Arianne Horan
Class of 2021
- Hometown: Byfield in Newbury, MA
- Time at Waring: I have been at Waring since 6th grade.
- Favorite Class: It is impossible to choose one. My favorite classes are humanities and writing. I always knew I loved to write, but I discovered my passion for humanities in 8th grade. I have learned how to form a persuasive thesis while backing it up with research and text. I have also read the most influential and entertaining books including, Dante’s Inferno and The Canterbury Tales. Humanities class has challenged me by making me struggle with ideas and concepts seemingly impossible to grasp–although these challenges are what made me discover my analytical voice.
- Favorite Waring experience: Waring students are hard-working, creative, and kind. They are inclusive, open-minded, and respect people's individuality. They support Waring traditions but are not afraid to embrace change when necessary. In 9th grade, I experienced one of the biggest changes in my life, living in Angers, France with a host family for a month. I think our trip encompasses so many core values of Waring such as lifelong and hands-on learning. The Angers trip was life-changing for me and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity. I learned how to be independent and I met my correspondent who I still talk to today. This trip bonded my grade and gave me skills I will use for the rest of my life.
- Why no grades: Having no grades individualizes each student. We get evaluations instead of letter grades which are much more informative. Evaluations are carefully written to let us know what we need to work on while providing us with detailed ways to improve. Evaluations make it easier for me to understand how I can progress.
- Favorite book and/or film: I am a huge Harry Potter fan similar to many other Waring students. I have read most of the books more than once and have spent many winter nights re-watching the movies.
- Why French: French unifies us as a school. Although challenging as a beginner, the hard work pays off when you can speak French with your friends at lunch and put your skills to the test when traveling with Waring to Europe. I struggled with learning a new language, and I still do, but after traveling to Angers in 9th grade, I am not afraid to make mistakes anymore.
- After-school activities: I have been in love with theater since I was little, but it wasn’t until I did my first musical at Waring in 6th grade that I realized my adoration for musical theater in particular. When I auditioned I was terrified. I landed a role in the ensemble and quietly observed my peers fearlessly sing in front of our whole school. Ever since then, I have auditioned for every musical, taken theater elective and voice lessons, became a member of Madrigals (our auditioned small chorus), and now I am a theater TA.
- Our community: Whether on the stage, soccer field, or classroom, the Waring community has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me be the best version of myself. I have made lifelong friends in all aspects of Waring. In after-school activities such as theater and soccer, I have found friends who share a common interest. In class I have been introduced to other people’s hobbies and ideas, allowing me to learn more about things I never knew about. In tutorials I have learned how to communicate and make friends with students older than me and eventually to become a leader like them.
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