M
ichael Carter is a big thinker. A standout student known for his insights, the editor-in-chief of both the school newspaper and a student-written foreign affairs journal, an award-winning delegate to Model U.N. conferences, a keen student of Arabic, a respected leader among his peers, and an engaged community member who pursued his activities with purpose, Michael took a thoughtful approach to both his daily life and his overarching experience at Loomis Chaffee. For these and other attributes, Michael received the Ammidon Prize at Commencement, given to a young man of the graduating class who, in the judgment of the faculty, has been outstanding in his concern for others. In-depth thought shows in all that Michael does, even in his picks of books, music, and travel destinations. His favorite book, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, is more than a science fiction story, he says: “It’s almost a philosophical take on science and ethics.” He enjoys music by singer-songwriter Lorde for its complexity despite her relatively young age, and for the way she “connects everyday experiences with bigger ideas,” he says. Fascinated by both the physical beauty and the culture of Iceland, Michael speaks with admiration about the Icelandic peoples’ “respect for the natural world,” their “progressive mindset,” and their strong work ethic. He tethers his future plans to big ideas as well. Political science is the early favorite as a field of study at Stanford University. At Loomis, Michael’s scholarship, hard work, commitment to leadership, and choice of extracurricular programs that held meaning for him earned the respect of his classmates, friends, teachers, and mentors. His advisor, longtime English faculty member Fred Seebeck,
Michael Carter Loomis Chaffee Class of 2015 Hometown: Mount Pleasant, SC College: Stanford University observes that Michael stood out “as one of the most indefatigable workers and most engaged true scholars I’ve seen in my career.” Michael assumed leadership roles in many community-oriented activities at Loomis. In addition to his leadership of The Log and The World Bulletin, Michael was a prefect and resident assistant, served on the Disciplinary Committee, and was elected class president in his sophomore and junior years. He was active in Model U.N., the agriculture program, SPECTRUM, and campus sustainability efforts, and he exhibited his creativity as an actor, playwright, and director in several productions in the Norris Ely Orchard Theater. “Michael is a terrific writer — one of the best I’ve ever encountered in my 18 years of teaching,” notes history teacher Rachel Engelke. “Lucid, creative, clever, … his papers were always among my favorites to read.” For The World Bulletin, meanwhile, Michael researched and wrote articles covering nuanced topics, including pieces about tensions in the European Union, the aftermath of the Arab Spring uprising, and the threat of ISIS. “Michael stepped up to the plate and helped readers unpack complicated issues in the Middle East,” says Rachel. Loomis first attracted Michael’s interest at a Ten Schools admissions event near his home in Charleston, South Carolina, and he planned his visit to Loomis on his tour of New England boarding schools. “I chose Loomis Chaffee because when I visited and talked to other students on campus, I sensed there was a great atmosphere here,” he says. “They didn’t hold back when they were speaking
Loomis Chaffee Senior Paths
with me, and their confidence came through.” When he arrived on campus as a freshman, the biggest challenge for Michael was the “level up” of course work from his previous schooling. “I got my first B ever,” he admits, “but it was not devastating — just a reality check.” He says he quickly developed a more committed work ethic and realized that doing so leads to a more rewarding experience. Michael cites the Advanced Placement U.S. History course, taught by Eric LaForest, as a class that involved a lot of work to “really get into the material” in order to fully participate in class discussions. His efforts resulted in “an in-depth knowledge of U.S. history,” Michael says, and the class remains one of his most enjoyable and rewarding at Loomis. Rachel’s instruction and encouragement in AP Government and Politics class and through his involvement with Model U.N. and The World Bulletin also helped him develop an enthusiasm for learning and cultivated his passion for history, international politics, world events, and journalism, he says. He credits all his teachers for holding him to high standards in the quality of his work, though clearly he has a high bar set for himself as well. Michael collected many fond memories working nights and weekends under tight deadlines with The Log staff in the basement of Palmer Hall. “We were miserable — and it was great,” he jokes. “If I had to do it alone, it would be terrible. But The Log staff is just the best group of people I’ve ever been blessed to work with,” he says.
Thinking out loud of the future, Michael’s long-term goals could include law school, and he might like to live and work in Washington, D.C., some day, “depending on where my studies take me.”
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