Graciela Leahy '25 exemplifies what it means to be a Wellington student: passionate, creative, and driven to make an impact. From the pottery wheel to the theatre stage, Graciela approaches every endeavor with curiosity and dedication, inspiring those around her with her commitment to excellence and community. Her love for ceramics began in Ms. Bennati’s class, where she discovered the joy of crafting functional art with her own hands. Now a seasoned artist, she creates her own pieces and teaches peers how to throw on the wheel — a testament to her generous spirit and leadership.
Beyond her work in ceramics, Graciela shines as a painter, director, and co-captain of the softball team, exemplifying Wellington’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, connected individuals. Graciela embraces Wellington's opportunities to explore her passions and develop meaningful relationships, whether leading on the field, creating expressive art in the studio, or collaborating on stage. Her ability to balance her diverse talents while fostering connections reflects the school’s emphasis on empowering students to grow as leaders, creators, and community builders.
Q: What sparked your love for ceramics, and what keeps you coming back to the wheel?
A: When I first took Intro to Ceramics with Ms. Bennati, I thought making something functional with my hands was so cool. I started throwing on the wheel to make my pieces more uniform, and I haven't gone back to hand-building since. My favorite part about what I make is that it's usable. I use my bowls and mugs every day, and it's often the best part of my day. That’s what keeps me going back.
Q: Ms. Bennati mentioned that you’ve taught peers how to throw on the wheel. What inspired you to share your skills, and how does seeing others learn from you feel?
A: Making pots on the wheel is magical, and when I started, I didn’t have anyone to share that with. So, I decided to teach others. I’ve taught probably five or six people how to throw, and it’s always the same: they struggle, I help them, and then they’re in awe of what they just made. Pottery is way more fun when you have people to share it with.
Q: Besides your ceramics work, you’ve also explored acrylic painting. How does working with different art forms challenge or inspire you?
A: I started painting because I needed a break from pottery, and it’s very different. On the wheel, I only make functional pieces, so they don’t have a lot of meaning. Painting gives me a chance to create art that feels more expressive. It’s challenging, though, because in ceramics, I have to trust the clay, but in painting, it’s all up to me. That can feel overwhelming, and my paintings often look rough at first. But once I push through, I end up with something I love and am proud of — and that’s so cool.
Q: You’re also involved in theatre as an actor, director, and playwright. How do you balance your creative pursuits in art and theatre, and do you find that one inspires the other?
A: Theatre is my primary art form. It’s a collaborative way of exploring the human experience, unique from any other medium. My paintings often reflect that, especially my first one—a self-portrait of me on stage. I want to create art inspired by the world around me, which overlaps between theatre, painting, and ceramics. They often inspire each other because I make art of the things I love.
Q: From directing plays to leading on the softball field, you’ve taken on a lot of leadership roles. How has being captain of the softball team shaped your approach to leadership?
A: I’ll be co-captain of the softball team this upcoming season, and I’m excited to lead my team. Last year, we had a lot of new players, so I focused on teaching the fundamentals and simplifying the game to help them understand and enjoy it. This season will be similar since we have a new coach. My role as captain will be to bridge the gap between the coach and the team, and I’m confident my co-captain and I can do that successfully.
Q: You’re making a thrown piece for every senior for graduation — a huge undertaking! What inspired this goal, and how do you approach creating something so meaningful for your classmates?
A: Every senior is getting a plant for graduation, so I thought it would be meaningful to make a planter to go with each one. It’s a gift they can take to college and a reminder of Wellington. I plan to throw 41 uniform planters and be intentional with the glaze. I might let them design their own pots or choose the designs based on their personalities.
Q: With everything you’re involved in — ceramics, theatre, student council, softball —what advice would you give to other students about following their passions and staying engaged in the community?
A: Find your passion and pour your heart into it. It’s so much easier to put in the work when you love what you’re doing. When you invest your time, you can go so far, and it’s more rewarding than anything.