Meet our tour guides

Involvement: Black Student Union, Sustainability, Choir, Grapes (Acapella), Dance, and African Drumming

“Hello, I’ve been at walkers since seventh grade! I’m a proud Sun! I wanted to be a Cicerone because I am really grateful for the community I found at Walker’s and I would like to help other people find the same!”

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Involvement: Riding, Spring Musical, Yoga

“My name is Ada and I am class of 2028. I came to Walker’s my freshman year and am part of the riding team as well as the spring musical! I am currently a boarder in mountain view. Why I wanted to become a Cicerone was because I want to show prospective students how much Walker’s has positively impacted my life, and how much it could impact theirs as well!”

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Involvement: Riding, Cross Country, and Swimming.

“Im Scarlett and this is my 3rd year at Walker’s and now Im in 11th grade. I am so happy to be a Cicerone because Walker’s has given me so many opportunities not just to grow as a student, but also as a leader, a friend, and a member of a truly special community. Being a Cicerone allows me to give back by sharing that experience with others. If I can help even one person see how welcoming, empowering, and inspiring our community is, then I know I’ve made a difference.”

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Involvement: Head of African Drumming , Participating in BSU and Bell Choir. I do Volleyball, Basketball, and lLacrosse.

“Hello! My name is Mariah Cubano and I think being a Cicerone is important because I get to interact and learn about new families that are coming to Walker’s! I love showing new families the culture and Walker’s and how everyone is so lively and outgoing!”

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Involvement: Sports: Volleyball, Ski Team, Musical, Co-Head of Sustainability Club, Sundial/daemon, Drama Club, Co-Head of ENGin, and She Leads Justice

“I joined Walker’s in my freshman year. I am so excited to be a Cicerone! When I was touring, I looked up to the girls touring me. I wanted to be just like them. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to be just like them. I can’t wait to show prospective students what a great place Walker’s is!”

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Involvement: Dance Workshop, Musical, Equestrian, Orchestra, and ASC

“Hiiii!!! I’m Ruochu, and I entered Walker’s in my freshman year. Cicerones are such an important part of the admissions process as they usually play a large role in how families view the school, which is why I decided to become one. I’m so excited show prospective students how welcoming all the people here are and how many opportunities there can be for them.”

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Involvement: Varsity soccer, Varsity Swim, Varsity Lacrosse, WAB, and Athlete Mental Health.

“I arrived at Walker’s going into my freshman year. Being a Cicerone is important to be because I get to interact with possible incoming families and to show off all that Walkers has to offer. Also, being a leader on campus has enhanced my confidence and has allowed me the opportunity to be the best version of myself I can be.”

 

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Involvement: Varsity Dance, Theater, Drama Club, EWAC, African Drumming, and Bell Choir

“Hi! My name is Mia, and I joined Walker’s my freshman year. I am also a day student and a proud Dial! For me, one of the biggest draws to Walker’s was the community. My tour gave me a glance at what it was like to be a Walker’s student in a space I felt immediately at home. I also found having a tour from an experienced student offered deeper connection and created a realistic admission process. As a Cicerone, my hope is to show prospective families how welcoming, supportive, and exciting our community is.”

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Involvement: Equestrian Co-Captain and Investment Co-Head.

“My name is Charlotte and I am starting my third year at Walker’s. I love being a Cicerone because I can share my thoughts on why Walker’s is a great fit for me and many others. It helped guide me into the confident and enthusiastic student I am today.”

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Involvement: Cross Country Captain, Junior Class Administrator, Model United Nations Head, My Sister’s Place CP Head, Students Demand Action Head, Fashion & Crochet Club Head, Student Advancement Ambassador, Cicerone, Northfield League, Jewish Student Union, LASO (Latinx and Hispanic Affinity), She Leads Justice CP, Lettuce Head Club, African Drumming, Ice Skating Club, Science Club, Archives Club, and Writing Fellow

“Hello, I’m Judith! I’m a junior and a day student. I joined Walker’s last year as a sophomore, and even though I didn’t know anyone at first, I immediately felt at home in the school community. Since then, I’ve discovered so much about myself here! I became a Cicerone because I want prospective students to feel welcome and supported as they explore whether Walker’s is the right place for them. My goal is to highlight the school honestly while keeping your interests in mind. Most of all, I hope to be a friendly face you can easily talk to and ask questions. I can’t wait to meet you!“

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Involvement: Varsity Soccer, Varsity Lacrosse, Winter Play, Arts, and Student Athlete Scholar.

“Hello! My name is Amelia Forde and I’m in my sophomore year of high school. I started at The Ethel Walker School as a 7th grader, but because my mom Ms. Forde works here, I’ve been on campus since before I could walk. I’m also am a student athlete, and I participate in both sports and theater. I really love how welcoming Walkers’ Athletics are! The community overall is super welcoming. One of my favorite times of the week is morning meeting when we all get together to share each others successes.”

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Involvement: Basketball, Field Hockey, Softball, EWAC, African Drumming, Bell Choir, BSU

“Hi, I’m Quinn!! I am currently a sophomore, but I joined the Walkers community in eighth grade! Being a cicerone is important to ensure you’re not hearing only from adults who love the school, but also from students who want your kid to be successful in our environment that we get to and love to show to all!! Our classrooms allow kids of all learning styles to flourish in their own different ways! So everyone’s education is allowed to go beyond their goals.”

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Involvement: Cicerones, EWAC, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Bell Choir, African Drumming, and organizing the corn hole tournament. 

“Hi, I’m Ashley Fontanella, I joined Walker’s when I was in eight grade and I am currently a sophomore. Being a Cicerone is important because you get the opportunity to share with families what being a Walker’s student is all about! Walker’s has a very special community that makes everyone feel like they have a place they can lean on that is full of friends, teachers, and other mentors. Seeing the friendly faces welcome you on campus is truly an incredible feeling!”

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Involvement: Soccer, Swim, Lacrosse, Orchestra, African Drumming, and Sax City.

“I entered Walker’s in my sophomore year. I knew immediately that as soon as I entered Walker’s, I wanted to be a Cicerone. The love and sense of belonging I felt in my first couple of days, whether it was on the field, eating lunch with my new friends, or in class, was something I had never truly experienced. I want other individuals to feel the same sense of belonging that I feel here. Everyone deserves to experience a community like Walker’s, and I want to help them make the right choice for them. I want to show prospective families everything the Walker’s community has to offer, from rigorous academic courses, musical opportunities, sports facilities, and so much more!”

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Involvement: Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, African Drumming Club, Theatre, I was the VP for my class last year and I am planning on running for Prom Rep this year. 

“I am Amelia Hamel, and I am in 11th grade! I came to Ethel Walker in my freshman year. I love meeting new people, and here at Walker’s, everyone is friends with everyone, no matter what grade you are in. I have at least one friend in every grade level, including middle school. This is why I think being a cicerone is important, it is a way to share the love we have at this school and help others feel part of this community. I try to show families the personal places on campus that make it special, like stories that have happened during my time here, to help them understand the joy we have at this school and help them picture what it is like at our school.”

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Involvement: Captain of the Equestrian team, EWAC, Advancement Ambassador, BSU, African Drumming, and Lacrosse

“Hi, my name is Ivy, and I joined Walker’s in my sophomore year. I believe being a Cicerone is important because prospective students and families can gain a more personal perspective by hearing directly from a student who has experienced Walker’s firsthand. During visits, I hope to show families the welcoming and supportive community that makes Walker’s feel like home, while also sharing the traditions, opportunities, and friendships that have made my experience so meaningful. I want every family to leave feeling that they have a genuine understanding of what life at Walker’s can be like and excited about the possibility of becoming part of our community.”

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Involvement: "Swimming, Cross Country, Orchestra, ASC "Hi, I’m Sophie! I first entered Walker’s as an eighth-grader. Trying to understand a community in an hour tour can be difficult. As a Cicerone, I want to give you everything you need from a student’s perspective to make that process easier. Always feel free to ask questions during your tour!"

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What is your favorite class and why?

I love English because it’s very discussion based. This allows me to not only learn from my teacher but also from the perspectives of my peers. The seats are also arranged so that the speaker is always visible. This way, everyone can be heard.

What is a unique experience you've had at Walker's that you didn't think you'd be involved in when arriving at Walker's?

I definitely never thought that I’d be able to take a poker course. Every year, the entire school participates in Lacuna. Lacuna is a week long break from our standard classes. Instead, seniors teach their own courses of life skills. Last year I was fortunate enough to learn penny poker.

What is your favorite part of your typical day at Walker's? What do you look forward to every day?

My favorite part of the day is spending time with my advisor. She’s the wisest, funniest person I know and I learn something new each time I see her. (Plus she gives really great hugs.)

Involvement: Dance, Swimming, Grapes, Sustainability Club, Sundaemon, and Horizons

“I entered Walker’s in ninth grade. I think being a Cicerone is extremely important for many reasons. Mainly, because Cicerones are usually the first people that prospective families and students meet. They are leaders and provide guidance for everyone, which personally made my first days at Walker’s run a lot smoother. Although I was nervous to come to a brand new place with brand new people, I had already made connections with my Cicerone’s that guided me, so I knew I wouldn’t be alone. I aim to show prospective families the amazing community and school we have in general, while also demonstrating our core values.”

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Involvement: Varsity Cross Country in the fall, Dance Team Co-head of Women in Literature and Politics Club, Sustainability Club, and SunDaemon Club

“Hi, I’m Renee Meyer-Pope, and I joined Walker’s in eighth grade! I am a part of the Cicerone society because I remember arriving at Walker’s and feeling so welcomed by all members of the community, whether that be students, faculty, or other people on campus. I instantly knew that Walker’s was for me because of the environment that fostered inclusivity and support. Because of that experience, I want to make sure that current prospective students receive that same introduction that I did. By being a Cicerone, I aim to show prospective families that Walker’s is not just a school, but also a family.”

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Involvement: Co-Head of BSU, Varsity Field Hockey, Varsity Lacrosse, Northfield League Member, Justice League Member, Athlete Mental Health Club Member, and Varsity Basketball Manager.

“Hi! My name is Pe’yton McLeish, and I’m in the class of 2027. I came to Walker’s as a freshman, and from the moment I toured campus, I knew I wanted to be a Cicerone. I love showing people the parts of our school that make it special—from the coolest hangout spots to hidden gems around campus. Being a Cicerone lets me share my excitement for Walker’s with others, and I can’t wait to help new students feel welcome and inspired!”

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Involvement: Varsity Soccer, Varsity Lacrosse, Winter Yoga, Investment Club, and Northfield League Member.

“Hi! My name is Emma Mazur. I am a junior and this is my third year at Walker’s. I became a Cicerone so that I can make an impact on this community by creating a welcoming environment for current and perspective students. I believe that Cicerones should represent the community and show exactly how friendly Walker’s truly is.”

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Involvement: Cross Country, Theater, SunDaemon (Literary Magazine), and Drama Club

“Hi! My name is Abby McCaffrey! I entered Walker’s as a freshman last year and am currently in my sophomore year! Being a Cicerone challenges me as well as teaches me to adapt to my surroundings and truly embrace change. I want to showcase to prospective families just how welcoming Walker’s is and how it truly feels like home for so many students like me, even after your first time stepping onto campus!”

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Involvement: Student Advancement Ambassador, Co-head of the Groutfit’s Club, and the head of our Anti-Racism Alliance on campus. I also swim in the winter and will play tennis in the spring!

“I came to Walker’s as a freshman and was nervous to enter a brand new high school, but I quickly learned that Walker’s was my new home (even though I am a day student!). I hope that as a Cicerone, I can show prospective families how tight-knit our community is and how many opportunities open up as a student here.”

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Involvement: LASO, In charge of Media for BSU, Soccer, Lacrosse, Grapes, African Drumming

“Hi, I’m Jazmine. I am a senior in the Class of 2027. I came to Walker’s in my junior year. Cicerones are important because when I was a new student last year, they helped me navigate the school and feel welcomed, whether it was on tours or shadow days. I aim to show prospective students that Walker’s is a fun and loving community where you are free to be whoever you want; you can make lots of friends and overall have a great time while you’re here!”

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Involvement: Drama Club, ASU, MUN, XC, Theater, and Sustainability Club

“I joined Walker’s in ninth grade, and from the very beginning i felt a strong sense of community and support that makes this school truly special. Being a Cicerone is important to me because it allows me to share that positive experience with prospective students and there families, helping them feel welcomed and informed. When families visit, I aim to showcase the warmth, diversity, and opportunities that Walker’s offers, from its engaging academics to its vibrant extracurricular life. I want them to leave with a clear sense of shy Walker’s is a place where students can grow, thrive, and find their own path.”

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Involvement: Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Swim, Varsity Softball, Weekend Activities Rep, African Drumming, and DECA

“Hi! My name is Maeve Sullivan, and I am a junior day student from West Simsbury. I joined the Walker’s community as a freshman. Being a Cicerone is important because they get to share their love for the community with prospective families. When I toured Walker’s, the welcome I received drew me to the school, and I love to return the favor to others. I would love to show all prospective families my favorite parts of our beautiful campus.”

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Involvement: Varsity Field Hockey, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Lacrosse, Co-Head of Special Olympics Basketball, and African Drumming.

“Hi! My name is Abby Spencer. I am a junior day student from Granby, CT, and I’ve been at Walker’s since my freshman year. I am a member of varsity field hockey, varsity basketball, and varsity lacrosse. I am also a co-head of the Community Partnership Special Olympics Basketball program, where we play basketball with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family, playing with my dogs, baking, cleaning, and playing basketball. I think being a Cicerone is important because it allows me to share my love for Walker’s and help prospective families feel welcomed and informed. When families visit, my goal is to show them how Walker’s is a supportive, empowering community where every student can grow, be challenged, truly be themselves, and feel at home.”

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Involvement: Drama Club Head, Theatre (Plays and Musicals), Writing Fellow, Community Partnership Head (ENGin), Northfield League Member, and currently doing fall dance

“I entered Walker’s in 6th grade, but I have lived on campus in faculty housing since 4th grade. My parents are Dr. Thacker and Ms. Harris-Thacker, and my sister graduated class of ’24. I love being a Cicerone because I have a unique experience when it comes to Walker’s students, given that when I started school here I knew almost everyone and I babysat some of the faculty kids (I still do, and I also cat-sit!). With my experience, I can talk about campus life pretty well and I can bring to the conversation things my parents have talked about with me, like community partnerships, the archives, and aspects of our community that they love. I aim to show perspective families that Walker’s is a second home, and that our community is incredible. When I was a perspective student, I was really scared to try new things and go to an all-girls school, because I had grown up attending public schools my whole life. Coming to Walker’s made me step outside my comfort zone, and helped me try new things that I would never have if I went to school anywhere else. Coming to Walker’s was my first time trying theatre, and now it’s a core part of my identity.”

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Involvement: Dance and Theater

“I entered Walker’s in 7th grade. Being a Cicerone is really important because in being one, you get to have a very big impact on the students applying and get to see them really become interested in The School on their tour. It’s really one of the highlights being a Cicerone!”

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Involvement: Cross Country, Basketball, Softball, Student Athlete Mental Health Club, Bell Choir, Head of Faith and Foundations Club, Co-Head of Special Olympics Basketball, EWAC, Writing Fellow.

Hi! My name is Lily, and I joined Walker’s as a ninth grader after touring the school and realizing it was a place where I could grow into the best version of myself. Being a Cicerone is important because we get to show prospective families what Walker’s is all about and highlight all the great opportunities it offers. The campus is a big deciding factor in choosing a school, and since our campus is already amazing, all we need to do is present it in a welcoming and positive way. I aim to show prospective families all the unique aspects that make Walker’s so special, such as the opportunities, the friendly people, and the dedicated teachers and coaches.”

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Involvement: Field Hockey, Squash, Tennis, Proctor, ASC, Orchestra, and Peer Tutor.

“Hi! My name is Grace Ye, and I entered Walker’s in my freshman year. Cicerone is a big job in Walker’s, as we are representing the first impression of the school to the prospective families. I decided to join Walker’s after my tour, so I hope prospective families can find their way to Walker’s through the tours. I also want them to understand that Walker’s means a supportive, loving, and involved community to me.”

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Involvement: Orchestra, Chamber, Squash, Volleyball, Riding, Theater, ASC

“Hi, I’m Maggie. I entered Walker’s as a freshman. I love having conversations with people and make friends with them. I’m a flute player and a squash player, and I truly enjoy participating and have been persisting in these activities for a long time. Being a cicerone is so important for me and I can’t wait to introduce Walker’s to you and share my amazing life here at The School!”

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