Spotlight on the Senior Experience: Reflecting and Looking Forward

The 29 members of the Stuart Hall Class of 2025 are beginning their final semester on campus, looking forward to what's next while savoring their final season of Stuart Hall student traditions. With graduation and Loving Cup mere months away, they’re busy leading in sports and arts programs, deepening the local and international friendships they’ve built through the STU community, and considering a variety of options for their next steps.

"My favorite part of senior year so far has been seeing the fruits of my labor,” says Avery H. ’25, a five-day boarder from Lexington, Va. “Now that I'm in the home stretch of school, I can look back and see how far I've come and see my future ahead of me. I'm hopeful for my future, I got into a better school than I thought possible, and I know I'm prepared for all of the challenges that are ahead of me.”

For boarding and day students alike, STU has fostered independence. "Living away from home has made me more independent and empathetic. I’ve learned to balance my time wisely, juggling studies, extracurriculars, and daily responsibilities. These experiences have made me more confident, especially as I navigate the college application process and think about the future," says Jade H. ’25, a boarding student from Tai'an, Shandong Province, China.

Avery says Mastery Learning has helped her remember and apply the skills she’s learned since joining STU as a seventh grader, making a big difference over the course of her education: "Before I came to STU, I learned by memorizing information, repeating it verbatim for tests, and forgetting it immediately afterwards. Now, because of this learning system, I can actually understand and enjoy the topics we cover in classes.”

Co-curriculars have played a large role in personal development for the Class of 2025, too. Jade remarks that joining the Upper School Instrumental Ensemble has improved both her piano skills and her ability to work as part of a team. “With my background in Chinese music and experience playing the Chinese lute, this opportunity has expanded my musical perspective, especially in Western music," she says, noting that joining the ensemble has been the highlight of her senior year!

When seniors talk about their Stuart Hall experience, it’s clear that our community and the relationships they’ve built with peers and faculty alike have made a lasting impression.

“As someone without family in the U.S., I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received,” Jade says. “I truly believe that my current and future achievements are tied to the support and guidance I’ve received from the amazing teachers at STU.”