Madison Walia-Peters - Student, Hoboken High School
Being part of the Hoboken Public School District for my entire life—from Brandt to Wallace to Hoboken Middle School, and finally Hoboken High School—has been an incredible journey. Throughout my childhood, I’ve experienced an overwhelming sense of community and support from my teachers and peers. This environment not only encouraged me to challenge myself but also helped me grow into the person I am today.
Hoboken High School offered me opportunities that were impossible to pass up, from a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses to leadership roles in academic clubs and service initiatives. I’ve excelled in AP courses such as World History, Macroeconomics, Biology, and Seminar, earning top scores of 5, and currently balance a challenging course load that includes AP Research, Calculus AB, and Chemistry, all while maintaining a 4.6 GPA. These experiences have taught me invaluable skills such as time management, critical thinking, and collaboration—skills I know will serve me well as I transition to college.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my high school experience has been being a student-athlete. I’ve played volleyball competitively since I was 11, but the bond I formed with my high school teammates was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. As Co-Captain of the Varsity Volleyball team and a member of the All-Star Empire Volleyball Club, I’ve learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Watching our team grow and achieve great things over the years was one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Hoboken High School has also provided me with unique learning and research opportunities. As a research assistant to a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, I’ve delved into optimizing athletic performance by studying the interplay between muscle activation and biomechanics. This opportunity came from my performance in the 2023 Summer Biomedical Science Pre-College Program at Stevens, where I was honored as a scholarship recipient. These hands-on experiences have not only deepened my academic interests but also prepared me for the rigor of college-level research.
Beyond academics and athletics, I’m proud of the work I’ve done to serve my school and the Hoboken community. I co-founded Hoboken High School’s Health and Wellness Committee, where we’ve tackled important social issues and created spaces for meaningful discussion among students. I’ve also mentored younger students through the Girls on the Run Program and volunteered extensively as part of the National Honor Society. Community service has always been a cornerstone of my values, from tutoring children to participating in clean-up projects and advocating for equity in education.
Ultimately, my time at Hoboken High School has shaped me into the student, leader, and individual I am today. This school has given me the foundation, support, and opportunities to pursue my dreams, and for that, I am forever grateful.