The Class of 2020

The Class of 2020 may have ended their Upper School years during an unprecedented global pandemic, but that didn’t take away the fact that each one created special memories while at Cannon. Every senior had the opportunity to reflect on his or her Upper School years and share thoughts, memories, or some advice. Here’s what they had to say.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANNON MEMORY?

My senior volleyball season and every season I have had at Cannon. I enjoyed every minute of working hard and competing with my best friends and the best coaches. – Katherine Remmey

My favorite memory would have to be the State Championship for golf my freshman year. After the first day, we were winning by only one shot, so to pull through and win my first year of high school was an amazing feeling. The girls on the team made it even more special. – Sophie Holland

Performing The Drowsy Chaperone and the last song we did. I was greeted by all my best friends and mentors. It was the perfect ending to the wildest ride of my life. – Griffin Jones

Working together as a whole grade during the senior trip service project. So many people came together to do hard work helping a great cause, and we had a lot of fun doing it. – Chrissy Stamey

My best Cannon memory was the 2017 talent show, when I listed the U.S. Presidents in order of service. The students’ enthusiasm for all of the acts was contagious, and the event really encapsulated what is

great about Cannon—a diverse set of students pursuing diverse goals while enjoying everyone else’s support. – Declan Hurley

My favorite memory at Cannon was going on our class trip to Washington D.C. It was a great way to bond with the class before going into Upper School. – Renée LeClair

The home semifinal playoff soccer game during my sophomore year is definitely my best memory! The game ended in a penalty shoot-out. – Ian Casey

Winning House Games and conducting at orchestra concerts! – Anna Ruth Morrison I am most grateful for the amazing relationships I have built with my teachers. They have taught me so much, and I know I will stay in touch with them after graduation. – Lily Klett I am so incredibly grateful to Cannon for giving me so many people I love. I am so lucky to have found the friendships and relationships I have formed here. I cannot believe I only got four short years with these people. – Sydney Vance I’m most grateful for the relationships I’ve been able to build with classmates throughout my thirteen years at Cannon. Some of my earliest memories are with friends in Lower School that I’m still friends with today, and many of these friendships will last years beyond graduation. – Luke Thomas Going on the Outward Bound trip, during sophomore year. During this trip I became really close with my peers as we adapted to challenges together. – Stephanie Grissom

Mr. Gossage’s going-away party where the jazz band got to play Billy Joel. – Carter Otey

My favorite memory was our last lacrosse game. We didn’t know until we got there that it would be our last game. As we warmed up, I noticed lots of our peers gathered in the stands to watch. It was awesome to be able to play our last game with so many of our friends cheering us on! – George Fisher

Winning House Games this year!

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR HAVING EXPERIENCED AT CANNON?

– Morgan Stilphen I’m so grateful I have been able to attend Cannon School my whole life. – Ava Cooksey

I am grateful for the most amazing teachers I could have ever hoped for, and all the wonderful connections I made during my time here. – Noelle Nieske

I am most grateful for the environment Cannon has built. It has provided me a space to learn and grow while feeling comfortable, safe, and happy. Compared to other schools I attended, Cannon has shown above all others that it cares about its students and their chances at success. – Renee Boisvert

I developed a mindset here that taught me to balance multiple activities in my life along with getting everything done in the classroom as well. – Mitch Jeter

Cannon has taught me to be kind and inclusive to everyone I meet. I will always carry that with me. – Reah Syed WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME AT CANNON?

Doing the right thing when it’s not necessarily what you want to do can be far more rewarding in the long run. – Adam Parks

The lesson of accountability is one that Cannon taught me. I have learned that the best way to go about any difficult situation is by holding myself accountable for my actions. – Taylor Bennett

Cannon has taught me to work hard, ask the right questions in order to be efficient, and how to develop my leadership skills. – Emily Cleveland

I learned to build relationships and make connections with everyone, because you never know where they might lead. – Laine Kozlowski

Cannon has taught me to fully commit myself to my work and to truly go beyond. In every way, my classes at Cannon have taught me to seek mastery and a full, robust understanding of the material, and I think that it’s this that has taught me to challenge myself and devote myself to conquering any obstacle. – Sarah Kuo

I learned the importance of building relationships with teachers and peers in my community. There is much to be learned and experienced by connecting with people. – Davis Norton

The importance of hard work. – Connor Peterson

I have learned that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can find community wherever you go. – Jack Selden

The importance of helping others. Whenever I need anything, there are so many people willing to go out of their way for me. – Kate Fisk

IN WHICH AREA HAVE YOU GROWN THE MOST DURING UPPER SCHOOL?

I was very shy as a new student at Cannon my freshman year. Since then, I’ve become significantly more outgoing and social. I now enjoy branching out and stepping out of my comfort zone. – Brooke Wesselmann

I have become an analytical and critical thinker. I have learned to be skeptical of biased information and to seek out multiple sources and opinions before drawing a conclusion. – Madeleine Calcagno

Accountability is where I have experienced the most growth as a Cannon student. Traveling nonstop for dance and managing my schoolwork was quite a challenge. I had a great support system here who knew I was trying my best and pushed me to be my best by teaching me to be independent and holding me accountable so I could rise above. – Jenna Petty

I’ve learned so much about who I am as a student and a person. All the self-awareness quizzes and activities in advisory helped me discover that! – Cali Proper

Realizing what is important to me and the goals I have for my life is where I have grown the most. – Victoria Schneider

I have grown a lot as a leader, but also as a listener through my roles in the House System. – Rob Trufant

I think I have become more outspoken during high school. I’m much more likely to speak up in a class than I ever thought I would be. I think different classes and leadership roles have affected that trait. – McKenna Koch I came to Cannon as a shy kid from a super small school. I don’t feel like that kid anymore. – Sophie Collins

My greatest area of growth would be going from someone who dreaded PE to a person who couldn’t wait for track practice each day. – Lauren Mendenhall

I started high school as a “follower.” I have grown alongside great people and mentors who helped me have confidence in myself. I have become a leader and someone who wants to help others find their inner leader. – Grace Kramer

I am super proud of the “Bright Star” production that we put on in CTC this year. Behind the scenes, the cast was truly a family and we got to bring such a beautiful story to the stage. – Holly Springate

I am most proud of my performance in the jazz band and writing a wellreceived original composition. – Lucas Kabasakalian

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I am most proud of my skills in digital painting that I have developed since freshman year. – Sam Lucas

Completing my Eagle Scout project! – Grey Mills

Our girls winning Powderpuff two years in a row! On a more serious note, probably that my class has trusted me to represent them on the Honor Council for three years. – Sarah Kate Edwards

Earning the position of Co-Editor-In-Chief of the Cannon School yearbook. – Lia Carnes

I am most proud of being a Junior Marshal. That was such a huge accomplishment for me and I was, and still am, proud of myself for it. – Katie Grissom

I am really proud of the work I’ve done for my Capstone project. Attending Cannon has helped me realize how important it is to push for causes I believe so much in, like education equality. – Haley Gullett

Getting on the leader board in the weight room. – Leah Nitzan

I am most proud of receiving two Model UN awards even though I didn’t join until my junior year. – Kate Nelson

I am most proud of writing and beginning to direct a play as my senior Capstone project. – Megan Hnilica

WHAT IS THE ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO UNDERCLASSMEN?

Being yourself might not seem easy in the beginning, but it pays off in the end. – Jackson Lods

Don’t take these four years for granted because they will fly by. You only go through high school once, so make the most of it. – Bailey Jones

The best advice I could give is to never be afraid to ask for help! Every single person at Cannon wants what’s best for you. – Maddie Johnson

Don’t wish anything anyway. Be in the moment and be present. Don’t skip House Games or “The Day That Has No Name.” Enjoy all the little things and try to take it all in because it will be over much sooner than you think. – Gabby Holloway

Surround yourself with people who make you a better person. – Caroline Carr

Be open to new experiences and take risks! If you’re considering joining a club, doing theater, or playing a sport, do it! You will make some amazing friends and so many great memories. – Vibha Maheswaran

Document your time in high school with videos, photos, or writing. – Haven Hall

Don’t be afraid to talk to older students. I have made many wonderful friendships with students who have graduated before me. – Rachel Cooke Really get to know your classmates more than just surface level. Our community is so special. We have the incredible opportunity to make so many connections and appreciate all the relationships we’ve made over the years. – Megan McKinsey

Don’t prioritize schoolwork over physical and mental health. Your schoolwork should not dominate your life outside of school. That’s supposed to be your time. – Carlton Bragg