June 6, 2024
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 2024 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 2024 among the top students in the country. The colleges and universities that the Class of 2024 will attend 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.
We are so proud of the Class of 2024 and the work they have accomplished through their Waterford School careers. Whether they started in PreK-3 or in Upper School, they have fully engaged in learning at Waterford, broadly and deeply in all areas of the liberal arts. Among these graduates, there are scientists and writers, artists and athletes, ethicists and roboticists, dancers, actors, and musicians. Graduates have learned to think deeply, to read and problem-solve, and have come to reflect on where they want to go next. They have confidence in their abilities because of the hard work they have done at Waterford. Colleges seek students who have learned through this quality of curriculum and experiences as they build their classes. Waterford’s 70 Class of 2024 graduates will attend world-class colleges and universities across the country. We are proud that they will attend 41 unique colleges. Students work one-on-one with our counselors to discover and gain admission to colleges where they will thrive. Knowing where and how to apply, and completing successful applications is not achieved just through a few months of the application process, but through learning and experiences with expert, caring, engaged teachers and coaches over the years, and through this, developing a sense of purpose. They are poised to develop applications and essays authentic to themselves, their experiences, and their next steps of learning. They are ready!
Waterford taught me to embrace curiosity. With such diverse course offerings and a plethora of student organizations, I discovered the value of chasing new experiences and maintaining a passion for learning. Whether it’s in or out of the classroom, I know this mentality is essential to finding success in college and beyond.
Avin is a standout figure in the realms of Science Olympiad and Robotics, bringing a sharp intellect and a natural curiosity to every endeavor. Joining Waterford in the 10th grade, Avin quickly became known for his exceptional problem-solving skills and his dedication to deep, analytical thinking. Avin’s presence uplifts his peers, fostering a spirit of kindness and collaboration that enhances the academic environment. His journey from mastering precalculus over a single summer to excelling in advanced math classes underscores his commitment to achieving at the highest levels. Avin balances his rigorous academic pursuits with a love for tennis and cross country, demonstrating his pursuit of a well-rounded life. Known for his easy going nature and subtle humor, Avin’s generosity extends beyond sharing the Altoids he loves; he also shares his contagious enthusiasm for learning and excellence.
Waterford has taught me how to do hard things! While at Waterford I was inclined to try different subjects or harder classes because I knew I had support from great teachers and also from encouraging classmates. I also learned to communicate well with my teachers and how to ask for help. Because of everything that Waterford offers academically and through extracurriculars, I know I am graduating as a well-rounded student and I am looking forward to continuing to pursue a wide range of interests in college.
Annika excels as a scholar, artist, and athlete. Her leadership and strategic play have propelled the soccer team to notable success, including a state championship. In the realm of academics, Annika’s enthusiasm is boundless, embracing challenges from AP Calculus to English literature with equal zeal. Winner of the Art Department prize, her talents are profound, with award-winning portfolios in both painting and ceramics that explore themes of culture and identity. Annika’s contributions extend beyond competitions and galleries; her leadership in student councils and her work on the yearbook underscore her commitment to community and excellence. Her multifaceted interests and unwavering dedication highlight a young woman defined by curiosity, creativity, and a generous spirit.
My Waterford education has prepared me for college by fostering my artistic passions and academic discipline. Through my exposure to music within the school’s choral programs, I have developed a deep love for creating and performing, which brought me peace and joy amidst my rigorous academic schedule. Waterford’s all-encompassing curriculum has allowed me to explore my interests in an encouraging environment where I’ve learned to balance demanding academics with artistic pursuits revealing a core part of my identity. The personal growth and confidence I’ve gained from my journey will support me as I embark on my university studies.
Zada exemplifies a deep commitment to her education and her passions. A gifted musician, Zada plays piano, guitar, and ukulele, but it is her singing that has had the biggest impact through captivating solo and ensemble performances at school concerts. Her dedication extends beyond music to volleyball and photography, where she excels while also maintaining a stellar academic record. Trusted and admired by her peers, Zada was the student body vice president for school spirit, a role that highlighted her leadership skills. In everything she does, Zada embodies the school’s values and demonstrates a profound capacity for growth and excellence.
The rigorous academics and immersive experiences at Waterford have cultivated my passion for learning and deepened my understanding of the world. The discussion-based learning model has helped me engage with various subjects, fostering my growth as a learner in and outside of the classroom. Waterford’s supportive community and dedicated faculty have provided a balanced educational experience that will propel me into my next steps in University and beyond.
Abhimanyu stands as a testament to quiet, impactful advocacy at Waterford. With a profound commitment to local politics and sustainable practices, he steers his energies towards making meaningful change within his community. Abhi’s passion extends into the realm of athletics as a dedicated triathlete, where his discipline and endurance mirror his approach to advocacy. Known for his respectful and creative nature, Abhi is a Waterford Award winner who displays genuine care for others and the world around him. His polite and kind demeanor makes him a cherished member of the class. He is poised to thrive as he moves on to college.
The abundance of opportunities I found at Waterford along with truly passionate, involved faculty allowed me to explore activities I could have never imagined I’d be interested in. Waterford encourages their students to become renaissance individuals, and this influence has allowed me to take leadership roles and to be an active member of my curricular and extracurricular communities, leaving me well prepared for a college environment.
Lauren stands as a model of dedication and excellence at Waterford. A Cum Laude Society honoree, she is outstanding in all subjects, but truly shines in science and engineering. As head coder of the robotics team, Lauren’s self-taught coding skills allowed the robot to thrive in the challenging autonomous phase of competitions. Her commitment also extends to music, where she excels as a violinist in the orchestra and chamber groups, consistently displaying exceptional musicianship. Lauren pursued her passion for Latin through seven years of study, balancing her passion for STEM with immersion in the original language of philosophy. A true liberal arts scholar, Lauren stands ready to engineer a better future for us all.
College Acceptance & Matriculation List*
*Matriculation in bold