Henry Lewis '20
What things are you involved in at Rivers?
I play jazz piano in the Honors Big Band, the Select One Combo, and the Conservatory Program. In the spring trimester, I run track. I also am involved in the Debate Club and the men’s a cappella group, and I am a leader of the Film Club.
Back
I play jazz piano in the Honors Big Band, the Select One Combo, and the Conservatory Program. In the spring trimester, I run track. I also am involved in the Debate Club and the men’s a cappella group, and I am a leader of the Film Club.
What is your favorite class?
My favorite class at Rivers has consistently been English. Every English teacher I’ve had has been encouraging of discussion and exploration of the texts we work on. The small class sizes push everyone to get involved and share their ideas, which makes breaking down a text in English class feel almost like being on a team. It surprised me how much fun I have building ideas and theories about a text with a room of engaged peers, but it truly is a great experience.
My favorite class at Rivers has consistently been English. Every English teacher I’ve had has been encouraging of discussion and exploration of the texts we work on. The small class sizes push everyone to get involved and share their ideas, which makes breaking down a text in English class feel almost like being on a team. It surprised me how much fun I have building ideas and theories about a text with a room of engaged peers, but it truly is a great experience.
What is your favorite Rivers memory?
One of my favorite memories is of performing at the Coffee House in the fall of this year. Before coming to Rivers, the idea of singing in front of a room packed with my peers would have seemed way too terrifying. In truth, I still find performing to be an overall scary experience. However, my friends pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and get up on stage, and I will forever be grateful that they did. It felt amazing to get over my fear of singing in front of other people. The support I felt, not just from the students but also the teachers, was overwhelming. This experience has been life changing for me, and I thank Rivers for it.
One of my favorite memories is of performing at the Coffee House in the fall of this year. Before coming to Rivers, the idea of singing in front of a room packed with my peers would have seemed way too terrifying. In truth, I still find performing to be an overall scary experience. However, my friends pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and get up on stage, and I will forever be grateful that they did. It felt amazing to get over my fear of singing in front of other people. The support I felt, not just from the students but also the teachers, was overwhelming. This experience has been life changing for me, and I thank Rivers for it.
What is your favorite extracurricular activity?
My favorite extracurricular activity is playing jazz at Rivers. I play in a variety of different groups, and each of these experiences has pushed my playing in different ways. I always look forward to getting really into some new aspect of music theory or just playing with other people who love music. The performances and competitions we participate in are fantastic ways to get better and gain experience, plus they provide opportunities to really bond with my fellow players and my instructors. The Rivers jazz program always pushes me to get better and offers me a community of people that I love to be around.
What advice would you offer to new students to help them get the most out of their Rivers experience?
I would tell a new student to make a conscious effort to step out of their comfort zone. Rivers is amazing in part because there are so many areas where, as a school, we excel. If you are coming into Rivers with a pre-conceived notion of who you are and what you are good at, you need to challenge that notion. Before Rivers, I had never run competitively or spoken in front of any sort of audience. Now, running track is a passion of mine, and I enjoy debating in front of rooms full of people at debate conferences. If you put yourself out there, you will find that there is a community of support at Rivers ready to help you find out who you are and what you like to do.
My favorite extracurricular activity is playing jazz at Rivers. I play in a variety of different groups, and each of these experiences has pushed my playing in different ways. I always look forward to getting really into some new aspect of music theory or just playing with other people who love music. The performances and competitions we participate in are fantastic ways to get better and gain experience, plus they provide opportunities to really bond with my fellow players and my instructors. The Rivers jazz program always pushes me to get better and offers me a community of people that I love to be around.
What advice would you offer to new students to help them get the most out of their Rivers experience?
I would tell a new student to make a conscious effort to step out of their comfort zone. Rivers is amazing in part because there are so many areas where, as a school, we excel. If you are coming into Rivers with a pre-conceived notion of who you are and what you are good at, you need to challenge that notion. Before Rivers, I had never run competitively or spoken in front of any sort of audience. Now, running track is a passion of mine, and I enjoy debating in front of rooms full of people at debate conferences. If you put yourself out there, you will find that there is a community of support at Rivers ready to help you find out who you are and what you like to do.
© 2025 The Rivers School. All Rights Reserved
Rivers admits academically qualified students and does not discriminate against students or families on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.