With nearly 50 years of teaching experience, Mr. Don Kelly knows a thing or two about Latin, and he certainly knows that four students earning the highest possible honor on the annual nationwide test is impressive.

Four Wilbraham & Monson Academy students, all under the tutelage of Mr. Kelly, earned Gold Medals on the 2025 National Latin Exam.

Ha Anh Nguyen ’25, Ryan Cooley ’26, Jayden Lee-Choi ’26 and Seandre Suban ’27 received their Gold Medal at School Meeting on May 12. Of the 30 students who took the exam, 15 posted scores worthy of recognition, including six Silver Medals.

Quotes

Mr. Kelly on how the students performed on this year’s exam: “The students who won medals are very conscientious students overall. They took the review we do in class for this exam very seriously. The results speak for themselves. I think the students find the exam fun - almost like playing trivia as they are challenged on Latin grammar, Roman History, classical mythology and English derivatives from Latin words.”

Ha Anh on earning a Gold Medal: “Mr. Kelly prepared us really well for the National Latin Exam, as we do practice tests once every week for two months prior to the test. Additionally, I prepared for the test on my own, as I have done for past exams released on the National Latin Exam official website. With all the history knowledge Mr. Kelly gave us and also self-studied, they helped me gain the Gold Medal for this exam.”

Ryan on winning a Gold Medal: “I was really excited to hear that I had won a Gold Medal on the National Latin Exam this year. I took the Advanced Latin Prose level of the exam and it definitely challenged my knowledge of Latin vocabulary, grammar and Roman history. Mr. Kelly is an amazing teacher who balances teaching difficult concepts in manageable ways while keeping his class fun and lighthearted. I am so lucky to have had him for three years and I am so grateful for how he has helped me develop my skills in Latin.”

Jayden Lee-Choi on what he likes about Latin: “I like Latin because of how small details can change how words are used. Latin is logical: you can rearrange words in a sentence and the grammar still tells you what’s doing what.” 

Seandre on Mr. Kelly’s teaching style: “He is the kind of teacher who makes sure everyone in the class understands the material. If a student doesn’t understand something, he explains it in a different way until it makes sense. He’s also very good with timing. For example, if you miss a test or need to retake one, he will find a time that works for you. Another great thing about Mr. Kelly is that he always offers extra help and is willing to work with students to ensure they succeed.”

Here is the full list of award winners:

Gold Medal: Seandre Suban ’27, Jayden Lee-Choi ’26, Ha Anh Nguyen ’25, Ryan Cooley ’26

Silver Medal: Brendan Ricca ’27, Jonathan Kakule ’28, Colin Moussette ’26, Kinabe Dana ’28, Joseph Prickett ’27, Nathaniel Jasmin ’27

Magna Cum Laude Certificate: Norah Osborne ’28, Alex Longridge ’26, Gabriel Cruz ’25, Avery Kay ’26

Cum Laude Certificate: Bohong Zhou ’27