Summer Scholars: Gov School, Panama, & Beyond

After completing seven Mods of focused course work throughout the school year, several of our students took on the challenge of additional academic pursuits during the summer break. They took the time at the end of the school year to share a bit about their particular programs and their anticipations. Upon their returns to campus this fall, each of them has reported back about their experiences. Read on to learn all about it!

Willa Rick ’26

June:

For starters, my name is Willa Rick, I’m a rising senior Day student from Oakton, VA. I will be attending the Virginia Governor’s School world language academy for Spanish. I learned about the program during my sophomore year and was chosen as Madeira’s nominee, but I decided to work at Madeira’s summer camp, Girls First, over the summer and revisit the program at the end of my junior year. I was selected again as the nominee this year, filled out my application, and was accepted!

The program is a three-week immersive experience where I will be speaking Spanish the whole time. English is prohibited! I truly love learning the language and cannot wait to fully immerse myself in it and learn so many new things.

September:

The program completely exceeded my expectations! Going into it, I did not know what to expect and I was blown away. The classes truly stood out to me, and I was immensely impressed by my teachers. I loved getting to take the next step in my Spanish speaking journey by learning all about the history of music, literature, legal studies, and more. All these classes were fantastic, but the one that became my favorite was Italian. Learning another language while speaking Spanish was something I did not believe possible before the academy. I now hope to continue learning Italian and as many more languages as I can!

The moments that stand out to me the most would have to be the field trips and cultural experiences. There were two experiences where we got to leave the Washington and Lee campus and explore other parts of Virginia. We took a trip to Richmond to see a Frida Kahlo art exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Our guide toured us solely in Spanish and I loved getting to see all the art. The second trip we took was to a local lake. I will forever remember playing football in the water and learning new card games on the beach with my friends. In addition to the off-campus field trips, I will also cherish our on-campus experiences. We learned about the celebration of Posada (Christmas in México), drank traditional ponche navideño, and played the traditional card game Brisca.

Not only did I get to learn about many different cultures from Spanish speaking countries, but I also got to be surrounded by driven and hardworking students. My biggest takeaway was that trying new things can be hard, but with supportive friends the journey is totally worth it. I have already had several reunions with the friends I made at Gov School, and I am so grateful to have formed such strong bonds with people from this experience.

Gail McKinney ’26

June:

I'm Gail, a rising senior Day student at Madeira, where I serve as a Head Student Admissions Representative (STAR). I participate in theatre and softball, and I am Co-Head of the Madeira Girls Who Code chapter.

This summer, I am excited to participate in the ASPIRE program at John’s Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The program is for high school juniors and seniors, providing a unique, hands-on opportunity to experience and explore STEM careers before college. I have a mentor, an APL staff member, with whom I will create a passion project, solve problems in the field, and learn in a cutting-edge professional environment.

I learned about the program from online searches, and after researching it more, I was drawn to the opportunity to work alongside experts in technology and applied physics. The application process involved submitting an essay about a project I am proud of, obtaining teacher recommendations (thank you!), and completing an interview.

I am particularly excited about the chance to explore the intersection of my passion for social justice and public safety with my interest in AI and technology. The program will allow me to gain practical experience in improving AI system transparency, accountability, and fairness. I look forward to contributing to meaningful projects that could have real-world impact and building skills that will guide my future in computer science. I am also looking forward to bringing back new insights to the Madeira community, particularly through the Technology Student Partnership and the Girls Who Code club.

September:

I had an incredible experience at ASPIRE this summer!

The program exceeded my expectations in every way. While I knew I'd be working on a research project with a mentor, I didn't anticipate the sheer scale and depth of the experience. APL is massive, with about 10,000 employees, and there's always something fascinating happening. I expected to learn about AI and technology, but I was amazed by the breadth of cutting-edge research happening simultaneously, from chemistry and space exploration to military strategy applications. The professional environment felt incredibly real and impactful, not like a typical summer program.

Several moments really stand out: Presenting my research on automated evaluation of health literacy-focused AI tools and seeing how my work could genuinely impact AI safety and accessibility, exploring the incredible makerspace and watching fellow students build everything from robots to rockets, and taking a circular knitting class (who knew APL had such diverse offerings!). But honestly, the daily conversations with my mentor and the connections I made across the lab community have been the most memorable. Being treated as a real researcher rather than just a student made all the difference.

My biggest takeaway is that meaningful research happens through collaboration. I regularly received feedback from colleagues and team members, bouncing ideas off of each other during group meetings and informal conversations. The back-and-forth exchange of perspectives taught me that good research isn't just about individual expertise but about building on each other's insights. I've gained confidence in my ability to contribute to important work in tech ethics and assurance, exactly what I hoped for when I applied.

I completed over 250 hours with the program this summer and loved it so much that I'll be resuming full-time via my Co-Curriculum internship during Mod 2, as well as working after school all year on a new project with the same mentor. I've also gotten involved in clubs, activities, and affinity groups at APL and taken public speaking classes that have already helped me present more effectively. The experience has solidified my passion for computer science research and given me a clear path forward.

Madison Thomas ’26

June:

My name is Madison, and I am a rising 12th grade Day student. I play varsity volleyball and I am a co-captain of Madeira’s Equestrian Team.

I’m excited to be participating in the Virginia Governor’s School Academy for World Languages this summer, where I will be studying and only speaking French for three weeks. I was grateful to be nominated for this program by my AP French teacher, Dr. Ding, who supported me through the application and testing process this winter.

I am looking forward to participating in visual arts and writing classes with my peers, as well as meeting other people who love speaking French. I’m excited to become more fluent and learn new vocabulary that applies to my everyday life.

September:

While the program was academically focused, I found many more opportunities to participate in fun activities and build deep connections than I expected. Each night there were activities like movies, sports, and showcases, and we took trips to the lake and to a museum. It was a good mix between a type of summer camp and a school environment.

The memories that stand out to me include having sleepovers in my dorm room, eating dinner every night with my friends, performing in a talent show for our whole program, and taking classes in subjects like psychology and even Korean which were taught in French (something I never thought I could do but was so cool).

My biggest takeaway is how language and communication can shape someone's personality and relationships; I often felt like I couldn’t express my real personality in ways like making jokes because I was missing the right words. I know my friends felt similarly. “Re-meeting” everyone on the last day of the program (the first time we spoke English together) was surreal because, after spending 3 weeks together, each person’s character was slightly different. Some people were no longer as shy, and their manner of speaking was different. It was cool to see how language can influence personality in that way.

Ruby Hurvitz ’27

June:

I’m Ruby Hurvitz, a rising junior Day student from Washington DC. I am currently the Co-Head of the Environmental Committee, the secretary of the Madeira Best Buddies chapter, and a Student Admissions Representative (STAR). I am a part of both the tennis and Model United Nations (MUN) teams.

This summer, I will be doing a program with Amigos de las Americas, a non-profit organization that gives high school students the opportunity to explore a different culture through authentic service and immersion experiences throughout South America. I actually discovered the program through Ms. Slattery, the previous head of the Madeira language department. I am very interested in both marine biology and cultural exploration and immersion, and the project I chose, Panama: Supporting Sea Turtle Habitats, allowed me to explore both these interests. For my project, I will be traveling to Panama for three weeks, where I will stay with a host family and work with a local turtle conservation program called Fundación Agua y Tierra (FUNDAT) to help rehabilitate and conserve turtle habitats. To apply, an applicant can either apply to the national Amigos chapter or a local chapter, which will have more in-person events. In my case, I applied to the Washington, DC chapter, where I was required to have completed two or more years of Spanish, fill out an application, and complete an interview partly in Spanish. Once accepted, I attended a total of two training retreats and two additional volunteer opportunities within the area. In addition, each student is required to lead a letter campaign in order to raise enough money to cover the cost of the trip.

I am most looking forward to being completely immersed in a culture different from my own, where I will have the opportunity to authentically connect with people who have entirely different experiences and perspectives of the world, while doing something I am passionate about. I think it is so important to gain a broader perspective of the world through experiences to be a good global citizen, which Amigos gives me the opportunity to do.

September:

The program was definitely not what I expected, but in a really good way. Going into it, I was terrified of being in a foreign country, where I would be pushed out of my comfort zone in a way I had never experienced before. Not to mention, the idea of communicating only in Spanish seemed impossible to me. However, as soon as I got there, I felt instantly at home. While I didn’t always know how to communicate with my host family 100% of the time, they were so incredibly patient and kind. I was pushed severely out of my comfort zone exactly like I thought, but it was surprising to me how comfortable I felt being uncomfortable because of the environment I was in and the people I was surrounded by. It was a better experience than I ever could have imagined, and I am so incredibly grateful.

The moment that stands out to me most prominently was host family day, where I got to spend the entire day with only my host family. My host mom is an artist and her grandson was visiting, so we spent the entire day painting, cooking, playing soccer and many card games. It was so interesting but amazing to me that, even with a language barrier, I was able to connect with a group of people with such a different world experience than me, to the point where they became like my second family, and it was so hard saying goodbye.

I think my biggest takeaway from this endeavor would be how connections can be made across cultural differences and how important they can be. At first, I was really nervous about bonding with my host family, as mentioned earlier, though that was also one of the big things I was hoping to get from the experience. And while it was by no means easy, it was so meaningful to me to see the connection I had made with this family who lived all the way across the world and who lived such a different life than my own. I keep in touch with them to this day.  I think, a lot of the time, volunteer trips are seen as going to a country to “help” or “save,” a concept we talked about quite a lot during training. I was a little worried that’s what this trip was going to end up being like, even if that wasn’t the intention, but that could not be further from the truth. It was a truly authentic experience where we weren’t working for the community, but with the community, bonding and learning from the local youth and the people who know the community best. I think those authentic connections were the most valuable part of my experience, and something I will continue to carry with me for many years to come.

Antonia Ney ’27

June:

I’m Antonia, a rising junior Day student from Great Falls, Virginia. I dance year-round and have an interest in languages. From July to December, I’ll be spending five months in Argentina on a cultural exchange at an Argentine high school.

I started looking into exchange programs at the beginning of my sophomore year because I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in the Spanish language and learn more about Argentine culture, since it’s where I was born.

I’m most looking forward to experiencing what it’s like to go to school in Argentina, and to improve my Spanish.

September:

The program has been everything I hoped for and more, and I’ve learned so much, from Argentine culture to different perspectives and ways of daily life. Some of my best memories so far have been hanging out with friends, drinking mate together, and talking with my host sister on the walk home from school. One of my biggest takeaways is noticing the differences in customs and daily routines between Argentina and the U.S., which has been a really interesting part of the experience.

Sophia Ren ’26

June:

My name is Sophia Ren, and I am a rising Day senior. In terms of leadership positions, I am the co-head of Math Club and Girls Who Code club, as well as the Co-Head of the Junior Mental Health Committee. Outside of that, I am also on the Varsity tennis team at Madeira.

This summer, I will be participating in the Virginia Governor's School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology. I first learned about the opportunity from Mr. Sears, who invited interested sophomores and juniors to apply through a school-level nomination process. I submitted a form detailing my academic background, activities, and achievements relevant to math and science. Our school was allowed to nominate only one student, and I was honored to be selected. From there, I submitted essays and competed at the state level for a spot in the program. This program is a three-week residential program held at the University of Lynchburg and provides math and science courses among other activities.

As a Day student, I've rarely lived away from home, so this will be an exciting opportunity for me to experience independence in a structured, academic environment. I'm especially looking forward to collaborating with peers who share my passion for math and science, and to immersing myself in hands-on research that pushes me beyond the boundaries of a typical high school curriculum.

September:

I expected SRGS-MST to be primarily academically focused, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much the program emphasized the residential and social aspects. While we did have structured classes in the mornings on weekdays, most afternoons and evenings were free, giving us plenty of time to connect with one another. I spent my mornings building circuits and designing electrical components, then spending afternoons playing sports, card games, or going to the trampoline park.

Two moments stand out most prominently to me. I spent countless hours in the common room playing cards, but I remember one game of slapjack most vividly. My friend and I played for nearly an hour, each of us too quick to lose, but not quick enough to win. Eventually, the game ended when curfew forced us to stop. That moment captured the side of the program I hadn’t seen on the website: the fun, spontaneous memories that made it just as meaningful as the academics.

Another moment was my birthday. During dinner, my friends surprised me with a cake they’d cobbled together from dining hall snacks and desserts, and the entire hall joined in to sing me “Happy Birthday.” What touched me most was that half the people singing were strangers I’d barely spoken to.

My biggest takeaway was the friendships I formed. I didn’t expect to make friends I’d still be talking to long after the program ended, but the people I met turned out to be the most meaningful part of the experience.

Michelle Liu ’26

June:

Hi, my name is Michelle, and I am a rising senior Day student from McLean, Virginia. At Madeira, I am one of the Co-Heads of Community Service and am a part of the Model UN (MUN) and tennis teams.

This summer, I am attending Virginia's Governor School for the Humanities at Radford University. Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide high school students in Virginia with educational experiences in various fields. I worked with Dr. Ward and Ms. Sundberg to apply during the fall and winter through writing essays, recommendation letters, and listing my extracurriculars.

I am looking forward to diving deeper into topics I am interested in learning more about with professors from Radford and connecting with peers who are passionate about the same things as I am through Governor's School this summer.

September:

Looking back on my experience, there were definitely some parts I expected and others that I didn’t! I expected that Governor’s School would be very academically focused, and the classes I took from the professors dove deep into individual topics, which I enjoyed learning about. I didn’t expect the community that formed so quickly in three weeks. As a group, we bonded so well, and it was amazing to see the support across the disciplines in both the Humanities and Visual/Performing Arts. It was special to come out of this experience with friends across the state of Virginia.

For the Humanities students, our final assignment was a research poster that tackled a “wicked problem,” or a complex issue that is difficult to solve. It was interesting to see various topics be presented, from climate change and the housing crisis to stolen art and public transportation. My group did research on ballot mistranslations and the language barriers that affected minority communities when voting. Our research culminated in a “Wicked Festival,” where the entire Governor’s School was invited, as well as Radford’s President, Deans, and professors to come see our projects and ask questions. It was rewarding to research something in detail and then be able to share it with others. In turn, going to the showcases of the other disciplines - visual arts, theater, dance, and music - were just as memorable and it was amazing to see all of the talent that was there!

Governor’s School presented so many opportunities and the people there are all the best of the best. I am so lucky to have spent three weeks at a place that really helped me learn, grow, and connect with people I would probably not have had the chance to meet otherwise. From the amazing counselors, professors, and guest speakers, Gov School really does a fantastic job of combining academics while also making sure the experience is super fun. We also got automatic admission to Radford! I’ve learned so much both academically and have lifetime memories that I will always carry with me.

I would recommend any sophomore or junior who lives in Virginia to apply to Gov School! Especially since the application is directly through Madeira, you already have so much support and you will have such a rewarding experience.

From college campuses across Virginia to international destinations, our students had an exciting and academically rigorous summer. Even better, they had the opportunity to make connections and build new friendships as global citizens and scholars. Thank you to all the students who shared their insights. Have a marvelous school year!

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