Meet the Class of 2025
Each year, we celebrate the unique journeys and bright futures of our graduating students — and the Class of 2025 is no exception. They’ve faced challenges with resilience, approached their studies with curiosity, and formed bonds that will last a lifetime. As they take the next step beyond Somersfield Academy, we are proud to share their stories, goals, and reflections.
Class of 2025: Noah Astwood
Noah has been part of the Somersfield community for seven years, following her siblings Emma and Caleb and continuing the family tradition at the school. She plans to take a gap year to complete an internship at BIOS, followed by joining the Maritime Career Springboard Programme at Endeavour, before attending Rutgers University.
Reflecting on her journey, Noah credits her parents for their unwavering support through the challenges of the Diploma Programme, especially during exams, the Extended Essay, and Internal Assessments. Her advice to younger learners is to avoid procrastination and manage their workload in a timely manner, which she believes will pay off in the long run.
One of Noah’s most cherished memories is from her early days in M1, when she first formed close friendships—bonds she says will stay with her for years to come.
Class of 2025: Nishika Bisht
Nishika joined Somersfield four years ago in M4 and quickly made her mark. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family and teachers, crediting them with helping her find clarity in her career path. Looking ahead, Nishika plans to attend Laurier University in Canada, where she will study UX design and psychology.
Among Nishika’s fondest memories are playing netball and building strong relationships with classmates and teachers—connections she believes are key to motivation and success. Her advice to younger students echoes a common theme in this year’s class: avoid procrastination by staying on top of assignments and tackling them as soon as they’re given.
Class of 2025: Carina Bortoli
Carina has been part of the Somersfield community for an incredible 15 years, beginning in Children’s House and growing through every stage of the school. Known for her athletic spirit, she is grateful for the support of her teachers and parents, who helped her develop both academically and personally. Looking ahead, Carina will attend the University of Leeds to study Exercise and Health Sciences.
Among Carina’s fondest memories are the school trips—experiences that offered wonderful opportunities to bond closely with classmates. Her top advice for younger students is to stay vigilant with time management, especially for those juggling busy schedules outside of school.
Class of 2025: Lucian Campbell
Luc has been a part of Somersfield for 10 years, starting in Primary 4. He is grateful to the many teachers, family members, and especially his parents who have supported him throughout his journey. This fall, Luc will attend Dalhousie University in Canada to study Business Management.
Among Luc’s most treasured memories are the strong bonds and connections he has formed with friends and teachers—especially through school trips and the support he received along the way. His advice to younger students is to avoid procrastination and never hesitate to ask teachers for help—they are there to support you every step of the way.
Class of 2025: Benjamin Crofton
Ben has been a Somersfield student for 13 years. He is especially thankful to all his teachers and gives a special shout-out to his mom for her unwavering support. One of Ben’s fondest memories is the class parties at the end of each school year—celebrating with friends after exams.
After graduation, Ben will head to Virginia Tech to study Aerospace Engineering. His advice to fellow students is simple but crucial: stay on top of your work and avoid leaving things to the last minute—it never works out well!
Class of 2025: Sienna Dill
Sienna has been a student at Somersfield for seven years. She expresses heartfelt thanks to her parents, friends, and teachers for their unwavering support throughout her journey, and she also acknowledges God’s guidance. After graduation, Sienna plans to study Business and Marketing at the University of Kent in the UK.
Among Sienna’s fondest memories are the laughter and camaraderie shared during business and design classes. Her advice to younger learners is to avoid procrastination and stay on top of their work—but she also encourages everyone to simply be themselves and be happy with who they are.
Class of 2025: Stephanie Hardy
Stephanie has been part of the Somersfield community for 15 years. She extends special thanks to her parents, teachers, and the learning support staff who provided vital encouragement throughout her education. Stephanie is headed to the University of Westminster to study Film, having already created several successful films during her time at Somersfield.
One memorable moment she cherishes is meeting friends on her very first day at Children’s House and M1. Her advice to younger students is to always advocate for themselves, whether academically or personally, because teachers are there to support them.
Class of 2025: Kennedy Kowalski
Kennedy has been a proud member of the Somersfield family for 14 years. She gives a heartfelt shoutout to her sister Mackenzie and her parents for their unwavering support and faith in her journey. Kennedy is heading to Western University in Canada to study Medical Sciences.
One of her fondest memories is being an M5 and enjoying the unforgettable UNIS trip. Her openness and gratitude remind us all of the importance of family and resilience.
Class of 2025: Javion Laws
Javion has been part of the Somersfield community for 13 years, having joined in P1. He fondly remembers the Ecuador trip and his cherished free periods. Javion advises younger students, especially those entering the diploma programme, to study hard for their mock exams. He credits his funny teachers for making classes enjoyable and thanks his parents for their unwavering love and support. After graduation, Javion plans to study Business at the University of Reading in the UK.
Class of 2025: Eden Lightbourne
Eden has been a proud member of Somersfield Academy for seven years, starting M1 in 2018. She warmly thanks the staff, faculty, family—especially her supportive mom and godmother—as well as her friends for their encouragement throughout her journey. Eden humorously acknowledges her struggle with procrastination and advises younger students to avoid the same, encouraging them to do their best and not compare themselves to others. After graduation, Eden plans to attend the University of Kent.
Cherished memories include lunchtime with friends, especially “Ty-Ty and my Dill pickle,” and the transformative Student Diversity Leadership Conference experience, both of which hold a special place in her heart.
Class of 2025: Josh Mildenhall
Josh has been a Somersfield student for 10 years. He expresses deep gratitude to his parents, his brother Daniel, classmates, and teachers for their support and patience throughout his journey. Josh values the close-knit community they've built, especially during the challenging COVID years, which he recalls as some of his most memorable. Looking ahead, he plans to study business and management at Royal Holloway in England.
His advice to younger students is to manage deadlines but not to worry too much—sometimes it’s important to relax and keep things in perspective.
Class of 2025: Tyelle Phillips
Tyelle has been a proud Somersfieldian for seven years, starting in M3. She warmly acknowledges her parents, especially her mom and grandma, as well as her friends for their unwavering support. Looking ahead, Tyelle plans to pursue interior design at Kingston University.
Known for her artistic talent, her advice to fellow students is simple and clear: ask your teachers questions, especially in math, and make good use of your time. When he looks back at Somersfield, she’ll fondly remember design art class and the creative journey she’s been on.
Class of 2025: J’yindae Preece
J’y has been at Somersfield for 15 years. He expresses deep gratitude to his mom, family, teachers, administrators, and everyone he’s met along the way. An arts-focused and goal-oriented student, J’y will continue his creative journey at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Fond memories for him are countless, filled with connections to friends and the school community that will always hold a special place in his heart. His advice to fellow students is heartfelt and simple: be true to yourself, as everyone else is already taken.
Class of 2025: Gordon Smith
Gordon has been at Somersfield for six years. A talented triathlete, he expressed heartfelt thanks to his teachers, especially for their support during the demanding DP2 year. While uncertain about his exact future path, Gordon is excited about a unique opportunity at Bethune-Cookman University in Florida that partners with NASCAR pit crews, combining his passion for automotive mechanics and motorsport.
His advice to fellow students is to avoid procrastination and to always ask teachers for help—they’re there to support you. One vivid memory he shared was an adventurous chemistry experiment after COVID, involving mixing chemicals to create a rainbow, a risky but memorable moment.
Class of 2025: Taylor Smith
Taylor has been part of the Somersfield community for 15 years. She gave special thanks to her mom and family for their unwavering support throughout her journey. Taylor plans to attend the University of Sussex to study psychology.
A standout memory she shared was the incredible support from Ms. Young during her M4 year, alongside the lasting friendships she’s built with her fellow graduates. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: “Be yourself. It hurts to be someone else.” A clear and heartfelt message to carry forward.
Class of 2025: Gabriella Teteina
Gaby joined Somersfield two and a half years ago and has embraced the challenge with grace, especially as the daughter of staff members. Gaby expressed heartfelt thanks to her mom, dad, and teachers for their support, particularly through the challenges of the Diploma Programme. After Somersfield, she plans to study Law and International Relations at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.
Her advice to learners is to always ask teachers for help, avoid procrastination, and manage time wisely. When she reflects on Somersfield from afar, she will cherish the relationships she built with friends and teachers. Congratulations, Gaby!
Class of 2025: Tahlia Wade
Tahlia has been part of the Somersfield family for 13 years. She warmly acknowledged her parents, teachers—including Ms. Dill—her sister, friends, and especially the M3 girls. After Somersfield, Tahlia plans to study marketing at Birmingham City University in the UK.
Her advice to fellow learners is to make friends outside of school and thoroughly research the Internal Assessment before starting. When reflecting on her school years, she cherishes the close bonds she formed with her grade. Congratulations, Tahlia!