Lilly Filadora

Student Spotlight

Lilly Filadora
Eighth grader Lilly Filadora continues to reach new heights through the opportunities and support she’s found at Nichols School. Whether exploring Iceland, hiking Mount Washington, or learning to trust her instincts in art class, she’s discovering how curiosity, challenge, and caring teachers can lead to confidence and growth.

Climbing to the Top: How Lilly Filadora Turned Uphill Challenges into Defining Adventures

While excelling in middle school, 8th-grader Lilly Filadora has already amassed a remarkable portfolio of adventures through Nichols School. From scaling the tallest mountain in the Northeast to joining an expedition outside of North America, and approaching rigorous academics and art projects with confidence, she treats every new experience as an opportunity for growth.

DEFINING THE CLIMB: ICELAND AND MOUNT WASHINGTON
Lilly has already added some unforgettable moments to her Nichols experience. Her first trip outside of North America took her all the way to Iceland, where she joined a school-organized tour. There, she explored geological wonders, learned about geothermal energy and whales, and discovered a surprising new favorite: fresh Icelandic tomatoes.

Soon after her Iceland adventure, Lilly faced an entirely different kind of challenge: the mountains of New Hampshire. She participated in the Nichols Leadership Academy’s five-day trip to the White Mountain National Forest, where she backpacked over 20 miles and ascended more than 7,500 feet while summiting Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast, and other peaks in the Northern Presidential Range. It was an entirely new challenge, and one she faced with determination and grit.

“I was a little nervous because I had never hiked before,” she recalled. “Getting to the top was easy. Getting down was the hard part.”

The ascent to the top of Mt. Washington was a tough 1.5 miles up, but the 7-mile descent was relentless. When the fatigue and discomfort set in, advice from a Nichols staffer helped her push through. “It was what Mr. Wickman called ‘Type Two Fun.’ It’s not as fun in the moment, but you look back on it and you think, ‘hey, I did that’ with a smile. Afterward, you realize it was a lot of fun.”

From the glaciers of Iceland to the heights of Mount Washington, these experiences have instilled in Lilly the confidence to embrace the unknown and the pride that comes with seeing it through, all within the supportive framework of Nichols School.

ACHIEVEMENT: ON THE COURT AND IN THE COMMUNITY
While some defining moments take you halfway around the world, others unfold closer to home. For Lilly, one of her proudest moments at Nichols came on the basketball court.

Typically a defensive player, she remembers the excitement of scoring her first basket during a game. This achievement was magnified by the cheers of friends, family, and classmates echoing through the gym. It serves as a reminder that success can come in many forms, whether it involves summiting a mountain or making a meaningful contribution to the team.

TRUSTING INSTINCTS
Lilly’s adventurous spirit extends far beyond sports and travel. Every day at Nichols offers opportunities for curiosity, particularly inside the classroom, where she is discovering what interests and inspires her, often guided by Nichols faculty.

One class in particular helped her learn to trust her creativity and instincts. The lesson came while working on a complex clay project in art class, a piece that challenged Lilly to persist even when it felt imperfect. The encouragement she received from her art teacher reminded her that true growth happens when you take creative risks and push beyond what feels comfortable.

“Mrs. Myers helped me believe in myself more instead of second-guessing,” Lilly said. “She made me realize I just needed to trust myself and trust my ideas.”

THE NICHOLS LESSON: ADVENTURE WITHIN
For Lilly, being a student at Nichols School isn’t just defined by the big adventures. It’s about the accumulation of small, daily moments that build confidence and connection.

“What matters most is trying your best, trusting yourself, and putting yourself out there. At Nichols, you’ll find your friends. You’re going to make friends no matter who you are. You just have to put yourself out there.”

Lilly's time on campus has taught her that adventure doesn’t always require a distant destination. Sometimes, it’s about discovering something new within yourself, supported by a community that empowers you to do it.