When asked to describe herself, Woodlands Middle High School senior Ann Alphy laughs and offers a word she uses often: indecisive.
At first glance, it seems like an unusual choice for a student who has excelled across nearly every aspect of school life. Ranked third in the Class of 2026, she is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) student, president of Mu Alpha Theta, vice president of the National Spanish Honor Society, international manager of the Latin American Students Association, a geometry tutor, a member of the Business Olympics team, a recipient of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student-athlete, and media manager for both the swim and bowling teams. She was also recently named one of New York’s Most Positive Athletes, an honor awarded to just 28 students statewide from more than 750 nominations.
This fall, she will attend Binghamton University, where she plans to study biomedical engineering.
But as she reflects on the path that brought her here, it becomes clear that “indecisive” is not quite the right word. Armed with wit, confidence, and a contagious sense of curiosity, Ann is eager to embrace every opportunity. More than anything, she sees the world as full of possibilities.
“I strongly believe in the whole idea that everything happens for a reason and everything will work out,” she said. “As long as I continue to put my best foot forward every day, things will work out.”
That mindset has shaped many of her decisions, including her choice of major.
She was drawn to biomedical engineering because it combines her love of math and science while keeping a wide range of future options open. While she hopes to become a physician assistant, she liked the idea of choosing a field that would allow her to explore multiple paths.
“There’s no such thing as a right choice,” she said, quoting her senior yearbook message. “It’s you that makes the choice right.” Her interest in healthcare stems from personal experience. As a child with asthma, she spent time in doctors’ offices and hospitals and remembers the kindness of the medical professionals
who helped her feel safe and cared for.
“Their ability to comfort people, I loved that,” she said. “Doctors have such an impact on people’s lives, and sometimes you don’t realize it.”
Throughout her high school experience, Ann’s sense of purpose and determination has guided her every step of the way. She says her drive came, in part, from not wanting to limit herself before she knew exactly what she wanted to do.
“I never really knew what I wanted to do, so I just poured myself into my work,” she said. “I gave 100 percent to all of it, IB, honors, and AP. It’s not just tests, it’s homework, outside projects, and relationships with teachers. It was worth it.”
Beyond strong grades, she developed the work ethic, time management, and confidence needed to balance a demanding academic schedule with athletics and extracurricular commitments. “If I could do this, I’m probably pretty all right for the next step,” she said.
Social studies teacher and Business Olympics advisor Mr. Holland sees Ann’s self-described “indecisiveness” differently.
“She calls it indecisiveness, but what she really is is an overthinker,” he said. “She wants to consider every possibility before making a decision.”
In more than two decades of teaching, Mr. Holland says Ann stands out as a student with exceptional potential.
“She has all the elements of a leader,” he said. “She’s smart. She’s witty. She’s fearless. I have no doubt that Ann is going to be a mover and shaker in this world.”
Ann speaks with genuine affection about the teachers who have guided her journey, and watching her interact with them feels less like a relationship between a student and teacher and more like a conversation between old friends.
A lifelong student of the district, Ann recalls her kindergarten teacher, Mr. Wooten, as helping her feel excited about school from the very beginning.
“He was really funny. He was really joyous. He was just a very bright teacher,” she said. “He was one of the reasons I got so well accustomed to school.”
As she reflects on the teachers who shaped her experience at Woodlands Middle High School, the emotion is difficult to miss.
hen it comes to being prepared for tests, Ann credits IB English teacher Ms. Rella for making that possible. For art, she shares how lucky she has been to have Ms. Cronin for all four years. She describes her as a breath of fresh air, a role model, and a problem-solver.
“Ms. Cronin’s art room is such a space of comfort,” said Ann. She never made me feel like just a student. It always felt like we were a team.”
The same heartfelt gratitude was extended to Mr. Holland. “I feel so validated by him,” she said. “He keeps me honest, and I can always rely on his room.”
Outside the classroom, Ann enjoys staying active, whether through sports, tutoring geometry, creating art, learning languages, practicing yoga, or spending time outdoors.
“I feel like I’m solar powered,” she said with a smile. As a globally minded IB DP student, she has also embraced opportunities to explore other cultures and perspectives through her involvement in the Latin American Students Association, Mandarin Club performances, and her pursuit of biliteracy in Spanish.
“If you drop me in Mexico, I’d survive,” she joked.
When asked what matters most to her, she points to empathy and perspective.
“I think it’s really important to not only think about what I’m feeling, but what the person I’m talking to is feeling,” she said.
That ability to listen, stay grounded, and make others feel understood is part of what makes her such a respected member of the Woodlands community.
She describes her time at WMHS as defined by close relationships, shared challenges, and a strong sense of belonging.
“There’s just a community here,” she said. “Everybody knows each other so well.”
As she prepares to begin her next chapter at Binghamton, she does so with the same optimism and self-assurance that have guided her through high school.
She may call herself indecisive, but her journey tells a different story, one with pages full of possibilities.