Ethel Walker Athletic Council

Encourage, Respect, Lead

The Ethel Walker Athletic Council (EWAC) is a student organization that strives to improve and develop leadership skills, sportsmanship, responsibility, competitiveness, a positive attitude, and an understanding of what it means to be a leader of Walker’s athletic program.

Each spring, student-athletes are nominated to apply by coaches, current EWAC members, and/or the athletic, dance, and riding departments. The members selected represent a wide variety of co-curriculars at school and spend the year growing as a group that represents the entire student body and shares their pride in Walker’s outside of school with the greater community. EWAC has raised funds for Special Olympics, held pep rallies for the school, and spends the year promoting the importance of physical education, teamwork, and the responsibility of being a good role model. Several of these members go on to participate in their respective sport in college, with many being named captain. These opportunities exponentially grow as they continue to lead in all areas of their lives.

Maya A. '26

Avon, CT

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

Cicerone, African Drumming, Bell Choir, Peer Tutor

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

When young women hold leadership roles, it provides them with a platform to use their voices and add a new perspective. It allows others to envision themselves as leaders, empowering them to step up and use their voices as well.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I hope that students at Walker’s will see me as a role model for who they want to be. I also hope they will be inspired by my leadership on EWAC to create change to make Walker’s athletics more immersed in our community.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Crystal Dunn on the USA women’s soccer team!

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I am half Brazilian and can understand Portuguese!

Emma E. '26

Perlin M '26

New London, NH

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

Writing Fellow, Jewish Student Union, Proctor, Big 7, Cicerone

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

Holding leadership roles as a young woman has been one of the most positively impactful parts of my Walker’s experience. Walker’s encourages young girls to take action and seek involvement in their community, helping them find their voice and use it to seek the changes they wish to see. This will all eventually apply to the real world where young women will strive to use their acquired voices to better the greater community.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I hope that other students will see the benefit of trying new things and taking advantage of the plentiful opportunities at hand. In my junior year, I decided to double in sports during the winter season and branch out from my lifelong sport, riding. I joined the ski team which was an experience that truly changed my life! I encourage every Walker’s student to try something new whether it be athletic, or not.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Ken Whelihan.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I have three brothers!

Taylor O. '27

Glastonbury, CT

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

Co-Head of Dance Club, Co-Head of Students Demand Action, Writing Fellow

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

Because it builds confidence in oneself, and helps set an example for other women.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I hope they feel represented and heard, and that people who might not have a lot of confidence now can definitely build it.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Shohei Ohtani on the LA Dodgers.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I was a ski racer for three years before coming to Walker’s!

Gigi P. '26

Ayden R. '26

Manchester, CT

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

African Drumming, Bell Choir, Cicerone

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

I think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles because it allows them to advocate for women’s rights and allows women to showcase what they are capable of doing.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I hope other students realize it’s good to come out of your comfort zone and try new things, as well as to speak up about topics you are passionate about.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Alex Morgan because she is a great example of a teammate and a leader. She sticks up for her teammates and takes action when she sees there needs to be change.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I am an only child.

Emily S. '26

Farmington, CT

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

Cicerone, African Drumming Club, Orchestra Club

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

I think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles because they become role models for other young women. They can inspire them to become leaders themselves, and have their voices heard to fight for what they believe in.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I hope I can encourage other students to be more involved within the community, and to take on a leadership role even if they don’t feel comfortable doing so.

Who is your favorite athlete?

M favorite athlete is Kyrie Irvnig.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I can juggle!

Violet T. '26

Naugatuck, CT

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

Co-head of the Asian Student Collective, Proctor, and African Drumming.

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

I think it is important for young women to hold leadership roles because it allows them to grow their confidence and gain the necessary skills to take on bigger roles in the future. It also allows them to inspire other young women to be a leader just like them. This is a great opportunity to show that we as women are powerful and can accomplish so many things.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I hope that I can inspire others in the Walker’s community to come out of their comfort zone and want to be involved in a leadership position.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Coco Gauff.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I love to cook!

Caroline T. '26

Simsbury, CT

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

It’s important for young women to have leadership roles so other young girls have someone to look up to. In addition, it’s important for women to feel comfortable and confident while holding a leadership position — to do this, our voices need to be heard and respected.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I want other students to take away that you don’t always need to be the loudest, most outgoing person to be considered a leader. As long as you’re being your authentic self, people will recognize you for who YOU are.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Erin Matson, who coaches UNC field hockey.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I love figure skating.

Candy T. '26

Jani W. '26

Lily W. '27

Tolland, CT

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

Bell Choir, Athlete Mental Health Awareness Club, Cicerone, Writing Fellow, Head of Faith and Foundations Club, Head of Special Olympics Basketball, Vice President of the Class of 2027

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

Historically, women haven’t always been seen as capable of being strong leaders with powerful voices. Now, when young women hold leadership roles, they share their ideas, opinions, and creativity and become role models. This builds their confidence, communication and ability to inspire, which helps them and our world become a better place.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

I hope I can help other students at Walker’s to give their best effort, show willingness to learn, and be great teammates in athletics and leadership, regardless of their skills or level of play. I want them to understand they can be themselves and share their perspectives, no matter what others think.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Caitlyn Clark of the Indiana Fever.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I can do a backflip!

Celia X. '26

Shanghai, China

What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?

Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, Co-Head of @ewsghost, Head of Badminton Club

Why do you think it’s important for young women to hold leadership roles?

Leadership roles give young women confidence in themselves and will eventually help them achieve success in the future. Young women develop important skills such as decision-making, communication, and the courage to fail through leadership, which help them to success in their future careers.

What do you hope other students at Walker’s take away from your leadership on EWAC?

Don’t be afraid to try new things, could be a sport or something else, and don’t be afraid if it doesn’t go well at first. You already have the potential to do anything you wish. You just have to be brave enough to do it.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Bada Lee. Although I am not a dancer at all, I am very impressed by her ambition, care for her teammates, and love of dance.

What is one fun fact about you that may surprise people?

I am a big fan of My Little Pony!