and students had my back. Those classes turned out to be fascinating, and in them, I met many like-minded individuals that pushed me further than I ever thought I could go. The challenges I faced at Waterford have prepared me not only academically and socially but mentally for the challenges I will face in college and have instilled in me a love of learning that will take me far.
Wonderfully versatile and mature, Julia is a Cum Laude School with a profound commitment to service, academics, and athletics. A long-term volunteer with the National Charity League, she is also a talented soccer player, and a top-notch student. She excels across the disciplines, but particularly loves science, where she competed with the Science Olympiad team, and has been described as the best lab assistant Waterford has ever had. With her huge capacity to handle whatever comes her way, Julia has the preparation and ambition to conquer the world… and make it better.
Waterford has provided me with a broad and well-rounded education and I have enjoyed everything from science and math to history and economics to orchestra and photography. The passionate teachers in each subject have given me a different lens with which to appreciate the world around me, creating a stimulating picture of greater depth and detail. I look forward to continuing this journey in my university experience.
Will loves the outdoors, and is never happier than when skiing, mountain biking, or playing soccer. Calm and balanced, he works hard at his forms of play, and also at his studies and his photography. Extremely smart and committed, Will stretches himself with the most demanding classes, and excels in every discipline. His photographs, often capturing the chance bits of beauty we need to learn to see, have won multiple scholastic arts honors. Always polite and respectful, Will has earned the admiration of our entire community, on which he has left a lasting mark.
Waterford education has prepared me for the rigorous learning that awaits me in college. I feel as if college won’t be as hard or stressful as it would be without a Waterford education. I think by having a liberal arts education, I have explored a wide variety of subjects and that will help me be a better overall student at university.
Mia takes pride in doing her best in each of her varied activities. An award-winning photographer, she strives to shape stunning visual narratives that make us think. On the volleyball court, undeterred by injury, she thrives on team success. And with the Troubadours, she sings beautifully in harmony with other voices. Generous and resilient, Mia has emerged as a leader, who knows how to balance fun with responsibility among friends. She plans to study nursing as a field where she might focus her many talents and abundant compassion.
College Acceptance & Matriculation List*
*Matriculation in bold