“Art has had the most powerful impact on my life so far.” 
—Jake Sender

From the moment he could pick up a crayon, Jake Sender ’26 has placed art in the center of his universe. Growing up drawing, painting, and brainstorming projects, he was constantly curious about ways to engage in art outside school parameters. By the time he was in Middle School, Jake designed patterns for sneakers, starting his very own business. 

One year ago, Jake joined Head of Visual Arts Ellen Sayers’ class, which solidified art as his main passion. 

When she first witnessed Jake sketching, Ms. Sayers was astounded by his raw talent and his drive to learn more about art. “Art runs through his veins,” she said. “He is prolific. He is absolutely fearless… when he gets an idea in his head, he just runs with it.” Given the amount of art he was producing, and his general enthusiasm, Ms. Sayers encouraged Jake to pitch his own art show.   

And he was more than ready to accept the challenge. Jake quickly put together a proposal for Spark Tank, looking for seed money to pay for a gallery to rent on the Lower East Side. He spent time searching for venues, pitching a proposal, and creating a budget — all steps that emulated a professional experience. From this, he secured funding from The Dwight School Foundation to host his very own gallery event.

Jake put careful thought into the atmosphere, the lighting, and the logistics. The gallery, divided into three different categories, contained portraits, landscapes, and abstract art, showing his evolution as an artist. Jake was deeply inspired by Keith Haring, creating interesting patterns. As he accepted feedback from the peers in his art class, his patterns started to evolve into explorations of things and people. Subsequently, his work became influenced by an array of artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Franz Kline, Jackson Pollack, George Condo, Vincent Van Gogh, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Ms Sayers said that many of the walls in the gallery would please Dwight alum Roy Lichtenstein ’40 to no end. 

Jake’s overall goal for the gallery went beyond his art. “Seeing my teachers, family members, and even strangers that stopped by holds a special place in my heart. It wasn't just to show my art — it was to bring people together in a positive way,” Jake said. Ultimately, the gallery was a huge success, with 80 teachers, peers, friends, family, and Chancellor Stephen Spahn attending the opening. 

Although art is central to his life, Jake is equally adept at writing and especially debate, where he can bring people together through open dialogue. 

Thriving in Global Politics, Jake makes an effort to listen before responding, and enjoys the intellectual conversations that come with it. He said, “I’ve always been interested in politics but I like the class because it gets my mind going, it’s collaborative — a lot of it is perspectives and values and beliefs I get to learn from my classmates.”

Jake also enjoys Language and Literature for its ability to create interesting conversations regarding difficult texts. He finds the class enjoyable and fulfilling — particularly through creative assignments, reading and analyzing short stories, and taking part in Socratic seminars. Jake likes the fact that these Socratic seminars involve brainstorming creative ideas and thinking about perspective and philosophy. Dr. Matthew Schlesinger, Jake’s Language and Literature teacher, said, “He always brings his ready smile and kind personality in the classroom. He’s really energetic and quite funny… If we’re dragging on a Friday afternoon, a lot of times Jake’s energy can help carry us through.” 

In addition, Jake has been part of Varsity Basketball since grade 10 and was captain of the JV Basketball team during his grades 8 and 9. He started playing AAU basketball from the time he was six years old until he was 15 years old and has participated in a variety of tournaments. 

As an athlete, writer, debater, and artist, he dabbles in many different worlds. Despite this, Jake does a great job of merging these groups. Teachers notice that he generally goes out of his way to bring people together with lots of school spirit. As his Quest Teacher, Emily Moser, said, “His spark of genius is definitely his character… he has a really strong way of working with others.” 

Jake creates a wide range of stunning artwork and a positive environment among people who may not hang out much outside of school, his vibrant personality and striking imagery inspiring others to create community. 

Soon, Jake will begin creating art in a new community, as he begins the BFA program at the University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art and Design in Fall 2026. 

We wish him the best of luck on his journey to college and beyond!