Eliza Peacock: Class of 2026 Salutatorian

Eliza Peacock, FWCD’s Class of 2026 Salutatorian, exudes genuine warmth, humility and empathy, and she has a knack for making those around her feel comfortable instantly. While her FWCD journey embodies the School’s commitment to the 3A’s, it is her heart for lifting others that defines her. She lives out FWCD’s purpose with a passion to learn, the courage to lead, and the steadfast commitment to serve. 

For Eliza, academics go beyond grades. She pursued a rigorous curriculum throughout her Upper School journey, taking seven Honors and eight Advanced Placement courses. Her natural curiosity and passion for learning led her to master Spanish and explore university-level creative writing and philosophy at Putney Oxford Academia. A National Merit Commended Student and recipient of a College Board National School Recognition Award, she was inducted into Cum Laude Society as a junior. “My two favorite classes at FWCD were AP English Literature with Mrs. [Catherine] Collins-Vecino and AP Spanish Literature with Mrs. [Alison] Robinson,” Eliza said. “Both of the classes were so interesting and made me want to continue studying literature in college. Mrs. Collins-Vecino and Mrs. Robinson are both so incredible, and I just loved listening to them talk!”

The arts bring Eliza joy. She has been a member of the orchestra, playing cello, since Middle School and has been given the Heart of Service in Orchestra Award. Fostering her love of writing, Eliza is a staff member on FWCD’s Literary magazine, Prism, and has published pieces in the publication. As a freshman, she was honored by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, earning a silver medal in poetry and an honorable mention in short story writing. She is a gifted writer with a maturity beyond her years. 

As a student-athlete, Eliza played both soccer and volleyball at FWCD and competed on club teams outside of school. She led by example on the field and court and was an encouraging and supportive teammate. Her favorite aspect of being part of a team was the camaraderie and friendships that grew from the experiences.

At this year’s Upper School Awards Ceremony, Eliza received the Senior English Student, Senior Spanish Student, Senior History Student, Andrew Cordell H’22 Community Service, Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass H’98, and Humanitas Per Disciplinam Awards.

When asked what her favorite FWCD memory is, Eliza said. “I loved it when Dr. [John] Cordell made our class pancakes before midterm exams in the winter. It was so meaningful because it reminded me that this school cares about us not just as students but as whole people, and the pancakes were delicious!”

Eliza shines brightest when she is helping others. After attending the NAIS Civic Leadership Summit two years ago, she co-founded Open Books Open Minds at FWCD. This literacy program pairs high school volunteers with young readers at Rivertree Academy. Sharing her love of literature and reading with young readers has been fulfilling. 

Her most transformative journey, however, began four years ago on a mission trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she served as an advocate for the Adera Foundation. Deeply moved by the community, Eliza returned each summer throughout high school. During these trips, she worked alongside mothers and children to promote education and business training. By her junior year, she joined Adera Designs. This women-run company creates handmade jewelry from upcycled materials, and Eliza, as an intern, used her storytelling gifts to market the various products. During Eliza’s spring break trip to Addis Ababa in her junior year, she took over old FWCD yearbooks and Falconer magazines, and the women created beads to craft bracelets and necklaces. Eliza brought some back, and they are being sold in the Campus Store with all proceeds benefiting these mothers and families in Ethiopia. Eliza’s mission work inspired her Senior Capstone Project. To honor the children she grew to love in Addis Ababa, she wrote a children’s book to preserve and celebrate their vibrant, lived experiences with the dignity they deserve. 

“One of the most important things I have learned while at FWCD is how to appreciate people. Everyone in this community is so talented in so many ways, and it is so important to make them feel seen and celebrated for the amazing things they do,” Eliza said. “I will miss this supportive community and the opportunities I’ve had to be involved in so many different things.” 

As Eliza prepares to begin her next chapter, she leaves behind an example of what it means to lead with care, compassion and empathy. She has consistently sought to make meaningful connections and help others feel seen and valued. Her time at FWCD reflects the very best of FWCD’s mission and Core Values, and there is little doubt she will continue to approach the future with the same curiosity and dedication. 

This fall, Eliza will join the Wake Forest University community, where she plans to major in English.