Hamilton School At Wheeler

We are tremendously proud to share that Wheeler is home to one of the world’s robotics leaders!

At last week’s FIRST Championship in Houston – the largest international event each year for youth robotics – Arjun D. ’27 was just one of 10 students from across the globe to receive the FIRST Leadership Award, the competition’s highest individual honor.

“This award is the most meaningful I’ve ever gotten,” Arjun says. “I’ve been doing robotics since 6th grade, and the Robotics Program was an important factor in my decision to come to Wheeler for Upper School.

“When I joined in 9th grade, I was met with support from Mr. Ryder and a tight-knit community of peers trying to learn more about robotics, along with upperclassmen who were guiding us and helping us develop skills.

“Throughout all of this, I was able to help mentor my old robotics team and organize a chess fundraiser event connecting two of the activities I love. In 10th grade, I supported more FLL (FIRST LEGO League) programs, and I began volunteering at local tournaments. In 11th grade I gained the experience to confidently help out other FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) robotics teams as the “technical mentorship lead,” organizing mentorship opportunities for 23 teams or supporting them hands on.”

Arjun says he is incredibly proud that he and his Wheeler teammates have helped expand the support for and love of robotics across Rhode Island. He also wants to send “A HUGE thank you to Mr. Ryder for supporting the entire Robotics Program, and to all of the upperclassmen who have helped support me these past three years – but especially Luyao L. ’26 and Sabrina G. ’26, who I’ve had the pleasure of being on a team with since my freshman year.”

As you may remember from one of our previous posts, Arjun will be back on the global stage later this month when he represents Rhode Island at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix. He says he was able to apply many of the same skills he learned in robotics to the project that he will present at ISEF.

Please join us in congratulating Arjun on the Leadership Award, and in wishing him luck at ISEF! @electricquahogs252

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on completing their last day of classes! When the clock hit 3:10pm, the bottles of seltzer came out for one of our favorite Wheeler traditions: the Senior Countdown. There are still AP tests, Senior Free Inquiry Projects, and Commencement to come, but today was a big milestone, with plenty of cheers and tears, for our seniors, and we were happy to be there to record it – from a dry distance! 💦💛💜

Yesterday, families, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate Andy K. ’26 and Peter K. ’26 as they signed their NCAA Division III Letters of Commitment to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Andy will play lacrosse at the University of New England, and Peter will play squash at Vassar College.

During the ceremony, Director of Athletics Sean Kelly ’02, P’35, P’37 reflected on each student’s accomplishments both on and off the field.

“From the beginning of his squash journey at Wheeler, what stood out about Peter wasn’t just talent — it was his willingness to put in the work when no one else was watching,” he shared. “That progression says everything about his mindset: never satisfied, always pushing forward. He’s not just a stronger athlete today — he’s a stronger leader, teammate, and person.”

Mr. Kelly also noted Peter’s deep commitment to his team, recalling a moment when he turned down Celtics tickets to be at a Wheeler event — an example, he said, of the kind of teammate and leader he has become.

Reflecting on his athletic journey, Peter said, “Wheeler pushed me and enabled students like myself to pursue the things they love… or, in other words, ‘learn our powers.’ I’m happy that I was able to fulfill the school’s mission in my own way.”

Turning to Andy, Mr. Kelly said, “His journey has been defined by hard work, versatility, and a genuine love of competition. He’s the kind of player who makes those around him better. Excelling in multiple sports takes time, discipline, and a willingness to embrace challenges and he’s done that every step of the way.

“The University of New England is getting a terrific addition to their program — someone who understands teamwork, competes with integrity, and brings energy to everything he does,” noted Mr. Kelly.

For Andy, it was especially meaningful to see his parents, grandparents, and friends in the audience as he was preparing to sign his letter. “I’m grateful to be able to play lacrosse in college,” he said. “Once I found the sport I performed best in, I worked as hard as possible to reach this level.”

Congratulations to Andy, Peter, and their families on this exciting milestone!🎊