Senior Matthew Myslenski's Harvard Acceptance Goes Viral Online
WA’s Harvard Acceptance Reaction Video Goes Viral
When Woodstock Academy Senior Matthew Myslenski logged on to check the status of his Harvard University application in mid-December, he never imagined that the moment would be viewed by millions of people online. But that’s just what happened when Matthew and his twin sister, Magda, recorded their reaction to the extraordinary news of his acceptance. The video, which features an authentic moment of pure bliss in real-time, quickly went viral on social media, garnering more than 3 million views on Instagram and TikTok.
The news came as no surprise to the Woodstock Academy community. Everyone who’s had the opportunity to work with Matthew has seen his exceptional intellect and work ethic first-hand. When he graduates this June, Matthew will have left a significant impact on the school, with his involvement in medical club, membership in six honors societies, and leadership roles as adult liaison for the leadership conference and president of the German honors society. Having watched him grow over the past four years, Matthew’s guidance counselor, Valerie Champany said, “He can do anything, and he does whatever he sets his mind to without question or complaint.”
Matthew has cerebral palsy, a physical disability that affects movement and muscle tone, but what could be viewed as an obstacle to some serves as motivation in pursuit of his goals. “I don’t limit myself with anything,” said Matthew, “and I want to inspire others to not limit themselves either.”
When Matthew enrolls at Harvard this fall, he’ll be majoring in Biology, with a plan to follow in his parents’ footsteps and establish a career in medicine. “After taking AP Bio at WA, I knew I wanted to focus on a STEM career,” said Matthew. “I feel well-prepared for college because of Woodstock Academy’s challenging academic opportunities and the amazing teachers who encouraged my success.”
Matthew is just one of many WA Class of 2023 students celebrating early acceptances. His sister Magda is headed to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and other members of the senior class have already been accepted to Stanford, ECSU, Wesleyan, Columbia, QVCC, Syracuse, Quinnipiac, Northeastern, the U.S. Navy, and more.
“What Matthew and our other 2023 admits have been able to accomplish is indicative of The Woodstock Academy’s steadfast commitment to creating lifelong learners and informed citizens of the world,” said Head of School Christopher Sandford. “We are incredibly proud of all their achievements.”
The Woodstock Academy is an independent, day and boarding, co-educational, college preparatory high school for grades 9–12 and postgraduates located in Woodstock, CT. The mission of The Woodstock Academy is to prepare all students by providing diverse opportunities through a rigorous curriculum and a variety of programs in order to cultivate the necessary skills to become lifelong learners and global citizens.
