Every year, we gather to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For many people, it can feel like just another day off school, another name in a history book, or another speech we’ve heard before. But today, I want to ask a deeper question: Why do we really celebrate Dr. King? What does his legacy actually mean—and why does it still matter to us, here at Wayland, today?

For many alumni, Wayland Academy is more than a school—it’s a place that stays with them long after graduation. The friendships, teachers, and lessons learned on campus continue to shape who they are and how they see the world. For some, that connection runs so deep that they eventually find their way back as educators and mentors guiding the next generation.

After six years at Wayland, I left in 2022 to pursue a long-term residency at the LUX Center for the Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska. While leaving Wayland was extremely difficult, the experience was essential for developing a new body of work, expanding my technical abilities, and opening exhibition opportunities. It also inspired me to participate in regular summer residencies. Artist residencies vary in location, duration, and resources, but at a minimum, they provide artists with time and space to create.

Madyson DeWitt, a freshman here at Wayland Academy, shares her advice for incoming students. Based on her own experience, these tips will help you navigate the transition to high school with confidence.

2024 has been a year of excitement, friendships made and strengthened, and countless memories created that will exceed the bounds of this year and last a lifetime. Traditions that bind our community together throughout the years remain prevalent through their individual moments.

At Wayland Academy, education extends beyond the classroom. It’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for all aspects of life. Team sports play a vital role in this holistic approach, offering students opportunities to develop crucial life skills that contribute to both personal and academic success.