Sylvia Hays

Sylvia Hays
When Sylvia Hays ’30 joined Nichols in fifth grade, she quickly discovered something that would shape her experience: a genuine sense of community. Through friendships, teachers, clubs, and performances, Sylvia found a place where she could grow in confidence, explore new interests, and be herself.

Everybody Is New at Some Point

Sylvia Hays ‘30 did not grow up imagining herself at Nichols. In fact, she was convinced she would stay at her previous school through eighth grade. But somewhere between hearing her older brother Hudson rave about his experience and a family trip to Africa before fifth grade, something changed.

“I woke up one morning and told my mom, ‘I want to go to Nichols,’” Sylvia said.

Now an eighth grader, Sylvia has become part of a family story deeply connected to Nichols. Her older siblings have all spent time on campus in different ways, and now her younger brother, Wes ‘33, has joined as well. But while the Hays family connection opened the door, Sylvia created her own experience upon arrival.

For Sylvia, the Nichols experience comes down to one word: community.

“It sounds cheesy,” she admitted with a laugh, “but it’s true.”

Since joining the school in fifth grade, she has immersed herself in clubs, the arts, athletics, and friendships that extend far beyond her grade level. Theater club, robotics, writing club, choir, musicals, ski club — Sylvia tried everything she could, not because she had to, but because every activity became another chance to meet people and discover new interests.

That openness has shaped who she is today.

“There are so many ways to meet people you don’t see every single day,” she said. “Whether they become your best friend or just a classmate, you remember them.”

Her stories about Nichols rarely center on a single moment. Instead, they revolve around connections — friendships formed unexpectedly during rainy-day tennis practice, older students who became mentors during the school musical, or teachers who helped her feel seen and supported.

She still remembers writing a thank-you note to beloved middle school teacher, Mr. C[ammarata], in sixth grade before winter break.

“He told me it made him cry,” Sylvia said proudly. “That’s not an academic achievement at all, but it’s something I’m really proud of.”

That ability to connect with people is part of what makes Sylvia such a natural fit at Nichols. Teachers have encouraged her creativity, challenged her academically, and helped her grow more confident in herself along the way.

Whether through art classes, choir performances, or the school’s combined middle and upper school musical, Sylvia says Nichols gives students the freedom to explore who they are becoming.

“The teachers want you to think,” she said. “Not just give the right answer, but understand what you’re learning.”

That balance of challenge and support stands out to her. Nichols pushes students academically, but never without guidance.

“The middle school is challenging, but in a good way,” she said. “It’s advanced because we’re learning to think out of the box.”

Sylvia already sees the impact that preparation is having. After attending several high school open houses recently, she realized many of the courses and expectations already felt familiar because of her experience at Nichols.

“I could see how Nichols already set me up to feel prepared no matter where I go,” she said.

Still, for Sylvia, preparation extends beyond academics. She believes Nichols teaches students how to thrive socially, creatively, and personally. Since fifth grade, she says she has become far more outgoing and comfortable putting herself out there, helped by a school culture where older and younger students naturally interact and support one another.

That environment is part of why she encouraged her younger brother to join the school as well.

“Everybody is new at some point,” she said. “You’re all having this shared experience together.”

When asked what advice she would give to a new student, Sylvia’s answer reflected the perspective she has gained during her four years on campus.

“Be yourself,” she said. “You’re kind of shedding the skin of your old self when you come to a new school. Just welcome everything that comes at you.”

It is thoughtful advice from someone who has clearly embraced that philosophy herself.

Sylvia describes Nichols as “fun, challenging, loving, but also tough loving” — a place that pushes students while surrounding them with support. For her, that combination has created more than just a school experience. It has created a second home.