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WOMEN WHO WILL CHANGE THE WORLD
Keynote at Department of Ed Conference Empowering girls in Iran
In September, Theresa was the only high school student invited to speak at the Department of Education’s National Private School Leadership Conference. Theresa shared her experience at Madeira and why she chose to attend an independent school. Theresa also discussed Madeira’s mission: “We aren’t just launching women to change the world. We’re a little too impatient for that. We’ve decided to go ahead to start building the new world we wish we saw.” Theresa also serves as Head of Boarding during her senior year at Madeira.
THERESA CARR ’19
World-Class Fencer
Sophie has been actively involved with the Omid Foundation, an organization that works to help and empower women who are victims of sexual, physical, or mental abuse in Iran. She was asked to choreograph a dance for the organization’s annual gala. As a high school student, she choreographed a dance that exemplified empowerment and that followed an Omid girl’s journey. “I felt like it was most important to convey the core of the foundation, which is the girls and their lives and what they’ve overcome.”
SOPHIE FOULADI ’19
Top-ranked international fencer, Michaela Joyce recently won 2nd place at the Epee Cadet European Cup fencing competition in Heidenheim, Germany, which hosts the best young fencers from around the world. The silver medal followed her double bronze medal performance at the North American Cup in Kansas City, MO. Michaela is currently ranked #1 in the 14 and under age category for Women’s Epee (Epee is a point weapon, where the goal is to hit first anywhere on the opposing athlete’s body). Michaela is proud to represent TEAM USA Fencing and notes, “I love fencing because it gives me an opportunity to improve and push myself to be the best person and athlete I can be.”
A Madeira education helps a girl find her voice…and then use that voice to make an impact. By preparing students in the classroom at the same time as exposing them to real-world work, Madeira’s program builds confidence. A Madeira girl is confident in her abilities and courageous enough to make her voice heard. Even as high school students, Madeira girls are already living Madeira’s mission of women who change the world. We celebrate the many talents and accomplishments of our impressive student body.
Accomplished Pianist
Angela is an accomplished pianist who has been the accompanist for Madeira’s Glee for 3 years, a position that was previously held by adults. She was the first student to perform as the soloist in a piano concerto with the Chamber Orchestra. She was selected because of her superior musicianship, ability to prepare a large work in a short time, and her commitment to performing with personality as well as accuracy. “If my music can help people recall a memory or make them feel special, that’s very satisfying for me.”
ANGELA HE ’19
Model UN Outstanding Delegate “The Voice” Contestant
Casey was awarded Outstanding Delegate at the Yale Model Government Europe (YMGE) competition in Budapest, Hungary. Casey competed on the All-American Model UN team, a highly selective Model UN (MUN) national travel team, which won Best Large Delegation at the competition. YMGE focuses on European politics, and delegates debate current issues that have significant global implications. Sara Rhodin, advisor to Madeira’s Model United Nations team, spoke highly of Casey. “Like a professional diplomat, she always maintains a measured tone and is calm under pressure. Her argumentation is eloquent, informed, and engaging.” Riley attended an open audition for The Voice of China, which is China’s version of The Voice television show. The initial audition was in Houston, TX and Riley got first place. She was then invited to sing at the final audition in Shanghai, where she represented the “US division.” Other geographic areas represented were the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Australia. Riley made it very far and wants to try again this year to see if she can go even further.
RILEY XIONG ’19
International Thespian
Chapin was the only high school student invited to a prestigious musical theater program last summer in Bavaria, Germany. She lived and studied theater with dozens of college- age students. The reason Chapin was invited to participate as a high school student was because of her time at Madeira. The organizers felt that Madeira’s boarding program prepared Chapin to live on her own well enough so that she could handle being abroad. Chapin shared, “The experience was incredible and helped me improve my musical theater skills drastically.”
