8 minute read
Fine & Performing Arts
Emily Wu ’23 lets her writing do the talking
Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Zihan “Emily” Wu ’23 said she has a hard time saying goodbye.
In April, however, she said hello—hello to an award from one of the biggest writing competitions in the region.
Emily’s personal narrative entry of “Memory in Song” earned a Silver Key from the Massachusetts Scholastic Art & Writing Award Contest, which draws students in Grades 7–12 from throughout the state.
“I was glad that I could win an award in this contest,” Emily said. “Because I don’t usually talk much, I wish my words and sentences would express my emotions and feelings of everything surrounding me, letting people experience my inner world.”
zIhAN “EmILY” wu ’23 Rilee Harris ’23 lands Scholastic Art Award
Most people don’t like going to the doctor’s office.
Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Rilee Harris ’23 really doesn’t like to go to the doctor’s office.
Rilee, though, used her iatrophobia (extreme fear of doctors or medical tests) and talents as an artist to earn an Honorable Mention Award at this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Contest.
Rilee completed the digital illustration as part of her portfolio for AP 2D Design, which she took with Paul Bloomfield.
“We have to build a portfolio based on a theme,” Rilee said. “My theme was things that scare me. Since I was a kid, I’ve been afraid of doctors. I think of them as some type of other being. I made the illustration to make them look how I perceive them to be—looking at them through my eyes.
“I was shocked I won an award. We had to pay to enter, so the money was worth it. I feel more confident as an artist now.”
The award-winning digital illustration of Rilee Harris ’23.
Middle Schoolers No. 1 in state’s National Economic Challenge
from LEft:
Dylan Shonack ’27, Narayan Kalia ’26 and Padraig Dunbar ’26.
BY BILL wELLS Director of Student Promotion
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Wilbraham & Monson Academy is proud of its Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance program.
What many people might not know is the CEEF mindset isn’t just for our Upper School students.
Led by CEEF Department Chair Jim Irzyk, three students—Padraig Dunbar ’26, Narayan Kalia ’26, and Dylan Shonack ’27—placed first in the state in the Middle School Division at the National Economic Challenge in April.
“The team of Dylan, Narayan and Padraig was eager and excited to enter the competition,” Mr. Irzyk said. “They took two practice tests on their own to become familiar with the test questions and potential concepts. Some online resources were also available to help them prepare for the test. We’re thrilled they entered and placed first. These three young men are also active FEB (Finance, Entrepreneurship & Business Society) participants, and WMA is fortunate to have them for many years to come.”
The NEC, a nationwide contest held in each state, tests a student’s understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics and overall comprehension of the world’s economy.
“Mr. Irzyk started an economy club (in the Middle School) and asked if I would like to join,” Padraig said. “I did, along with two other middle schoolers. Part of this club was the Econ Challenge. I thought it would be a fun learning experience for me. I never expected to win, but with the help from the other two students we were able to.”
WMA’s competitors took a 30-minute, 35-question exam in the school’s trading center, the Shenkman Center.
“The reason I came to this school is because of the available extracurricular activities offered,” Dylan said. “I was initially offered a spot in the FEB club, and Mr. Irzyk told me it would be a great opportunity for me to learn and get prepared for Upper School classes. It was a great experience and definitely something I am very proud of.”
“I like economics because there is something interesting about how finance and economics makes the world go around,” Narayan said. “I also like the complexity of finance.”
WMA Basketball Coach gets taste of the big time
• toP LEft Mike Mannix, right, with Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart, foreground, during a TBT practice.
• toP riGHt Coach Mike Mannix during practice.
• BELoW Screenshot of Mike Mannix on ESPN coverage of TBT action.
BY BILL wELLS Director of Student Promotion
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Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Mike Mannix is well known throughout New England for his coaching abilities at the high school level.
Coach Mannix took those abilities to the professional level during the summer when he coached YGC Hoops Academy at The Basketball Tournament, which was held at eight sites throughout the United States in a winner-take-all $1 million event.
“Getting around some basketball people and being able to see the game on ESPN shows TBT fills the void of summer basketball,” Coach Mannix said. “I was honored to be a part of it.”
The 2021–22 NEPSAC Boys Basketball Class AA Coach of the Year led a team of 12 men who play at the professional level.
“This was a different experience. We didn’t talk about study hall in the dorm or what time to be in the dining hall,” Coach Mannix said. “They all took their jobs seriously, and being able to sit down and talk to some of the international players and have them show me some things that they were doing X’s and O’s wise that I can bring back to WMA.”
He’ll also bring back a few tidbits he gained from Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics, who helped put together the team.
“It was great to have him around,” Coach Mannix said. “He showed me a couple things they do defensively with the Celtics and hopefully, again, I can bring that back here.” dry, played our game, the crowd was lively, and there were two emcees on the court who were commentating on the game as we played. They walked around, sharing their commentary. It was like one of those old-school roasts. They give nicknames—some are complimentary, some are not. After a certain conversation with a referee, one of the emcees asked me if I had ever looked into anger management. It was all in good fun.”
Along with coaching professionals, Coach Mannix had a chance to coach one of his former players from his early days at the Academy.
“Curtis Cobb ’15 was on the team, and it was great to reconnect with Curtis. He’s in his mid-20s and playing professionally now in Portugal.”
YGC won its first game before being eliminated with a loss in its second. Both games were aired on ESPN platforms.
After three practices in Boston in July, the team bused to New York City for its regional games, set to be played at arguably the most famous basketball playground in the country—Rucker Park.
“Luckily the weather held up for us, but even that was an interesting element,” Coach Mannix explained. “We had to wait for the court to
Spring Semester
Campus was alive during our Spring Semester in 2022. Most school activities had returned to pre-pandemic status, including domestic student travel.
1 Chloe Raker ’26 and Payton Klepacki ’22 enjoy quality time during a workshop at the Middle School. 2 Class of 2022 students sport T-shirts of where their post-WMA adventures will take them. 3 Cooling off on the Slip ’n’ Slide during the last week of classes. 4 Abby Dorunda ’24, left, and Drew Habermeier ’23 pose together after enjoying the Color Run tradition. 5 From left: Maddie Ford ’23, Isabelle Rivera ’25 and Sarah Malandrinos ’22. 6 Cooper Schechterle ’22 enjoys a memorable vantage point during a WMA trip to the Grand Canyon area in March. 7 From left: Tiana Gao ’22, former employee and alumni parent Paula Vedovelli and Brendan Herbert ’22 are all smiles before Prom. 8 From left: Tiana Gao ’22, Jeremiah Patterson-Yancey ’22, Brooke Catellier ’22 and Gianna Courtney ’22 proudly display pennants of their college choices in the College Counseling Office wing. 9 Another beautiful sunset over Rich Hall, taken from the steps of Smith Hall. 10 Padraig Dunbar ’26 provides a demonstration of his creation in the iLab. 11 Sam Essien ’23 12 From left: Mark Tobias ’25, Youbin Kim ’22 and Jinyi “Toby” Liang ’22 during a Spring Concert performance in Alumni Memorial Chapel. 13 From left: Cooper Dwyer ’25, Aiwanehi “Nehi” Abulu ’22 and Patrick Evuleocha ’22 enjoy Cruise Night in Lak Dining Hall.
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