2020 Senior Spotlight

When the Class of 2020 was asked to describe themselves as a whole, the list they submitted was long and varied, but a few words—supportive, genuine, and passionate—received multiple mentions. Whether they were showing support for one another by erupting in cheers whenever a college commitment was announced in homeroom; expressing their genuine care for one another during quarantine by setting up group FaceTimes and movie nights; or banding together to display their passion for their community by donating their time and talents to worthy causes, the Class of 2020 has shown that they are truly stronger together. As they embark on the next phase of their lives during a time unlike any other in history, we know the Class of 2020 will show the world that they are not only genuine, supportive, and passionate, but also resilient and ready to rise to whatever challenges await. In the following pages, we have dedicated space to highlight each individual member of the senior class and their unique contributions to our school community. 
Aniya Akhtar
With humor, heart, and a smile that brightens the world around her, Aniya is an undeniable star in any classroom or sports pitch. A true polymath, Aniya’s cross-disciplinary mind has made her a master of STEM and humanities alike. From marshmallows to social justice, Aniya’s journey inspires us all to build on strong friendships to heal communities. Whether it is the chapter of Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom she co-founded, or her moving speech in the aftermath of the tragic Tree of Life Shooting, Aniya passionately advocates for social change and cross-cultural dialogue to make the world a better place. Determined, whip-smart, and always ready to answer the call for social justice—it looks like Sarah J. Maas may have just found her new heroine. Thank you, Aniya Akhtar.

Aira Bazaz
Always in motion, Aira is a high flyer in every way. Both a brilliant scientist and a dazzling writer, she cannot be contained in a lab or on a page. Whether it is her stunning ceramics or moving photography, Aira’s artistry and singular voice shine through. We also salute her ranks as both Captain of the Field Hockey team and Queen of Tik Tok. Fiercely independent and outspoken, Aira is fearless both in her willingness to speak truth to power and to demand urgent change to the status quo. When it comes to social activism, Aira moved past bake sales a long time ago. As SDL president, Culture Jam evangelist, TedX presenter, and political intern, Aira’s credentials as a dedicated organizer, business editor, and social justice advocate are impeccable and impressive and just might land her on a ballot for political change someday. You certainly will have our vote! Thank you, Aira Bazaz.

Alexandra Benton
Quiet and contemplative, but mighty when roused, Alex has crafted an Ellis experience rooted in her strong belief in equity and empathy. She is a Saturday morning stalwart in the Yearbook room and thoughtfully approaches determining what is most valuable to the book. Her latest portrayal on the Ellis stage as Pennywise in Urinetown took the town by storm. We love hearing her voice raised in song in Glee Club and also in support of the rights and needs of others. Her work at the Children’s Institute harmonizes perfectly with this gift and, of course, Alex took this opportunity to learn, grow, and enlarge her view. Her clear-eyed determination to stay the course and seek the positive will be missed at Ellis, as will those award-winning quizlets. Thank you, Alex Benton.

Phoebe Brown
Intellectually curious, extraordinarily creative, and unfailingly honest, Phoebe has been uniquely real since their arrival in 6th grade. Whether they are on the stage or in the classroom, Phoebe will rock the house and then stay late to make sure everyone gets home safely. Effortlessly cool, Phoebe never seeks to be recognized or praised, but rather, to share and celebrate the joys of learning and life with all of us. Whether they are donning a gold bodysuit as a human Academy Award or leading the GSA, Phoebe encourages everyone to be their authentic selves. Patient, empathetic, and compassionate, they are universally admired by faculty and students alike. Thank you, Phoebe Brown.

Eliana Bruemmer
From the time this Ellis senior and tennis captain joined the Upper School as a ninth grader, it’s been nothing but aces right down the middle. Eliana’s calm and steady demeanor has made her a rock-solid presence among her classmates, who can always turn to her for help or advice—which she can dispense in up to three languages! While you may be tempted to mistake her quietness for reticence, in doing so you will overlook the quintessential Eliana: a tranquil and balanced young woman who has gained wisdom beyond her years. When faced with challenges that might shake one with a lesser constitution, the outcome is always “advantage Eliana.” We will miss her even composure and her generosity of spirit, and we wish her all the best as she moves on to her next match. Thank you, Eliana Bruemmer.

Mary-Almah Davis
From her cackling laugh to her collection of truly remarkable sweaters, Mary-Almah is a force to be reckoned with. Comments and observations that she makes in class, at lunch, or in the hall often seem to carry a lit fuse as she waits for them to go off. While she is certainly not shy, Mary-Almah is one who chooses her words very carefully. It wasn’t a surprise when her Tiny Tom delivered one of Urinetown’s most memorable lines after Old Man Strong said “I’m a little short this morning” and she responded, “no shorter than yesterday, unless I’ve grown.” All jokes aside, Mary-Almah has indeed grown, and we have been lucky to witness her scene-stealing transformation. Thank you, Mary-Almah.

Katharine Fleischner
Since arriving at Ellis in seventh grade, Kay has embraced and experienced all that the school has to offer: in the classroom, on the stage, on the athletic field, and all the places in between. More recently, she’s begun looking outside school for even more experiences, such as a student-exchange trip to Australia, and a remarkable senior project researching women’s suffrage history in Pittsburgh. A devoted lifetime Pens fan, Kay would never jump ship to the Boston Bruins as she heads from PierogiTown to BeanTown this fall. In the same sense, Kay has also proven to be a loyal and supportive friend to her classmates, one who will always be there despite the separation of miles or time zones. Thank you, Kay Fleischner.

Maggie Ginter-Frankovitch
We don’t want to overload you with too much exposition, so we’ll just say that this lifer is a kind friend, a talented artist, and a brilliant scientist. Shown by her leadership in EAA, Guild, and peer tutoring, Maggie is an all-around bright star. An independent thinker with a courageous spirit, she is not afraid to take risks, and her compassion and empathy lead her to give more than she receives and to always leave a place better than she found it. Whether she is advocating for change, volunteering her time, or even just sharing Cheez-its with her friends, she makes us proud to call ourselves her teachers. Thank you, Maggie Ginter-Frankovitch.

Natalie Graf
Although she only came to us in her sophomore year, this senior didn’t need any longer than that to earn a permanent place in our hearts. Focused in the classroom, unfazed on the court, and gifted in the art studio, Natalie has ensured that her legacy will remain in many corners of the Upper School. In all situations, she is intellectually creative and unfailingly practical; her powerful design led the way in a national celebration of women’s suffrage. Natalie is the kind of person you’d want by your side whether in a Stratford motel or on a deserted island! As she embarks on her next adventure in the Big Apple, she will approach challenges as calmly as she approaches the foul line, where she’ll shoot and score. Thank you, Natalie Graf.

Ricarda Hill
Ricarda is truly a rare combination of intellect, curiosity, and kindness who can dominate a room with her grace and conviction. While she might disagree, to her teachers Ricarda is the unique student who never seems to have a bad day. She is invariably prepared and engaged, ready to respectfully challenge others’ conclusions and to dig deeply into topics ranging from calculus to bird-banding to Vladimir Putin. Inspired by the intersection of language and social justice, Ricarda is a dual passport-holding global citizen whose investment in the study of the Irish language is rooted in a desire to celebrate the linguistic diversity of the world around her. Thank you, Ricarda Hill.

Komalpreet Kaur
Compassionate, generous, and intellectually engaged, Komal’s grace and calming presence fills our halls and inspires students and teachers alike. Clearly this class president and mentor extraordinaire cares deeply for her fellow classmates, even obsessing about the popularity of her baked good choices for them. Ellis’s own radical granddaughter now channels her boundless empathy, social activism, and life-changing experience in Thailand as an unparalleled agent of global change. Whether in class, at assemblies, on social media, and in a soon-to-be-published children’s book, Komal succeeds in focusing our attention on the powerful stories of the Radgram weavers of resistance. Although she has her sights set on global issues, we are lucky her journey will take her just next door to Chatham. I am sure she will still be available to consult on future color wars design, just as long as it remains yellow! Thank you, Komal Kaur.

Lela Krackow
With quicksilver intelligence, insatiable curiosity, and a rapier wit, Lela’s talents seem boundless. For this polyglot, math whiz, philosopher, and poet, all lanes are open. Her poise, eloquence, and sweeping knowledge have already moved her from student to master educator. In both her intellectual and personal lives, Lela pushes the limits to challenge herself, whether it is the demands of rowing on the Allegheny or volunteering in the Children’s Village in Israel. Yet, the twinkle in Lela’s eyes can be deceptive, indicating not just sparks of brilliance, but also the flash of keen wit of a beloved court jester with her silly antics, sidesplitting japes, and clever banter. The white couches where this lifer was known to nest will certainly miss her, but we at Ellis, will miss her more. Thank you, Lela Krackow.

Adylade Krimmel
Adylade’s cupcakes are lauded by her peers as the glue that holds the Class of 2020 together. Her compassion for others sticks to all that she does. An enthusiastic color wars organizer, she led her class to three golden victories. In leading Guild and EAA, acting as a Friend of Tristan on Yearbook, and by hosting innumerable school tours, Adylade consistently gives back to the school and community that she loves. Her dedication to shepherding the altos in Glee Club, her expertise and attention to detail in the clay studio, and her authorship of hand-written letters to her class all reveal this lifer as a true Ellisian. Chalk it all up to her many talents. Thank you, Adylade Krimmel.

Alena Lateef
It is no surprise that this lifer is famous for her incredible hugs; warmth radiates from her every time she enters a room. When Alena smiles, it is impossible not to smile back (go ahead—try it!). Whether she is zipping down the field hockey pitch, running a student council meeting, or touring a prospective Ellis Tiger, Alena does it all with aplomb. Always looking out for her friends and classmates, Alena has made it her mission to make the Upper School a warm and welcoming place for all students. While we will miss her dearly next year, Alena can take comfort in the legacy she has left behind, not the least of which is one EPIC goat. Thank you, Alena Lateef.

Lara Malmstrom
A true lifer with a style and approach all her own, this soccer-loving world traveler always packs a curious and questioning approach. Often the first in the lounge with a cup of coffee, she is also first to offer help to her classmates in everything from Spanish to Bio, and always with a compassionate but never judgemental ear. Art loving and with a delightful flair for the comedic on stage—we will never forget Vice Principal Panch—Lara is also revered for her genius in spot-on meme curation. Her devotion to a yearlong video documenting the life of an Ellis senior echoes the care she gives to all that connects her to all that she loves. This valued lab partner, trusted friend, and Star Wars enthusiast can tell which way the wind blows, but never allows it to push her off course. Thank you, Lara Malmstrom.

Tristan Matthews
Tristan always shows up, often in her trademark yellow cardigan sweater. That bright garment echoes the hue of her consistently positive approach. Her work ethic, ability to delegate, and perceptive leadership shaped the 2020 Ellisian Fields yearbook into a thoughtful compilation of a year in the life of Ellis, even under the strangest of circumstances. Her tenure as Editor-in-Chief marked the establishment of the FOT, or Friends of Tristan, a group of seniors who did her wise bidding, highlighting the trust and support her peers have for her. This gift for collaborative leadership reflects her interest in local government as revealed in her senior project. Perhaps that yellow cardigan will be spotted in City Hall one day. Thank you, Tristan Matthews.

Antonia Meier
Antonia is a wonderful amalgam of courageous self-advocacy and genuine kindness. Known by her classmates for her remarkable ability as a graphic artist and for planning the prom that never was, Antonia decided long ago that she would find ways to overcome any obstacles standing in the way of her learning. In addition to her academic growth and success, Antonia has helped both her classmates and especially her teachers to better understand that different students learn best in different ways. In the process, she’s moved beyond advocacy for herself to being an advocate for others coping with learning differences. In fact, her proposed Senior Project was designed to help Lower School students better understand the many ways in which students learn. Thank you, Antonia Meier.

Sierrah Paolino
Don’t let her quiet voice fool you—Sierrah is an independent thinker who is not afraid to speak up for others. Whether she is in the clay studio, on the basketball court, or in the classroom, she is giving 100% and making us all proud. With a daily commute that has the potential to make even the most positive people a little unpleasant, Sierrah takes everything in stride and seems to find joy in everything she does. As a senior leader in the BSU, she has brought her level-headed composure to the important work of this student affinity group. With her kindness, compassion, and generous hugs, she has contributed to the Ellis community in countless ways, and she is dedicated to making the world a better place. Thank you, Sierrah Paolino.

Mastura Ritz
When Mim stands to speak during homeroom or an assembly, we all listen and wonder where she might be headed: An anecdote or story? An observation? Another swim team video? Or simply an announcement? In class, the hall, or in the pit with her viola, Mim and her cereal box are an enigmatic presence whose motto seems to be “let’s keep them guessing.” We don’t need to guess at Mim’s influence in Upper School organizations such as ASU, Student Council, and the writing center. Perhaps the best clue into Mim’s inner workings can be found in her masterful memes, through which she comments on topics ranging from music to politics. Regardless of her inscrutable nature, Mim is an unfailingly loyal and supportive friend to her classmates. At the end of the day, isn’t that what matters most? Thank you, Mim Ritz.

Simone Rothstein
If you have seen the video of this senior reacting to the news that she had won a chance to meet her favorite author, then you know the kind of boundless energy and joy that she spreads throughout the Upper School. An inquisitive scholar, a courageous activist, and a loyal friend, Simone is guided by conviction and an innate desire to leave her community a better place than she found it. We have seen the benefit of her leadership in Upper School organizations such as SDL, JSU, USSC, and more. Where others see challenges, Simone sees opportunities for change, and when she cares deeply about a cause, she dives in without hesitation. How lucky we have been, and will be, to see the ways in which Simone leaves her mark on the world. Thank you, Simone Rothstein.

Jayce Sledge
As a life-long Ellisian, Jayce is always ready to reach out and ensure that all voices are heard. A powerful force in the BSU and SDL, she works with resolute and direct vision. Jayce was recently recognized as a budding engineer by the Society of Women Engineers and she puts those problem-solving talents to effective use as the dedicated manager of our championship basketball team. On any day she might be found in the clay room, shaping beautiful work, offering valued advice in advisory or working out a problem in the Bio lab. Wherever you are lucky enough to meet her, she will definitely be sharing her signature smile. Thank you, Jayce Sledge.

Anne Trimbur
The path of this Ellis senior has taken her across both our campus and the globe; from the athletic field, to the yearbook staff room, to Australia, Annie’s smile and warmth have accompanied her on her many adventures. Her positive influence in the Upper School comes in many forms, from encouraging her field hockey teammates to showing up early to set up for a student council dance. Annie is that most valuable kind of young person who remains good-natured and flexible even in the face of uncertainty, and for that, we have been exceptionally grateful these past four years. As she prepares for both the expected and the unexpected that await her, we hope Annie will remember the cheering squad she will always have here at Ellis. Thank you, Annie Trimbur.

Alexandra Wood
Known for her kindness, her impressive retention of seemingly every “fun fact” she has ever learned, and her penchant for singing in the halls and...well, everywhere she goes, Alex is truly remarkable. At Ellis, she has revealed herself to be a talented language-learner, a passionate artist, and a versatile field hockey player. Whether she is performing on the stage, rehearsing with the Glee Club, or helping a friend with homework, she does it with style and grace. Always the first to offer her congratulations, to cheer on a fellow student or teammate, or even to offer hair-dying tips, Alex is, according to her peers, a force for good in the world. Thank you, Alex Wood.
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