Leaders belong here: The Nova Nine

The student leaders in this year’s Nova Nine are building community with creativity, passion and team spirit. They are prepared to think differently about showcasing the MPS culture in a way that celebrates all identities, and they are working to align the school’s mission with their collective vision for the 2023–24 academic year.

Head Of School

EthiopiAset Garvey

HOMETOWN

Washington, D.C.

ON BEING HEAD OF SCHOOL

I’m committed to making sure everyone on campus feels valued, and I want to make sure I am a person everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts to.

HER PORTER’S EXPERIENCE

It has been an incredible journey of growth and development. Through the close friendships I’ve cultivated and the wonderful mentors I’ve gained, I’ve become a person my younger self would be so proud of.

FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS:

I love the Grist Mill* because it’s where my Porter’s journey began.

SECOND HEAD OF SCHOOL

Kathryn Dowling

HOMETOWN

Avon, Connecticut

ON BEING SECOND HEAD OF SCHOOL

It is imperative that we have people within our community who serve as a voice for the student body. I hope that my impact will be centered on how I make people feel and on strengthening our community even more.

HER PORTER’S EXPERIENCE

The bonds that we have and are actively building here are what is so special and sets Porter’s apart.

FUN FACT

I love to cook. There is something satisfying about making something that you love and enjoying it with friends and family.

The 6th Annual Worldwide Sit-Down Dinner is March 2, 2024.

Make sure your corner of the globe is represented in next year’s celebration of a timeless Miss Porter’s School tradition. Last year’s event spanned 11 countries, 27 states, and almost every time zone. Email registration will begin early next year.

HOMETOWN Montreal

ON BEING CO-HEAD OF MAIN

This position combines representation of student artists, art expression on campus and collaboration among artists. With my unique collection of mediums and silly ideas, I see myself contributing more engaging art to Porter’s.

What Makes Her Happy

Learning about and from others. I take every chance

I get to meet someone new, and I love the reward of getting to know who someone may be or acquiring a skill I did not have before.

Favorite Place On Campus

The small patch of grass behind the Riverview, overlooking the Connecticut River. The view is always sparkling, and the experience peaceful.

HOMETOWN Brooklyn, New York

ON BEING CO-HEAD OF MAIN

I see myself experimenting with mixed media to create signage for important traditions, working closely with the dining staff for fun Sit-Down Dinners and culinary guests, and collaborating with my co-head.

HER PORTER’S EXPERIENCE

The importance of community and friendship stands out to me the most. From toaster rides to late-night talks, in 20 years, I will remember the friends I’ve made and the fun times we’ve shared.

HOMETOWN

Long Island, New York

ON BEING CO-HEAD OF NEW GIRLS

I can’t wait to meet and talk to New Girls and build lasting connections with them. I’d love to help new students grow and flourish at Porter’s!

WHAT MAKES HER HAPPY

I love looking at the stars, tending to my eight different houseplants and hanging out with my friends and family.

CO-HEAD OF NEW GIRLS Cate Callahan

HOMETOWN

Westerly, Rhode Island

ON BEING CO-HEAD OF NEW GIRLS

I am beyond excited to be able to help next year’s New Girls adjust to their life at Porter’s! I hope I will be able to make their first year as easy as possible.

HER PORTER’S EXPERIENCE

I will always remember frantically practicing my German with my fellow New Girl junior and doing gift exchanges at Christmas.

FUN FACT

My favorite color is orange, but I will never wear it.

HEAD OF DIVERSITY Leah

HOMETOWN

Parrish, Florida

ON BEING HEAD OF DIVERSITY

I see my role as one that is deeply dependent on and dedicated to addressing the needs of our community members. My priority will always be to listen to, empathize with and support the growth of every individual.

HER PORTER’S EXPERIENCE

Not only have I been given the opportunity to pursue every one of my far-fetched goals but I have always been consistently supported by everyone around me to do so.

FUN FACT

I’ve been playing classical piano since 2011, teaching myself guitar since 2019, and going to and working at a music camp in Vermont since 2016.

HEAD OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Eh Wah Wah

HOMETOWN

Hartford, Connecticut

ON BEING HEAD OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES

I view this position as the bridge between my peers and student life. By planning weekend and on-campus activities, I aim to offer students the ability to make unforgettable memories with friends.

FUN FACT

I was incapable of growing hair until I was 4, so I went to preschool bald!

WHAT MAKES HER HAPPY

Fashion, because it is such a beautiful thing to have the freedom to present and express yourself the way you want to!

HEAD OF ATHLETICS

Laurel Benson

HOMETOWN

Norwich, Vermont

ON BEING HEAD OF ATHLETICS

I have always been energetic and enthusiastic, and I am ready to channel that energy into this position contributing to school spirit and energy as well as being everyone’s biggest cheerleader.

HER PORTER’S EXPERIENCE

My teammates, close friends and mentors make Porter’s feel like home.

WHAT MAKES HER HAPPY

My dog Lila.