People in the region recently learned what people at Wilbraham & Monson Academy already know.
In the 2016 Reader Raves, which was published Sept. 20 in the local newspaper, "The Republican," the Academy was voted the Best Private School in Western Massachusetts.
"Of course, we are extraordinarily proud of WMA and the accomplishments of our students and our program, but it is a wonderful affirmation to hear that so many other people agree," Head of School Brian Easler said. "WMA is a magical place where hard work abounds in a nurturing and supportive community. We are fortunate to be so involved in so many of our students' lofty dreams becoming reality."
More than 67,000 people participated in this year's Reader Raves, voting on 100 categories, ranging from Best Local Bank to Best Doughnuts.
"This award is particularly meaningful because we are surrounded by such fine and first-rate private school neighbors," Mr. Easler added. "To be honored in this way, by those who know us best, is a special tribute to the hard work and dedication our faculty and staff put in, day and night, to create the WMA student experience."
WMA, which dates back to 1804 and was the first school in the United States to educate students from China, enrolls more than 400 students from 24 countries. Here's what WMA students from around the world had to say about the Academy:
- Phillip Borninkhof '16, Netherlands: "WMA is amazing. It feels like the community is one family."
- Allie Collins-Anderson '16, Wilbraham: "I've been here seven years. When I give tours to families I tell them I wouldn't have stayed if I didn't love it. One of the main reasons I stayed was because of the Global Scholars program. I wouldn't have had nearly the opportunities I've had because of that. Also, and it's silly, but the senior stones ... that's something that's so unique about this school. No other school has it and I'll always feel like I'm here. Lastly, and I know it's cheesy, but the people ... the teachers are incredible, and Head of School is my advisor. We're so small it's easy to know each other and to know each other well. I love walking up and down the hill and saying 'hi' to every person I see."
- Ikas de Brito Trindade '17, Angola: "WMA is a preparatory school for the modern world. The diverse environment that it offers reflects a world that is increasingly interconnected. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and student body, we can create a home for students from all over the world."
- Baccio Galletti '16, Italy: "Coming here I was able to meet a new culture and meet new people. It's comfortable here because I've made so many new friends. I think it was good to leave my country to meet new people and a new culture and see how the world really works."
- Gerardo Navarro Leon '16, Mexico: "I am really enjoying my time here at WMA, mostly because since the day I arrived here everyone has been really nice to me and they all make me feel comfortable."
- Kathy Ton '16, Vietnam: "I feel so welcome at WMA. It's like a second home to me. My dorm parents are like real parents and my dorm mates are like siblings. The support that I get from my friends and my teachers helps me cope with the fact that I'm 8,000 miles from home."
- Carly Venditti '16, Wolcott, Conn.: "Interviewing here was different than when I interviewed at other private schools. I got a welcoming feeling here. The Admission staff was amazing, and beyond that, when I came for my Shadow Day visit, the feel I got from the faculty and the school was something that I enjoyed and liked."
- Xinyu "Tony" Zhang '16, China: "WMA feels like home even though I'm 6,000 miles away from my parents."
