Lilly Filadora

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.

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.”

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.

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 School 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.

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.

Her time here 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.