portsmouth abbey news
Student body elects 2025-26 Head Boy and Head Girl
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This fall, incoming Sixth-Form students Matilda (Tilly) Holling and Jay Keenan will step into their new leadership roles as Head Girl and Head Boy. At Portsmouth Abbey, leadership develops intentionally and organically, whether on the athletic fields, in the classroom, within the Houses or through student-led initiatives. Guided by the Abbey’s mission, our students grow into graceful leaders prepared to serve their peers and community. We recently caught up with Tilly and Jay to learn more about them and their goals for the year ahead. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity. Tilly Holling:
Q. What makes Portsmouth Abbey School special? A. What truly makes Portsmouth Abbey School special is its incredibly welcoming community and the strong sense of unity that runs through the entire campus. Whether you're a new student or someone who’s been here for years, you feel a sense of belonging. The Abbey is a place where everyone supports one another; students, teachers, and faculty alike. The friendships you form here are unforgettable, and the collective experiences create bonds that last well beyond graduation. Q. Why did you run for Head Girl? A. I ran for Head Girl because I care deeply about the Abbey community, and I want to contribute in a meaningful way. I am determined to help shape a positive and memorable experience for every student here. Being a student at the Abbey has given me so much, and I want to give back by being a leader who listens, uplifts others and brings energy to school life. Q. What are your goals as Head Girl for this upcoming year? What about personally? A. As Head Girl, my main goal is to create more opportunities for fun through memorable events that bring the community together. I want to help make everyday life at the Abbey more exciting and meaningful through new traditions. I will strive to bring each grade closer together and foster a sense of class pride. I also want to ensure every student feels seen and heard, and that their time at school is filled with meaningful experiences and friendships. Personally, I hope to develop my leadership skills and grow into a more confident, inspiring and effective leader. I also want to continue challenging myself academically and athletically. Another one of my personal goals is getting into one of my top choices for colleges, and continuing to make the most of my time here at the Abbey. Q. How would you describe the current student body? What kind of student leaders do they need? A. The current student body is passionate and full of potential. There is a wide range of talents and interests across campus. However, sometimes that energy can go unnoticed, and I think that’s where strong student leadership comes in. I believe the Abbey community needs leaders who are approachable, proactive and enthusiastic. There should be leaders who take initiative and create a positive atmosphere that encourages others to get involved. Q. Anything else you’d like to add? A. I want to thank all the faculty and staff at Portsmouth Abbey School for creating such a special environment. I also want to thank my parents for giving me this opportunity to learn and grow in this community. I am so excited for the upcoming year at the Abbey! Jay Keenan:
Q. What makes Portsmouth Abbey special? A. The first thing that comes to my mind immediately is the people. There is a cliche that says it is the people who make the place. The Portsmouth Abbey community truly embodies this spirit with a positive outlook. Everyone here carries themselves with kindness, excitement and confidence. I truly believe that what makes Portsmouth Abbey special is the amazing people who make the community what it is. Q. Why did you run for Head Boy? A. I ran for Head Boy for many reasons, but the driving factor behind my campaign was my peers. I know it might sound redundant, but all of my peers helped give me the confidence I needed to run. This inspired me because I want to continue to instill this idea of support and kindness throughout our school year and beyond. Q. What are your goals as Head Boy for this upcoming year? What about personally? A. My goal as Head Boy this year is to be an outlet for students and to be someone they can depend on to make the school year fun and successful. I am here for the students and am hoping they feel they can reach out to me with any questions, concerns and ideas. Personally, I would like to do my best to give the students a memorable school year. Tilly and I have taken it upon ourselves to leave a mark on the students. Q. How would you describe the current student body? What kind of student leaders do they need? A. I would describe the current student body as driven, supportive and kind. If I walked through the Abbey campus for just one day, I believe those three words would be the same. Our student body is built on being kind and supportive toward everyone around us. This entails having a student leader who will commend them for this, and someone who will support being kind in our community. A student leader who is for the people is most important. Q. Anything else you’d like to add? A. I hope everyone reading this is having an excellent start to their summer! If you have anything you would like to see next year or would just like to chat, please do not hesitate to send me an email or DM the @headboy_headgirl Instagram! |
Tilly is a day student from Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Her mother, Alix, is the Head Coach for the girls varsity squash team and the assistant coach for both boys and girls golf. Her older brother, Mason ’22, was also Head Boy. A natural leader, Tilly was captain of the varsity cross country and varsity girls squash teams this past year. Next year, she will be captain of the varsity cross country, varsity girls squash and varsity girls golf teams.
Jay is a boarding student from Narragansett, Rhode Island. Jay is the nephew of Aileen Baker, dean of faculty at Portsmouth Abbey School. He plays golf, basketball and lacrosse and is excited to serve as the captain of boys varsity golf and boys varsity basketball next year.