OWLumni

For Meredith Hickman ’03, The Woods Academy has always felt like home.

Even now, years later, after building a career dedicated to education, she can still picture the classrooms, recall the names of her teachers, and remember the feeling of being known, supported, and inspired.

For Katie Jeffress '12, a lifelong member of The Woods Academy community, the path to becoming an equine veterinarian began with two simple influences: family and a spark of curiosity.

For Francisco Klockner ’94, a life of purpose begins with a simple but powerful commitment: think of others first.

It is a philosophy shaped by his early experiences, strengthened by his time at The Woods Academy, and lived out each day through his work with some of the most vulnerable youth and families in our region.

For Jason Smith '99, purpose has never been about a title—it has always been about people.

From the classrooms of The Woods Academy to the streets of Washington, D.C., and now the halls of St. John’s College High School, Jason’s life has been defined by a simple but powerful philosophy: invest in others, and everything else will follow.

For Trevor Lynch, Class of 2019, The Woods Academy was more than just a school—it was the beginning of a journey that would take him across the globe. Now a student in a dual-degree program between Columbia University and Tel Aviv University, Trevor's experiences reflect the values of curiosity, community, and vocation instilled in him during his time at The Woods Academy.

Since graduating from The Woods Academy in 2010, Chi-Emeka Egwuaga's journey has taken her from the classrooms of Bethesda to the fast-paced legal world of New York City. Now a fourth-year associate at the prestigious law firm Latham & Watkins, Emeka reflects on the path that led her to her career and the lasting influence The Woods Academy has had on her life.