September 18th 2025
Leah Seitz ‘26
When I was four years old, I started taking swim lessons and have loved the water ever since. I was always eager to jump in and swam competitively from fifth through ninth grade. This passion led me to volunteer at the Rye YMCA—which has become one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience.
When I was four years old, I started taking swim lessons and have loved the water ever since. I was always eager to jump in and swam competitively from fifth through ninth grade. This passion led me to volunteer at the Rye YMCA—which has become one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience.
Swimming hasn’t come as easily for everyone in my family. My grandmother never learned, and my mom isn’t a confident swimmer either. However, they’ve always encouraged me, and they’re especially proud that I now teach others. My grandmother’s and mother’s experiences were a big reason I started volunteering. I’ve seen how easy it is to feel left out when swimming isn’t accessible, and I wanted to help change that for others.
The Rye YMCA receives donations from Stewie the Duck Swim School, which allows the organization to provide free and discounted swim lessons to children in need. I’ve volunteered there as a swim instructor for two years, working with both younger kids and teens to help them feel more comfortable and confident in the water. Watching their growth throughout the year, as they go from being nervous standing near the pool to excitedly jumping in, is incredibly fulfilling. Moments like these are what make this experience so meaningful.
Out Of The Pool, Into The Kitchen
Beyond teaching swim lessons, I started a club at SLS in 2024 called Cookies for Kindness. There are 25 members in the club. Once a month, we bake and donate about 100 cookies to the New Covenant Center in Stamford, where they’re included in meals served to individuals and families facing food insecurity. I was originally inspired by an organization called Cake4Kids, which provides birthday cakes for kids in foster care. I loved the idea but found that the closest chapter was too far away for regular volunteering, so I decided to bring a similar mission to my school community.
Both of these experiences have helped me connect with others, learn more about the needs in our area, and find joy in small but meaningful acts of service.
