Upper School | Worcester Academy

 Aekem ’26 is making a lasting impact at Worcester Academy and beyond. A member of the Board of Monitors and an athlete, he is also Co-Editor and Cinematographer for Nishkam TV, a Sikh student-run channel promoting interfaith dialogue.

 The group’s acclaimed documentary, Baywatana, was screened at Harvard and the Parliament of the World’s Religions Film Festival and sparked meaningful discussions when he shared it with the Worcester Academy community. He continues to use media to drive awareness and is currently leading a student group documenting Worcester Academy’s 50th anniversary of coeducation.

Passionate about storytelling, Aekem also founded the Filmmaking Club to share his love for media with fellow students. “Even though this is just the first year of the club, I have already seen so much interest.” Helping others develop their skills in media and storytelling has been one of his most rewarding experiences. 

 For Pepper ’25, Worcester Academy has been more than just a school—it has been a home, a team, and a place of endless opportunity. As a boarding student, varsity athlete, and student leader, she has embraced everything Worcester Academy has to offer.

 Pepper is a key member of Worcester Academy’s varsity soccer team, which won the NEPSAC Class A Championship this year. “It was a surreal moment—not just for my team, but for our classmates, parents, and coaches.”

 Beyond the championship title, Worcester Academy’s soccer program has shaped Pepper into a leader. Her dedication earned her top individual honors, including All-American recognition and NEPSAC Player of the Year. This fall, she will compete at the Division I level for the University of Massachusetts Amherst and plans to study sports management, aiming for a future as a sports agent in college football or the NFL.

 Music has been a major part of Peyton’s Worcester Academy experience. A member of the popular student band The Basement Bros, he has also led both the Instrumental Ensemble Club and the Contemporary Band Club, organizing performances and bringing musicians together. These experiences have helped him develop leadership skills and refine his musical talents.

 One of Peyton’s favorite Worcester Academy experiences was the Music in the Parks field trip. “The chorus and instrumental ensemble performed three songs each for a competition between multiple prep schools in New England. Afterward, we got to spend the afternoon at Six Flags. It was a great bonding experience for my friends and me—from the music to the Superman roller coaster!”

 Looking ahead, Peyton '25 is excited about his future in music and business and will study both at Northeastern University. He feels confident that Worcester Academy has given him the skills and experiences he needs to take on new challenges. “Through music clubs and the rigorous courses WA has offered, I feel prepared to tackle the next chapter of my life.”

 Ruby's passion for coding and engineering has already earned her impressive recognition. A member of the class of 2026 from from Vietnam, she won the 2024 High School Affiliate Award in the Aspirations in Computing (AiC) competition, showcasing her expertise in multiple programming languages and her drive to use technology for real-world impact.

 One of her standout projects is a skin cancer-detecting algorithm, reflecting her commitment to innovative problem-solving. She is also deeply involved in Worcester Academy’s NASA Tech Rise team and science fairs, where she explores engineering and computer science. A highlight of her work was seeing the group's project soar to 81,000 feet on a NASA balloon. “It was an unforgettable moment that showcased our hard work for months.”

 Ruby’s ultimate goal is to develop machines that combat air pollution while fostering meaningful connections in computer science and engineering.

 From rigorous coursework to school-wide events, Matt '25 credits Worcester Academy for helping him become more independent, resilient, and self-assured. The theater program has played a significant role in his personal growth, allowing him to evolve both as an actor and as an individual.

 Matt plans to attend drama school and become a professional actor. Thanks to Worcester Academy’s support, he has had exceptional training in acting, opportunities to perform, and the chance to study abroad in France.

 “The preparation and guidance I’ve received at Worcester Academy have set me up for success. I feel confident auditioning for some of the top theater schools in the country, and I owe so much to the encouragement and resources Worcester Academy has provided.”

 Lilly '25 has embraced leadership roles that have defined her Worcester Academy experience. Among her many activities, her work with The Pillars, a peer mental health and wellness education group, has been the most impactful.

 Lilly has helped organize events such as Zoe’s Rocks, table talks on mental health, and the annual Wellness Day. She and her fellow Pillars were also trained as Certified Peer Health Educators through NASPA, a collegiate-level certification.

 “This group has taught me to recognize and support individuals who may be struggling. It has encouraged me to become more aware of those around me and to brighten their lives, even through something as simple as a wave or hello.”

 After graduation, Lilly will attend Villanova University to study at the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Her long-term goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, a career path inspired by her passion for helping others.

 Whether competing on the ice, mentoring younger students, or fostering positive change in the dorms, Noah '26 embraces every opportunity Worcester Academy offers. As a dedicated member of the varsity hockey and varsity golf teams, he has developed perseverance, teamwork, and leadership through competition, pushing himself and his teammates to excel.

Noah leads the DECA Business Club and Amnesty International Club and has honed his business acumen and deepened his commitment to advocating for global issues, even traveling to California last spring to participate in the DECA International Career Development Conference.

 He also plays a key role in Worcester Academy’s boarding community as a proctor in Davol Hall, helping to foster a positive, inclusive residential community and serving as a liaison between boarders, faculty, and student leadership. “I am very fortunate in being able to instill positive change on campus, whether that be generating new ideas for our dorm competitions, or simply helping other students acclimate to life at a boarding school.” 

Harry’s favorite subject is photography, an art form that has sparked his creativity and curiosity. After taking Digital Photography I and II, he developed technical skills and a deep appreciation for photography. Harry '26 was recently nationally recognized among top student artists, earning gold in the 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

A student from Shenzhen, China, Harry credits much of his growth to Ms. Bowles, who has been teaching visual arts at Worcester Academy for more than 20 years. “Ms. Bowles taught me the fundamental techniques of photography and helped me discover the expressive power of this medium.”

Last fall, Harry put his skills to the test by curating a photography exhibition featuring images from his travels through Europe. For Harry, the experience was especially rewarding because it allowed him to share his perspective and passion with the Worcester Academy community.

As a co-captain of the debate team, Samara '25 has developed critical thinking and public speaking skills that have shaped her high school experience. Debate has taught her to argue from multiple perspectives, even those she may not personally agree with—an essential skill in both competitions and life.

 “I’ve learned that having confidence, even when you’re not completely sure, can lead to success. Sometimes, the key to winning a debate isn’t just having the best points, but being able to argue them clearly, respectfully, and confidently. Debate has taught me not to give up when challenged to think more.”

 Beyond her involvement in debate, Samara is deeply engaged in Worcester Academy’s theater program and serves as a co-leader of the Black Student Union (BSU). She is also a Head Ambassador, playing a vital role in welcoming and guiding prospective students and families through their Worcester Academy experience. These roles have helped her grow as a leader, communicator, and advocate for inclusivity on campus