After graduating from Salem Academy in 2017, Maddy attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and majored in History. She graduated from UNCG Summa Cum Laude in 2021 and soon started law school at Campbell University School of Law. Maddy graduated from law school in May of 2024 and is now currently studying to take the bar examination to become a licensed attorney in the U.S. Maddy is forever thankful for the relationships she developed at Salem Academy, the experiences she had, and the confidence she gained that carried her through three challenging years of law school.

How did you and your family decide that Salem Academy was right for you?

I was approached by a teacher in middle school who told me about Salem Academy. She felt that the academics of a public high school would not challenge me to be a better scholar. My family and I spoke about attending Salem, toured the school, and met with students already attending. Seeing the way the girls supported one another was astounding to me. I had never before seen a group of students who wanted their fellow peers to be better in all aspects of their lives. Knowing that I would have Salem Sisters called me to join the Academy.

What’s one thing about Salem Academy that you would like everyone to know?

I think everyone should know that the sisterhood you develop at Salem Academy is for a lifetime. Even if you do not remain as close as you were in high school, you will always have a group of girls who support you and are rooting for you. I am amazed at the people I can reach out to now, who are always there when I need them. Salem bonds people together for life.

How does the Academy’s STEAM focus prepare students for college and careers?

I believe that in a world where technology, data, and artificial intelligence are a part of everyday life, it is incredibly important for the students to understand the inner workings of STEAM. This will allow them to be far more advanced than their peers when attending college and starting their careers.

What’s your favorite memory of Salem Academy outside of the classroom?

My favorite memory of Salem Academy outside of the classroom would have to be when my friends decorated my car on senior day. I had a PT Cruiser convertible and my friends put the top down, decorating the car with bikini bottoms. I won the “most inappropriate car.” I also loved playing field hockey!

How did Salem Academy prepare you for college?

I showed up to college with a confidence that I am forever thankful for. Not only was I more involved in the classroom, but I also made friends easily because everyone at Salem talks to each other. It felt weird to me that my peers in college were not constantly talking, but I made sure to speak to everyone. Salem taught me that people do not get left out and that there is a place for everyone. I carried that with me to law school as well. Kindness is ingrained in the girls of Salem from day one.

What would be your recommendation to a student who is considering studying at Salem Academy, but can’t decide if she wants to attend?

The education you will get at Salem Academy cannot be replicated. You will have access to some of the best teachers you could imagine, but also have access to activities that only Salem can create, even if that is just a cookie break! The confidence that you will build will stick with you forever. But most importantly, the kindness and communication skills that you develop will set you apart from your peers outside of Salem Academy.