As the school year draws to a close, one of the most anticipated traditions for the community is Senior Send-Off, a celebration that marks both an ending and the beginning of a new chapter. On Friday, May 1, the Class of 2026 set out on journeys that will allow them to get a taste of independence and explore their passions beyond the classroom.
During Senior Send-Off, Mr. Newman explained that Senior Independent Studies are designed for students to pursue meaningful, self-directed initiatives that reflect both their interests and future aspirations.
Whether through internships, research, creative projects or community engagement, SIS allows seniors to step outside of their normal academic routines and end their time at Wooster with a sense of independence, purpose and exploration.
Witnessing the beginning of SIS has led us to get a closer look at the seniors’ experiences: how students chose their projects, what they hoped to gain from them and how it shapes their final weeks of senior year.
Ella has been a runner her whole life. She is captain of both the Cross Country and Track teams, sports she will be continuing at Virginia Wesleyan University in the fall. Over time, she has developed an interest in the psychological side of performance.
This passion is evident in her project, where she will be working as a volunteer running guide with Achilles CT and Special Olympics, supporting athletes with disabilities in both one-on-one and group settings.
She wanted to design a project that combined these interests in an immersive, real-world way. This project allows her to take something that has shaped her own life and use it to better understand and support others.
She will be working closely with Achilles CT’s chapter leaders and experienced guides, learning how to properly support and communicate with athletes of all abilities.
Alongside her volunteer work, she will continue her own outdoor track training while also journaling and studying work by marathoners and sports psychology professionals. This will allow her to better understand the connection between mindset, performance and community.
Although she anticipates challenges, particularly learning how to adapt her communication and support style to meet the needs of different athletes, Ella views this initiative as a fundamental opportunity to grow.
Ella’s project highlights the ways SIS can be used to make a meaningful impact within the community. These independent studies
can also be a way to explore potential career paths and gain early experience in fields seniors hope to pursue in college and beyond.
Johnny has decided to step directly into the world of finance. In the fall, he will attend the University of Richmond, where he plans
to study business administration with a concentration in finance.
Through his SIS project, Johnny is already beginning to explore that future in an immersive way, working alongside a financial investment strategist who will serve as a mentor. He will focus on investment strategy and stock market analysis, beginning by reading “Stocks for the Long Run” by Jerry Siegel.
He used lessons from the book to choose 10 stocks to invest in with a mock budget of $100,000. Beyond simply tracking stocks, Johnny will experience the level of discipline and consistency that a career in finance requires, rather than simply learning about it in a classroom setting.
Although Johnny is excited by the opportunity, he anticipates the challenge of the fast-paced environment.
“The market moves fast,” he explained. “If you don’t keep up, you get left behind.”
Overall, the project is giving Johnny a clearer understanding of the demands that come with working in finance, while allowing him to challenge himself in a new way.
It is clear that both Johnny and Ella are utilizing the diversity of SIS in order to further explore their passions, develop practical skills, build connections and prepare for their futures.
Eve '27
Advanced Journalism
Scarlett '27
Advanced Journalism
