Celebrating 50 Years of Co-Education: Worcester Academy Alumni Reflect on Their Journeys

This year marks a significant milestone for Worcester Academy: 50 years of welcoming women into its community! To commemorate this anniversary, we had the privilege of speaking with six remarkable alumnae on Friday, March 28th, about their time at WA and the paths they have forged since graduation. Hearing their stories during the all school assembly was incredibly meaningful for many students, as the alumnae offered valuable insights and inspirations. These stories highlight the lasting impact of a WA education and the diverse ways in which women have thrived in the world beyond.

Annie Pham: 

Annie Pham’s (class of 2013) journey began with a desire to make a difference in healthcare. “I grew up going to a family health center,” Annie shared, emphasizing her connection to serving underserved communities. While initially drawn to dentistry, she discovered a passion for the “business side of healthcare” and pursued a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

Annie’s WA experience played a crucial role in shaping her success. She fondly remembers Ms. Thorn’s English class, highlighting the importance of strong writing and communication skills. “I’m very much still using everything I learned in school for my job,” she said. Annie’s advice to current students? “Embrace the challenge of writing those long papers, they’ll prepare you for anything!”

Today, Annie manages programs in a healthcare setting, addressing critical social needs such as food, housing, and transportation to improve overall health outcomes. Her work allows her to collaborate with a wide range of professionals, from nurses and doctors to CEOs, a testament to the diverse skills she honed at WA.

Emily R. Goodrich: 

Emily R. Goodrich, a graduate of the class of 2019, exemplifies leadership and a commitment to service. During her junior year at WA, she was awarded a National Army ROTC Scholarship, leading her to study national science and human physiology at Boston University. Upon graduating from BU in 2023, Emily was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and completed military intelligence training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, qualifying as an intelligence officer. Currently, she serves as a First Lieutenant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Alongside her military service, Emily has a passion for education. She is now in her second year of teaching fourth grade at the Applewild School, in Massachusetts , demonstrating her dedication to shaping young minds. Her experiences at Worcester Academy helped to mold her leadership skills and academic interests, leading her to a fulfilling career in both service and education.

Katharine Oikle: 

Katharine Oikle, a graduate from the class of 2005, took a career path that is rooted in a deep desire to support others. She works with middle and high school students at Worcester Academy, addressing social-emotional challenges and collaborating with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

           Katharine credits Worcester Academy with teaching her the importance of mentorship. “I learned the importance of having a mentor,” she explained, acknowledging the supportive teachers who “absolutely got me through my time here” and inspired her to become that support for others.

Katharine also offered valuable advice for overcoming academic struggles. She shared her own challenges with math and emphasized the importance of seeking help. “Continue to advocate for yourself to get the support that you need because it exists here,” she encouraged, reminding students that resources are available if they reach out.

Rowen Price: 

Rowen Price, a “lifer” who attended Worcester Academy from sixth through twelfth grade and graduated in 2015, discovered a passion for learning Chinese in seventh grade at WA. This interest led her to Middlebury College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Chinese and political science.

During her time at Middlebury, Rowen completed a summer internship focused on nuclear proliferation, an experience that laid the groundwork for her career in the critical field of nuclear energy. Rowen has since dedicated her work to this industry and currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor for Nuclear Energy at Third Way, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Her journey highlights how a seemingly early interest sparked at WA can blossom into a significant and impactful career.

Elizabeth Strzepa: 

Elizabeth Strzepa, class of 2010, said her passion for journalism ignited in high school, fueled by a constant exposure to the news. “I was always interested in the news, just watching it all the time at my house,” she recalled. Elizabeth’s experience writing for the Vigornia at WA was particularly influential. “It was the first time I had ever written a journalism article,” she said, highlighting the distinct and enjoyable writing style. Her love for interviewing people, a skill she honed at WA, has been central to her success. In college, her involvement with the student television station solidified her career path.

Today, Elizabeth is an evening news anchor at an NBC News affiliate in Burlington, Vermont. In addition to her journalistic pursuits, she fondly remembers her involvement in theater and music at WA, showcasing the importance of pursuing diverse passions.

Dr. Michelle J. Boland: 

Dr. Michelle J. Boland, a graduate from the class of 2005, has carved out a successful career as the owner of a personal training company, encompassing both a local business and an online platform offering products and courses to other trainers. Her journey emphasizes the importance of skill acquisition and leveraging experiences.

Dr. Boland’s approach to career development is centered on “skill stacking.” She explained, “I believe everything is about skill stacking… every prior skill will be made more valuable by a future skill.” She encourages students to identify what they enjoy and are good at and then learn how to monetize those skills.

Dr. Boland credits Worcester Academy with instilling in her the significance of the environment. “Environment is king,” she asserted, emphasizing the value of surrounding oneself with ambitious and talented individuals. She advised students to use the WA environment to elevate themselves, viewing their peers as sources of inspiration rather than competition. “You can become anything that you want to be,” she encouraged, reminding students that growth comes from embracing challenges and learning from those around them.

These six alumnae represent the diverse paths and remarkable achievements of Worcester Academy women. From shaping healthcare systems and supporting students to serving the nation, influencing energy policy, delivering the news, and building businesses, their stories underscore the enduring value of a WA education. It’s an education that fosters not only academic excellence but also personal growth, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As Worcester Academy celebrates 50 years of co-education, we honor the contributions of these inspiring women and the countless others who have shaped the school’s legacy.

If anyone has questions for the panelists, they would be delighted to respond. Please use this form:  Questions for Alumnae Panelists.