Every graduating class at Montrose is a group of girls with different backgrounds, talents and personalities. But, to me, one girl stood out above the rest. Described by her friends as kind, empathetic, funny and creative, Ceci Cahill-Farella is a senior who’s been at Montrose for all seven years; throughout those years, she has left a lasting legacy on her class and the school. Because of Ceci, I am at Montrose today writing this article. Growing up with our yards connected, I have been lucky enough to have known Ceci and her amazing family (all as sweet and lovely as she is) since elementary school. Walking home with her and her sister Mia after school, sitting in their kitchen with large glasses of English breakfast tea, climbing over the fence between our yards – there are so many memories that seem like they happened just yesterday. Through all the years I have known her, one thing has always been clear; Ceci Cahill-Farella is a wonderful person through and through. She is an example of what a true Montrose Maverick should be and overall what a good person should be.
Throughout her seven years at Montrose, Ceci has learned so much, matured and changed as a person. Reflecting back, she said: “It’s crazy that I’ve been here for so long. Sometimes it feels like it hasn’t been close to seven years, and other days it feels like I’ve been here forever.” Growing up it seems that Montrose was written in Ceci’s stars. Her sister attended the school and, when she got to sixth grade, Ceci followed. Throughout her journey at Montrose, she has truly become a part of the community, participating in many clubs and activities. She’s been a part of the volleyball team since ninth grade, and created the Piano Club with her friends. A testament to Ceci’s leadership has been her commitment to the Student Government. She has been president of her class since tenth grade and expresses her love for the role. Through her role as president, she has had an opportunity to deepen her relationships with her classmates. One of her favorite things about being president has been getting to organize events for the grade. She loves that Montrose “carves out a special day dedicated to class bonding” and believes that those days are where she felt that her class was the most connected as a group. Some of her other favorite memories at Montrose include the Dominican Republic trip and mentoring with Ms. Hannah.
Ceci will be attending Boston College next year and, to anyone who asks her about it, it’s easy to tell that this is the place for her. She grew up with many connections to the school; her father works there, her older sister went, and her brother goes there now – but it was never a definite for her that she wanted to go, or any guarantee that she would even get in. Ceci’s decision wasn’t truly made until she attended a program last summer there called Ever to Excel. She described the program as “life changing;” she was able to meet so many people and learn so much. After attending the program, she knew that BC was her place. She applied early, confident in her choice but nervous for the results. She wasn’t sure if she would get in, and she didn’t feel certain or at home at any college but BC. In the end, Ceci didn’t have to worry about any other schools because her hard work paid off. She got in early decision and was overjoyed.
Ceci is majoring in Film Studies, a major unique and so very her own. Her major wasn’t an easy decision, but she always knew it would have something to do with film and media. Ever since she was little, she made movies with her childhood friends and watched old movies with her family. One of her childhood friends, Elizabeth, describes her as “genuinely one of the most empathetic people I know – always putting herself in others’ shoes and making sure she understands all perspectives in any given situation. She is very funny and creative; she has such a powerful mind and imagination.” Last summer, Ceci was able to take an online film course that really solidified her decision in what she wanted to pursue. She is excited for her time at BC to allow her to really learn and decide what she wants to do in the future. Right now, Ceci’s job aspirations revolve around film and behind the scenes work. She is possibly interested in editing and working on films, such as documentaries. But right now she’s starting up something a bit different but just up her alley. I was so excited to hear that Ceci is starting up her very own podcast that’s in the works right now! Still so young – but so determined and passionate about her goals – and she seems to know how to get towards them. I’m sure I am not the only one excited to listen to what she has to say!
Ceci will miss Montrose, but she has made it clear that she is ready to head off to her next step. When I asked her what she hopes her class will leave behind, she gave an answer that really stuck with me. “I hope we are known as a class that cares about each other. There’s always drama, but I feel like truly, in the end, we all care for each other. I know one day I’m going to see these people out in the world, and it’s all love between us. We grew up together, I really can’t imagine not seeing their faces everyday.” Ceci’s message is so important to all of us Montrose students. It’s so vital to remember how important it is to keep that community with your class. It’s normal and expected for there to be closer friendships than others – not everyone is going to always get along. But, in the end, these are the girls with whom you’re spending the rest of your childhood, and we should follow the senior class’s example: in the end, accept each other and acknowledge this found family that we are so blessed to have. Ceci’s whole class will leave behind a legacy, but Ceci herself will leave something truly her own behind as well. Her impact on so many students will not be forgotten. Her welcoming and supportive nature has graced so many of us, and we are all so lucky to have gotten to know her. Whenever someone is asked about Ceci, so many girls have amazing things to say. Here are just a few:
“When I was new to Montrose and volleyball, she went out of her way to talk to me and make me feel welcome. She knows how to laugh, she has a great heart and cares about her friends.” – Ava Raad ‘26
“Ceci is the most family oriented person you will ever meet. She is always thinking of her family members and friends and uses her gifts such as video editing, playing the piano and cooking to spread so much joy. She has a wonderful gift of speaking to people in a way that makes others feel comfortable around her and is so easy to connect with.” – Mia Cahill-Farella ‘27 (Ceci’s Sister)
Ceci, we hope you know how much the school will miss you! Keep being kind, welcoming and inclusive; your personality draws people to you because you are someone they can trust. We wish you luck and BC and in your film studies! And finally, from me to you, growing up getting to watch you grow has been a privilege. Thank you for always responding when I had a question, for including me on our walks home from PRS, and for being the reason I get to be at Montrose today; I am here at Montrose because it was God’s plan, and I believe that He guided me to meet you to show me the way. Know that we are proud of you, and are always here for you! Congratulations, and enjoy the next stop on your journey!
