PARTING WORDS

FROM STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT NICK WATTS ’23

FOR COLLEGE, I WILL ATTEND…

Xavier University, majoring in the Philosophy, Politics, and the Public honors program. It combines political science with abstract ideas. I shadowed the program for a day, and it reminded me of Mr. [Merle] Black’s class in my sophomore year – Honors Modern Europe and the World. It was a very philosophical class in which we studied human nature and asked important questions on topics such as why we exist, why we form governments, and others on world order. That class connected a lot of dots for me.

BEING AT COUNTRY DAY IS… something that I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to do. It’s been tough, a lot of late nights, a lot of tests, but it’s been worth it. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it and without the people here who have helped me. All of them pushed me out of my comfort zone to try things I didn’t think I could do. It has not been an easy ride, but it has been fun; I am certainly better off for it.

I DEFINITELY STRESSED ABOUT… exams, specifically AP exams. I know that sounds cliché. But what I found out is that in the long run, an exam doesn’t define you. If you put forth your best effort, that’s what really matters. Extracurriculars such as Student Council, the Scroll, and theater were all stressful but I’m very glad to have been involved with all of these things.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT SENIOR YEAR IS… being given the opportunity to be a leader in the school. I’ve taken my leadership position very seriously this year and I love Country Day students. There is so much talent, there is so much good energy. And being able to harness those things and put them into action by having spirit-filled events and just by fostering a culture of connectedness among students of different grades in the Upper School has been something that I am so happy to have done this year.

MY FAVORITE MEMORY AT COUNTRY DAY IS… the football game against Park Tudor on September 16, 2022. Our football team was defeated the year before after venturing to Indiana to play them. This year, not many expected us to win. During the game, like most other games, we stayed loud and were encouraging our players the entire time. When we won, all the students stormed the field. Everyone was hugging and high-fiving each other. Even though we weren’t favored to win, everyone still showed up – in the camo theme – and was there for the team. Dozens of faculty members and parents were there as well. The fact that so many showed up to support our football team despite the disadvantage shows the dedication of Country Day students to each other outside of school hours. It demonstrates the commitment we have to supporting our peers through difficult challenges and the importance of being present when those challenges are overcome.

I’M EXCITED TO… take what I’ve learned at Country Day and apply it to whatever comes next. Our oldest alum [Corny Hauck ’43], who I interviewed in the fall, said a Country Day education helped him in college and in life. I’m excited to see how my experience here will have prepared me to tackle college and beyond.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT COUNTRY DAY IS… the community. We are kind of an enclave here in Indian Hill. The small class sizes have allowed me to learn 95 percent of people’s names. At a big school, you’re one in a million and can easily get lost in the shuffle. At Country Day, the small size allows teachers and the school to keep students from falling behind emotionally, socially, and academically.

MY BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR NEXT YEAR’S SENIOR CLASS IS… be a good role model and set a good example. I hope they keep up the traditions of fun events, positivity, and inclusivity. Overall, for any kid, just get involved. Don’t be afraid to do anything that you want to do. I regret not getting involved with the academic team earlier; I absolutely loved it when I finally got involved in my senior year. If you fail at something, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll be better off for it.

IN 25 YEARS, I HOPE TO… stay in policy and government until I retire, so hopefully I’ll be in office. As long as I am making a difference and helping people, then I’ll stay in whatever role I’m in.

Creating