On a typical winter day, you will hear senior Maya Ryan instructing the newsroom, editing peers’ stories or making sure deadlines are met. After school, she leads the dance team by holding her teammates to a high standard and giving critiques. 

Maya holds numerous leadership roles at the school, including serving as varsity dance team captain and editor-in-chief. The editor-in-chief is the highest-ranking leadership position in a publication. They make final decisions on what to publish, manage editorial teams and ensure accuracy.

Maya has been dancing in recitals since she was a child, but started competing in dance competitions in the fourth grade. She remembers watching professional dance competitions, which made her fall in love and ever since then, dance has remained a significant part of Maya’s life. 

“Once I commit, I’m in it forever,” Maya said. “I can’t get myself to quit anything.”

For Maya, quitting is never an option; her mindset has shaped her growth as both a dancer and a leader. Maya does not just thrive on hard work; she turns pressure into motivation. Whether calming nerves before a competition or making last-minute editorial decisions, she shows that leadership is not about titles; it is about supporting others and staying committed when the stakes are highest.

“Maya is incredibly passionate about everything she does, and you can see this by looking at the sheer amount of hard work Maya puts into everything, but especially Tom Tom and dance,” eighth grader Corrine Ryan, Maya’s younger sister, said.

Maya is motivated by these things, which are easy to see. Her passion for dance and Tom Tom help explain why she is so committed to them. Maya’s leadership extends beyond technique and choreography, especially during high-pressure competitions.

“At competitions, instead of being anxious, Maya is very uplifting and always laughing, which makes the team feel more confident,” sophomore and teammate Lindsey Marks said. 

By staying positive in stressful moments, Maya helps make an environment where all her teammates feel supported and ready to perform. While competitions highlight her leadership under pressure, her influence is just as strong during practice. 

“Maya is very much a leader,” Marks said. “She is always making sure the team is prepared, coming up with new choreography, and making practice fun and effective.”

Maya’s leadership is also deeply rooted in her relationships, especially with her family. At home, she is more expressive and reflective, a side that helps ground her when school and dance become overwhelming. 

“Maya has taught me to be confident and sure of myself,” Corrine said. “She’s shown me that it’s important to know my worth and advocate for myself and others.”

That same instinct to advocate for others carries over into Maya’s leadership style. Teammates and coaches alike describe her as someone who speaks up when it matters and leads by example. Dance coach Sarah Owen, along with Marks noted that Maya’s consistency and maturity set her apart, especially during high-pressure moments.

“She brings a calm energy to the team when they need it,” Owen said. “The team listens when she speaks because she’s honest and trusted.”

Maya’s ability to balance pressure with joy has helped shape a strong team culture. She knows when to push her teammates and when to lighten the mood, often using laughter to ease tension before a performance.

“She knows when it’s time to be serious and when it’s okay to be silly,” Owen said. “Her infectious laugh is the best.”

Maya’s ability to lead does not end in the dance studio. In the media lab, Maya’s leadership looks quieter but is just as impactful. 

 As editor-in-chief, Maya is known for checking in with staff members, offering constructive criticism, and making sure everyone feels supported. Much of her commitment happens behind the scenes, from Tom Tom late nights revising the magazines to one-on-one conversations that help writers find their voice.

Rather than asserting authority through her position alone, Maya leads through trust, communication and laughter. 

“She is always laughing,” Marks said.

Former editor-in-chief Josie Quirke said Maya’s strength as a journalism leader comes from her emotional awareness and dedication to the publication.

“Maya is very compassionate,” Quirke said. “She understands people in a unique way that makes her approachable while still maintaining confidence and assertiveness.”

Quirke felt secure passing down the torch to Maya because she knew that with these traits, Maya would be able to take on difficulties and make light of any situation.  

Quirke first noticed Maya’s potential as a journalist when she was enrolled in Intro to Journalism. After reading one of her early assignments, it became clear that Maya had both talent and the willingness to grow.

“As she continued through the course, I could see her confidence and talent develop,” Quirke said. “Once she joined the staff, that growth really took off.”

In the media lab, Maya’s leadership is not loud or forceful. Instead, it is steady, intentional and rooted in care. Those qualities have helped strengthen both the publication and the staff who produce it.

As Maya prepares for the next chapter of her life, those around her say her impact will not be forgotten. From the media lab to the dance floor, she leaves behind a legacy of passion, balance and trust.