Below are the full magazine profiles of six seniors in Waterford’s Class of 2026, sharing meaningful thoughts on their experiences, pursuing a life of meaning and purpose and what has shaped them most while at Waterford.
How has your time at Waterford shaped you?
Waterford has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect, especially outside the classroom. During my four years here, I’ve definitely become a better thinker and communicator, but more importantly, I’ve learned how to deal with things when they don’t go my way. I’ve experienced setbacks along the way, and Waterford has given me the support and resilience to push through every single one. What makes Waterford different is the people. It is such a positive and unique environment, filled with students who are passionate, driven, and constantly inspiring one another. Being around people who actually care about what they’re doing pushes me to take things more seriously too.
Which faculty member(s) have had the most impact on your education and why?
Profe Smith is an outstanding teacher, and it’s honestly hard to explain how much of an impact she’s had on me. I had the privilege of being in her Spanish class for two years, and it was always the highlight of my day. Most days, I found myself counting down the minutes until I could walk into her classroom. Whether it was to sing songs, learn new dance moves or simply be part of the joyful, energetic environment she created. I’ve never felt as genuinely excited for a class as I did in hers. What makes Profe Smith so special is not just her ability to make learning engaging and fun, but the way she truly cares about her students. She pays attention not only to our academic progress, but also to how we are doing as individuals. That level of care and connection made her classroom feel like a supportive and welcoming space, and it’s something I will appreciate and remember.
How has Waterford inspired you to pursue a life of meaning and purpose?
Waterford has inspired me to pursue a life of meaning and purpose by emphasizing the importance of curiosity and encouraging me to bring my own voice and contributions to every conversation. Through my experiences here, I’ve started to realize I want to do work that actually affects people, not just something that looks good on paper.
What advice do you have for younger students at Waterford?
My advice for younger students at Waterford would be to try things you normally wouldn’t, even if you’re not sure you’ll be good at them. Waterford really pushes you to step outside your comfort zone, and that’s how I ended up joining volleyball, something I never saw myself doing and I ended up finding some of my closest friends there. Also don’t get too caught up in being perfect. If perfection is your only focus, you risk missing out on real learning and growth. Some of the most valuable experiences come from taking risks, making mistakes and learning from them.
What will you miss most after graduation?
What I will miss most about Waterford is the strong sense of community. It’s such a unique place where every activity and event feels meaningful and worth being part of. What truly makes the school special is how genuinely people support one another every day. People here really show up for each other, and that’s not something I take for granted. I’ll especially miss the feeling of being surrounded by people who are all working toward something meaningful. Waterford has truly become my second home and leaving it will be bittersweet.
I came to Waterford during a very important time developmentally in my life. It was right at the decline of Covid and after I’d done a year of homeschool. As I’ve been here, thanks to the wide variety of classes available and Waterford’s dedication to the liberal arts, I have had so much room to explore my interests in ways I never dreamt I’d be able to. Who knew I’d end up falling in love with photography? Or theater? I sure didn’t! And yet it was because of Waterford and all of the incredible faculty and students alike that are part of this community that inspired me to explore and pursue the things I love.
Speaking of faculty, really everyone that I have met and interacted with during my time here have made their imprints on me and my education. Particularly Profe Smith and Mr. Tanner, among others.
Profe Smith is like my adult best friend. She is so lively and has such a bright and earnest personality that you just can’t help but like her! I had the honor of being in her class for one and two thirds years, and throughout the entire time she continually made class a period to look forward to. She has a unique ability to see through the surface layers of who’s the teacher and who’s the student to see all of the other complex layers within each and every person, and because of this, every interaction feels meaningful and no one leaves feeling the slightest bit unheard no matter the outcome. She is truly an incredible person, and anybody who knows her, myself included, is so lucky to have such an amazing person in their lives.
And I just can’t go without mentioning Mr. Tanner. Mr. Tanner is a force to be reckoned with. I wish I had his eyes to look at literature with. The way he is able to turn something so undefined and with so much room to interpret as Shakespeare into some of the best shows I’ve ever seen (or been in for that matter) is just so mind-boggling to me. He is a person that a lot of students fear, but after working with him since my freshman year, participating in every one of his classes and working with him on multiple shows, I can confidently say he is someone who truly deserves a lot of respect. Always more and no less. He is highly creative, has a great sense of humor, and he really pushes you to take a closer look at the things we naturally expect in society and literature alike. Because of him, my perspective on the world around me has changed dramatically, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. When looking for colleges, I knew I needed to find one with a theater program, while also being completely well aware that I won’t find quite a teacher, director, or mentor quite like Mr. Tanner.
Waterford does an incredible job at inspiring its students to push their boundaries. While a lot of the time this is very challenging and sometimes overwhelming, it is not a fruitless struggle. I have found that through every endeavor I’ve come across, I’m able to come away having learned something from it. Waterford, as a school, is so wholly invested in students’ success, that I have found it almost encouraging when I find I’m not quite good at something, because I know that I have a plentiful amount of other options to mix and match until I find one that sticks, and I know that my teachers have my back. It is always reassuring to know that someone’s only desire is to help you succeed, let alone an entire community.
My biggest piece of advice to younger students is to never be ashamed of searching for more. Always keep an open mind and never stop grappling to find meaning. If you find something you are passionate about, chase that thing as far as its horizon goes, which I assure you is a long, long way away. Even if you haven’t found it yet, you will, but only if you truly let yourself explore every path you can find from end to end.
I will definitely miss the Theater Department the most. I have made so many memories and friends while being a part of it that it really is one big family. It is a special group that is so attuned to one another that no one is a stranger or out of place. I will miss going to rehearsal after school everyday, but I am thrilled to watch all of my favorite people continue to shape the department for the best. I am so ready for my final huzzah in Twelfth Night, as Washington says in Hamilton, “one last time.”
My time at Waterford has made me who I am today, and has inspired me to be the best person I can be, to work hard, to care for others, and to love learning.
Mrs. Morris has had the biggest impact on my education and time at Waterford. I’ve taken over 36 credits worth of classes, eaten hundreds of meals, and traveled to New York, London, and Eastern Europe with Mrs. Morris over the past seven years. She has influenced who I am today as she has pushed me to be both a better musician and person. She cares for me and really everyone she knows and is an example to me for the kind of person that I want to be.
Waterford has inspired me to love learning, and has taught me to always be the best person I can be.
Have fun while you’re at it.
I will miss the people and relationships that I’ve built here.
I joined Waterford for my sophomore year of high school. Waterford has taught me how to work hard and foster deep connections in a small community. Before Waterford, it was really easy for me to just breeze through my assignments and disengage from community activities. However, Waterford has truly pushed me to consistently try my best and involve myself in any and all community activities. It has truly made me a better human and taught me many important core values imperative to becoming successful later in life.
The art department faculty members have had a very positive impact on my education. Having ceramics every morning with Mrs. Somsen really helped me start my day off the right way. By being creative and problem solving in the ceramics classroom, it helped me carry the same mentality into my whole day, significantly impacting my education in the most positive of ways.
Waterford has surrounded me with so many amazing people all doing amazing things; everyone is always busy during lunch or after school in some type of community building activity. Sports, clubs, and after school programs have all helped me to see what a life of meaning and purpose truly is, and I aspire to be more like the people I’m surrounded by every day.
The biggest piece of advice I would give to any and every underclassman is to become friends with everyone and try to talk to new people every day. Because we have such a small and tight-knit community, it’s easy to sometimes think that we don’t have to interact with new people because we already know everyone, but in reality you will have such a better experience by being welcoming and becoming best friends with everyone.
The thing I will miss most after graduation is Waterford athletics. There is absolutely nothing like being on a team with some of the most smart and athletic people in Utah. After joining Waterford sophomore year and learning anyone can join any team because the school is so small I signed up for it all. I have so many fond memories of Cross country, Winter outdoors, and Lacrosse.
Waterford has helped me grow immensely since I first stepped onto campus. Since the school offers so many different opportunities to students, one way in particular that Waterford has meaningfully shaped me is through fostering a sense of curiosity and a willingness to try new things. Prior to attending Waterford, I mainly focused my energy on competition mathematics in my time outside of school. Through the multitude of opportunities across disciplines, I explored a wide breadth of different activities, including photography and robotics. By being inspired to try new things, I found experiences that I truly loved and that I will continue to pursue after graduation.
Waterford has also helped me become a more confident person. One hallmark of the school is its wonderful faculty, and I cannot stress their importance to my personal growth enough. With their encouragement to explore and understand what I learn at a high level, I gained confidence in applying what I learn to the real world as well as in helping other members of the community learn at a high level too.
In ninth grade I was, very unfortunately, a student that did not believe in the principle of fun. My life was consumed by studying and homework. I often stopped by Ms. Bienert’s classroom after school, working on assignments quietly in the corner until I was picked up. I don’t remember the assignments I worked on in those sessions, or the number of points I missed on each assignment either, but I do distinctly remember Ms. Bienert encouraging me to find some fun activities to do outside of school: hang out with friends, attend a dance, maybe. Although I never got around to some of her suggestions, her care and encouragement helped me figure out a delicate work life balance. It’s easy to lose yourself to the rigors of a Waterford education, but Ms. Bienert taught me that sometimes, it’s a hundred times better when you carefully sprinkle a little fun into the mix.
I love to learn and dive deep into the topics I learn, and Ms. Callens is on the forefront of my insatiable appetite for learning. In a middle school term-long physics class with her, she tasked students with building a wooden bridge that could survive the force exerted by a bridge tester. My engineering self stirred up, I asked if I could design and 3D Print a wooden bridge. I was met with a wholehearted “YES!”. This triggered one of my first experiences with CAD software, and is a part of the reason why I am so invested in CAD today. Ms. Callens encouraged me to explore past the boundaries of the curriculum, as we braved the fields of materials science, electrical engineering, and robotics through our independent studies in computer architecture and 3D printing. Through her support of my learning, she has been instrumental in cultivating my curiosity and my ability to think outside-the-box.
Waterford faculty are exceptional–and exceptional faculty are excellent at inspiring students. One way Waterford has inspired me to pursue a life of meaning and purpose is through hearing the stories of the faculty members that make an education here a reality. From hearing stories of experiences of combat in the Vietnam war to expeditions to Antarctica, I am constantly reminded that life is more than studying and doing well in school. Hearing the wide variety of lived experiences inspires me to think deeply and consider my own life goals. Often, it is easy to get lost in the midst of the hurricane of academics, but hearing about all of these unique memories from my teachers reminds me of my ideals, inspiring me to remember to work hard towards my biggest dreams. High school is only a small step in the brilliant journey of life, and the thrilling experiences of my mentors help me remember to keep my own aspirations in my line of sight.
The biggest piece of advice that I have for younger students is to take advantage of every opportunity that Waterford offers to you. As Waterford students, we are so lucky to have this seemingly endless list of offerings in terms of both classes and extracurriculars. In tenth grade, I was reluctant to join the Science Olympiad—I thought that there was no way I would ever be interested in spending my free time studying for tests and enjoying the intense test that came afterwards. But after trying a few competitions, I discovered that I really did love the experience, and trying it out ultimately led me to an unforgettable trip to the National Tournament that year. Even if you think that you might not like it, I would definitely encourage giving any and every opportunity available to you a try. You never know what will happen, and the worst case scenario is that you drop it, understanding that it is not for you. I hope that you too will step into the door of a club or class and find yourself one day looking back, remembering that this moment triggered a chain reaction of unforgettable memories.
After graduation, I will definitely miss the amazing students and teachers here at Waterford the most. The Waterford community is a unique one, and I will miss the time that we spend together a lot. Whether it’s huddling together in anticipation after one of the close playoff matches in robotics or playing with my peers in pickleball class, it is a tight-knit sense of community that is a defining part of the Waterford culture. I love how supportive we are of each other, and the little things too: congratulating each other on the small accomplishments as well as the big, holding the door open for others, being willing to help others anytime. I love how teachers ask about my day, and genuinely care for their students’ well being. A collaborative, supportive community like Waterford is hard to find, and I will miss the people that are a part of it so much after graduation.
Waterford has challenged me while also giving me a community. It has surrounded me with people who care about me and have made an effort to understand me.
Ms. Brunken. She truly wanted me to succeed. She was always so understanding. She taught me how to make my writing purposeful and impactful. Also, I remember I was going through a hard time during freshman year. After not having been to school for a while, I went to prom that year. She was the first teacher I saw, and she hugged me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.
Being surrounded by people with great ambitions made me shoot for the stars and develop and pursue great ambitions of my own.
Accept everybody for who they are, each with their own interests. Be kind to everyone. If you’re kind, everyone will want to surround themselves with you. We all have things we enjoy, no matter how obscure they might be, so accept them, include them, and be kind to them.
Having been at Waterford since the age of three, I’ll miss the sense of community and connection. I’ll miss having people around me who truly care about me; friends and teachers who truly want to see me succeed, and have always been very understanding and lenient with me.
June 5, 2026
July 30, 2026
Stay up to date! Receive email notifications whenever a new blog article is published.
"*" indicates required fields
Celebrate 5 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2021. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2021 Reunion
Celebrate 10 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2016. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2016 Reunion
Celebrate 15 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2011. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2011 Reunion
Celebrate 20 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2006. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2006 Reunion
Celebrate 25 years since graduation with your classmates. Reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy an evening of conversation, shared memories, and celebration with fellow members of the Class of 2001. Hearty appetizers and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Register for the Class of 2001 Reunion
Come together with Waterford alumni from across the entire 1990s for an evening of reconnecting and reminiscing! This combined reunion is a chance to celebrate the friendships, memories, and moments that made your Waterford years so special. Enjoy hearty appetizers and a variety of drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, while catching up with old friends and sharing laughs about your school days.
Register for the 90’s Reunion
Saturday, May 16 | 7:30 – 11:30 AM | Murray Science Center
We’re bringing back birding! Who remembers the Class IX Bird Project? Don’t miss your chance to join this fun, family-friendly event with Mark Bromley, James Harris, Mike Johnson ‘88, and Bekka Joslin. We will meet at Waterford and take a bus together. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars (we will have extras on hand if you don’t have your own).
Register Here!
Friday, May 15 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | East Field
We’re excited to see Waterford Alumni at our annual Alumni Soccer Game! This Waterford tradition gives former players the chance to return to the field, reconnect with old teammates, and showcase their skills in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you played with us just a few years ago or several decades ago, we look forward to seeing you back on the field. Make sure to bring friends and family to cheer you on!
Friday, May 15 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Main Quad | No Registration Required
Join us for a fun BBQ bash at Waterford with current families and Waterford staff and faculty. It’s a great way to connect with your Waterford classmates and enjoy delicious food before the Alumni Soccer Game!
No registration is needed for the Spring BBQ. Please join us!
Friday, May 15 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Haught Visual Arts Gallery at Waterford | No Registration Required
Waterford has always been a place where creativity thrives. Join us for the first-ever Alumni Art Show in the Haught Visual Arts Gallery and reconnect with the creative spirit that shaped your time here. This exhibition features work by 16 Waterford Alumni artists, reflecting a range of disciplines, perspectives, and practices.
Brief Remarks at 4:00 pm will be offered by Gallery Manager and Curator Charlie Tadlock, followed by remarks from some of the Alumni Artists.
Click here for a campus map
Friday, May 15 | 2:15 – 3:30 PM | Miller Student Commons | Registration Highly Recommended
Ever wish you could go back and sit in your favorite class one more time? This Alumni Weekend, you can. We’re bringing you back “Back to Class” where you’ll have the chance to slip into a real, live Upper School classroom and experience Waterford exactly as it exists today. Same teachers, same energy, same magic. Come relive the feeling.
Friday, May 15 | 12:45– 1:00 PM | Miller Student Commons | No Registration Required
Don’t leave lunch just yet. Immediately following the Kick-Off, Head of School Andrew Menke will take a few minutes to share what’s been happening at Waterford; the changes, the milestones, and the exciting things on the horizon. It’s a chance to hear straight from the source about the school you helped shape and where it’s headed next. No sign-up needed, just pull up a seat.
Friday, May 15 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Miller Student Commons | No Registration Required
Kick off Alumni Weekend the right way — with good food and even better company. Join us in the new Miller Student Commons for Waterford’s all-inclusive dining experience, and spend the lunch hour reconnecting with the faculty who made your time here unforgettable. Pull up a chair, catch up with old favorites, and let the weekend begin. No registration is required for this event.
Friday, May 15 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Miller Student Commons | No Registration Required
For many of you, Assistant Head of School, Todd Winters, was the first person who ever showed you and your parents around our 41 acre campus. Now he’s back to do it again! Todd will lead you through Waterford’s beautiful newest additions and recent transformations, giving you a firsthand look at what your years here helped build. Whether it’s your first tour with Todd or your second, you won’t want to miss this one.