Meet Adish Vimal ’25, who is excited to continue his academic career at George Washington University. Adish plans to study business and major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 

Adish chose GW because of the depth of its business school and academic programs. He’s interested in entrepreneurship and believes the business school’s connections with several financial institutions and corporations in the D.C. area and abroad will provide potential internship opportunities that will allow him to learn and grow. 

“Washington, D.C. is one of my favorite cities due to its historical significance, vibrant social life and its blend of urban and suburban areas, which makes it an ideal location for me to spend my college years,” Adish said. 

Adish credits the supportive community at Wardlaw+Hartridge with allowing him to have a stronger focus in class and more detailed discussions with teachers and peers. 
 
“The warm hospitality I received from the community joining my junior year of high school at W+H gave me the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my classmates and teachers that allowed me to thrive socially and academically,” he said. “It made me realize how important it is to have a good support system with friends, teachers, mentors and coaches to gain success in my future endeavors at college.” 

Adish enjoyed playing varsity soccer and participating in the South Asian Student Alliance for the past two years. He recalled a performance at International Family Fun Night as a memorable W+H experience. 

“I am grateful for the soccer team because it challenged me mentally and physically and pushed my internal boundaries, which developed my organizational skills required to maneuver through all the obstacles of high school and life overall,” he said. “I am also grateful for SASA, which gave me an opportunity to delve into my cultural roots and even pushed me to do activities I never thought I would be able to do.”

Meet Kayla Le ’25, who is looking forward to continuing her education at Boston University. Kayla will begin BU undecided in her major field, but she is excited about the university’s study abroad program and city location in what she called “an ideal distance from home.” 

“I couldn’t imagine myself at any other school,” she said. “I chose Boston University for its diversity, seamless integration into the city, and commitment to academic excellence. I admire how BU’s location in Boston provides opportunities for engagement such as internships and access to professional resources. What I love most about Boston University is the endless opportunities for growth, personally and professionally.” 

Kayla has become an active member of the W+H community, rising to leadership positions in athletics and extracurricular programs during her Upper School years. She values these experiences along with a challenging academic workload, and navigating this balance has enhanced her time management skills.

“W+H has provided me with academic rigor, vast leadership opportunities, and the option to study various subjects,” Kayla said. “Taking several AP and honors classes has taught me to manage my time effectively and reinforces discipline. I’m grateful for the leadership roles I’ve had, such as being a cheer captain for three years, peer leadership, and co-leading the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) affinity group.”

Kayla is also grateful for the support of the W+H College Counseling program, which offered opportunities to speak with many college admission representatives. Meeting the Boston University representative helped Kayla gain deeper insight into the school at the beginning of her senior year. 

“My experience at W+H has provided me with skills that I can apply to my classes, extracurriculars, and the new challenges I will face,” she said. “Serving in several leadership roles and being a part of a tight-knit community has taught me values like teamwork, communication and accountability.” 

Meet Sammy Faust ’25, who is excited about continuing his academic journey at Northeastern University, where he plans to major in computer science. Sammy has received wonderful feedback about the school from his older brother and fellow W+H lifer Matthew Faust ’23, who is enjoying a positive experience at Northeastern. 

“I chose Northeastern because of its excellent co-op program, which will allow me to gain hands-on experience in the tech field while pursuing my degree,” Sammy said. “Additionally, I’ve always loved the city of Boston, which made me realize that I wanted to attend a college located in a city with many opportunities. Northeastern’s urban campus in the heart of Boston perfectly combines an education with the great city atmosphere.”

Sammy has grown up at Wardlaw+Hartridge and credits the school with teaching him skills like time management, collaboration and critical thinking. In addition to his academic workload, Sammy manages an active extracurricular calendar that includes leadership in athletics and clubs.

“Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal responsibilities at W+H has prepared me to succeed in the college environment of Northeastern,” he said. “W+H has provided a wide range of opportunities that helped me grow into a well-rounded individual. Through participation in cultural events, leadership roles, and language studies like Chinese, I’ve developed adaptability, cultural awareness, and a mindset that I’m eager to take to Northeastern.”

Sammy is grateful to the W+H college counseling program for its help in guiding him through the process. He said their personalized support allowed him to reflect on his goals, research my options, and ultimately choose a school that aligned with his academic interests, career, and desire for city life.

“I’m excited to start at Northeastern, where I can combine my passion for computer science with Boston’s opportunities,” Sammy said. “I look forward to using the skills I’ve developed at W+H to thrive in this environment.”
 

Meet Caleb Rothrock Steinfeld ’25, who is looking forward to enrolling at Boston University, where he intends to pursue a major within the School of Arts & Sciences. BU landed on Caleb’s radar when he was looking at schools in the Boston area and made its way to top of his list after he visited the campus, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

“I didn't think there would be a school out there that had a solid campus ground in the middle of the city, but that's what BU felt like to me,” Caleb said. “I would have all the advantages of being a student in a large city without needing to sacrifice that classic college campus feeling. I know it's super cliche, but when I stepped on the BU campus, it just felt right for me. It also helped that BU has a super flexible curriculum that will allow me to explore all my interests before deciding on a major, or maybe even creating my own!”

Caleb is grateful for the diverse and supportive W+H community, which has helped him develop his interpersonal skills through exposure to people from different backgrounds in various settings. He cited Mrs. Sharon Byrne and Ms. Jinni Durham as teachers who have been extremely supportive of his endeavors.

“W+H has made me step out of my comfort zone on multiple occasions and I think it has really made me a better person. I'm not a great public speaker; in fact, it makes me incredibly nervous to talk in front of people. But through the many presentations I have had to do and by performing through W+H's robust and welcoming Performing Arts Department, I have really improved that ability,” he said.

Caleb added that he’s truly thankful for the guidance of Ms. Alayne Birnhak, Associate Director of College Counseling, who helped him find his academic destination for the next four years.

Meet Amelie Leu ’25, who is living her dream after a recent early decision acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania. She’s coveted UPenn as a college destination throughout her Upper School years and is thrilled that it became a reality.

“What made me realize that UPenn was my dream school was seeing all of the past W+H alumni that matriculated there. Watching them through social media and even reaching out to them with questions I had only further proved that it was the university for me,” Amelie said.

Amelie’s love for UPenn increased when she visited the campus, as it felt like its own community while still very connected to the city. She’s also interested in studying Cognitive Science, a fairly new major that not all schools offer.

“What I love most about my university is its reputation as a social Ivy,” Amelie said. “I not only want to succeed academically but I also want to join clubs and find student life on campus that supports the person I want to become and the career I want to pursue.”

Amelie has spent her entire academic life at W+H and truly values the close-knit community and support of her teachers.

“The W+H community has blessed me in many different ways,” she said. “One way it has blessed me is in giving me the ability to understand how to interact with my teachers and reach out when I need help. I have formed close bonds with teachers that I will forever be grateful for. All the teachers here, from Lower School all the way to Upper School, have been nothing but supportive.”

She’s also grateful for the many opportunities W+H has provided for her to make an impact on the world. Among her favorites are the TEEEM (The Empathy, Equality, and Entrepreneurship Mission) initiatives, which include tutoring programs and an especially memorable trip.

“The highlight of this program for me has been the trip to the Oglala Lakota Nation in South Dakota that we took over the summer. Interacting with the youth on the reservation was an experience that I will never be able to forget,” said Amelie, who also participated in several tutoring programs at W+H.  “I learned how to be empathetic and a person for others rather than myself. The experiences and lessons I have learned through these programs will stay with me throughout the rest of my life and have left an irreversible impression on the person I am today,” Amelie said. 

Amelie will graduate from W+H as a confident young woman ready to shape her future and the world: “The programs at W+H have heavily prepared me for my career goals. I want to pursue work as a child psychiatrist. Many programs allowed me to form connections and interact with young children, whether it be helping them with a math problem or sharing cultural traditions. I have not only learned how to interact with youth but have also been able to pursue my passion for mental health through our school’s Active Minds chapter and Mental Health Symposium. With Wardlaw+Hartridge’s help, I feel prepared to step into college and professional life with the skills I need to succeed.”

Meet Mason Clemetson ’25, who is thrilled to be enrolling at the University of Virginia after his recent early decision acceptance. While Mason is not yet certain about his major field of study, he is sure he’s found an amazing place to continue his education.

“I chose UVA because it encapsulates everything that I want from my college experience,” said Mason, who’s considering business and history as possible majors. “At UVA, I will have access to world-class professors who can broaden my understanding of the world, and I believe that the resources the school will provide me both inside and outside of the classroom will help further my growth as a person.”

When visiting the Grounds, Mason fell in love with UVA’s rich history and traditions, Thomas Jefferson’s ideals of integrity and collaboration, and the atmosphere and camaraderie of the school. A talented All-GMC basketball player, he’s also looking forward to being immersed in the robust Atlantic Coast Conference sports culture.

Mason has quickly gained the respect of his W+H teachers and coaches as a dependable student and leader. He’s grateful for the opportunities and experiences the school has provided and feels well prepared for college.

“I believe that Wardlaw+Hartridge has taught me the necessary study habits, along with the skill of balancing multiple sports and extracurriculars, that will help me succeed in college,” he said. “Also, as someone who transferred to W+H my junior year, I appreciate the welcoming nature of the W+H community and that it truly uplifts and cares for its students. I believe that the confidence that this school has given me as a student and as a person will help me succeed at UVA.”

While he takes pride in his role as the basketball team’s point guard, Mason also values the leadership opportunity he’s enjoyed as a peer leader. Mason said this experience has taught him a lot about himself and made him realize that true leadership is about connection, understanding, and helping others develop into leaders of their own.

“I’m incredibly grateful for all of the people I’ve met at W+H and all of the friends I have made since I came here last year,” Mason said. “I’m glad that I was able to spend my last two years of high school at Wardlaw+Hartridge, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life at UVA.”  

Meet Kate Wolff ’25, who is thrilled to be enrolling at the University of Richmond after her recent early admission acceptance. Kate plans to major in psychology or organizational behavior studies. 

Kate chose the University of Richmond because of how much they prioritize their students' success, both in and out of the classroom. She wanted to be close to a city with a traditional campus feel, and Richmond’s beautiful campus surrounding a lake with a nearby city atmosphere checked those boxes.

She’s made the most of her four years at Wardlaw+Hartridge and is grateful for the many opportunities that have shaped her.

“At W+H, I learned how to advocate for myself and communicate effectively with my teachers and peers,” Kate said. “I’ve been able to practice balancing my social life and classes, which I know will be useful in college. By trying new sports and taking leadership positions, I’ve broadened my interests and skill set while stepping outside of my comfort zone.”

Kate also reflected on some W+H opportunities she wouldn’t have experienced elsewhere: “I was lucky enough to be on the South Dakota trip this past summer, where I learned the importance of community, compassion, and adaptability. I’ve used these qualities in the W+H community and am excited to use them again at my new community in Richmond.”

She added that she’s forever grateful to Ms. Sarah Honan, Director of College Counseling, for introducing her to the University of Richmond and for her endless help and support in the application process: “She helped me be confident in myself and my application and realize that University of Richmond is where I want to be in these next four years.”

Kate is excited for the next chapter of her life at Richmond and is extremely grateful to the W+H community for the past four years!