Maddie H. ’27

Maddie H. '27

Simsbury, CT

sun

Day Student

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!”


What is your favorite class and why?

My favorite class I have taken at Walkers has been Honors Biology. Dr B, who was my teacher for the class, made me want to come to school, and for the first time, I was excited to learn. She would teach things in a way that would stick with you and would always make herself available if you had any questions. She truly went above and beyond for her students and truly cared not only about how they did in the class but also about their physical and emotional well-being.

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?

There are so many different clubs and opportunities here, so it’s actually a challenge not to try a new or unique experience. For me, it came in the musical department. I never considered myself a musician or musically inclined at all (except when I was performing concerts in my shower), but when I arrived at Walkers, I decided to try African Drumming. I loved it so much that it led me to join the Orchestra and Sax City. While I am not necessarily amazing at playing instruments, it’s a wonderful experience and something I never pictured myself doing.

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

I look forward to simply going to school. It’s impossible to choose one thing that I am most excited about during the school day. The teachers want to be there, and they want you to learn and truly understand the information. The food is amazing, the campus is gorgeous, and I get to spend all day with my best friends, making hundreds of memories that I will have forever.

What advice would you give to an incoming Walker’s student?

Try every new experience and grab every opportunity that comes your way!

What do you think is the biggest benefit of attending school at Walker’s?

Many boarding schools indeed claim to “prepare you for the future,” but at Walker’s, they truly care— which is something I never felt or saw at my previous schools. The people at Walker’s push you to do your best, but always give you a helping hand when you need it. The staff here cares about you and will do everything to ensure you have a good experience at the school. They truly put their students first in everything they do.

How do you feel you have grown (academically, emotionally, mentally) since your first day at Walker’s?

I have grown in hundreds of ways. I am so much more confident in myself, and I am no longer afraid to raise my hand in class. I have taken classes that are comply outside of my comfort zone and have learned and grown so much from them. One of my favorite parts about Walker’s is that teachers want to be here, and they want to see you succeed. This has made the overall learning process so much easier, helping me academically and mentally as well. I would not be where I am today without Walker’s.

How do you think Walker’s has prepared you for your future?

I could talk all day about the classes Walker’s provides, they help learning minds succeed. Or the amazing college counseling program that ensures you find the right school for you, but the truth is, Walker’s has given me something that outweighs all the classes and college counseling I could ever have, and that is confidence. Walker’s has shown me its ok to make mistakes and learn from them. The school has supported me in every endeavor I have gone on and pushed me to make the right decisions for myself, giving me a voice. That is something that no class can teach you, and very few schools help kids achieve this. strong, and independent.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

When I am at school, my favorite thing to do in my free time is go to the gym or spend time with my friends. Outside of school, I love going on hikes, crocheting, being outdoors, and spending time with people I love.