- Abby Ruggles ’26, an enthusiastic student from Tilton School, transitions smoothly to Millbrook, embracing new academic challenges and an inviting community.
- Millbrook School offers a unique on-campus zoo where students like Abby gain direct hands-on experience with various animal species, enriching their educational journey.
- Abby’s work with different animals, including Wallabies, Emus, Tamarins, and Marmosets, provides both personal fulfillment and educational growth, highlighting the distinct opportunities Millbrook offers.
- Besides her impressive work at the zoo, Abby balances her academic and sporting life by participating actively in Field Hockey, Basketball, and Softball, showcasing her versatility and commitment.
- Abby’s experience signifies the role of innovative educational environments in fostering wildlife conservation awareness and practical skills in young learners.
Abby Ruggles is a shining example of a student who successfully transitions from one educational institution to another while finding value in new experiences. Moving from Tilton School in New Hampshire to Millbrook School was not just a change of scenery for Abby but a deliberate step towards broadening her horizons. Abby knew the switch would be challenging, having to leave friends and a familiar environment. However, she sought an education that would challenge her more rigorously and prepare her for future endeavors.
Millbrook turned out to be the perfect fit for Abby. The welcoming and supportive community helped ease her transition, making it a comfortable new home. Academically, the rigor she encounters at Millbrook is precisely what she hoped for, offering a curriculum designed to stimulate and engage her intellect in ways that are crucial for her holistic development.
The educational uniqueness of Millbrook is profoundly enhanced by its on-campus zoo. This feature sets it apart from numerous other institutions, offering students exceptional opportunities to engage with wildlife directly. Abby, among other students, takes full advantage of this opportunity. When she talks about the zoo, her enthusiasm is palpable—a reflection of the passion shared by all those who choose Millbrook. The chance to work with animals daily is an invaluable part of their education.
The Millbrook zoo is more than a collection of animals; it is a living laboratory that provides practical learning experiences. Abby’s connection with the animals she works with—Wallabies, Emus, Tamarins, and Marmosets—is a testament to the hands-on learning she receives. These animals are not just subjects of curiosity; they are integral to the students’ understanding of biology, ecology, and conservation.
Working with animals straight from the diverse global ecosystem provides lessons that textbooks cannot replicate. Abby describes the Tamarins and Marmosets as little gremlins, noting their distinctive characteristics. Such experiences foster an intimate knowledge of animal behavior and promote an appreciation for biodiversity. Abby, like many of her peers, recognizes the rare opportunity this represents—interactions with wildlife that few others her age experience.
The zoo’s educational component extends beyond basic interaction. Some students are involved in data collection and analysis as part of their science classes. This not only enhances their understanding of scientific methodologies but also prepares them for future studies in zoology, biology, or environmental science. The practice of observing and gathering data underpins research anywhere in the world, and students at Millbrook are already contributing to this vital process.
The opportunity to engage directly with such a wide range of animal species helps students like Abby develop an early appreciation for conservation efforts. This is crucial as they may become advocates for environmental stewardship in the future. These young individuals will carry forward the values and skills cultivated at Millbrook into their various future roles, potentially influencing others to consider the importance of wildlife conservation.
Outside her academic and zoological pursuits, Abby exemplifies the balance between study and extracurricular activities. She is a three-season athlete, engaging in Field Hockey in the fall, Basketball in the winter, and Softball in the spring. This athletic dedication highlights her commitment and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Her participation in sports contributes to her holistic growth, ensuring she remains physically active, disciplined, and team-oriented.
Abby’s story reinforces a broader understanding of how education can extend beyond conventional classroom settings. Schools like Millbrook that integrate unique elements such as a zoo enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in tangible, memorable ways. This approach to learning inspires other educational institutions to consider new, dynamic methods for enriching student experiences across various disciplines.
Ultimately, Abby’s experiences at Millbrook—physically caring for animals, comprehending new academic challenges, and excelling in athletics—not only shape her future but also highlight Millbrook’s commitment to developing well-rounded, informed, and engaged students. Abby represents a future generation ready to make significant contributions to wildlife conservation, sport, and academics, driven by the skills and insights acquired in such a fertile learning environment.
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Source Description
Our Zooie of the Week in Abby Ruggles ’26. Abby attended Tilton School in New Hampshire before coming to Millbrook this year.
“Having grown up at Tilton, I knew it was going to be hard for me to leave all my friends and leave a place that I was so familiar with. But I knew that Millbrook was going to be better for me and my future. The community here is so nice and welcoming, it just feels comfortable. And I’m being challenged academically which is what I was looking for.
Working at the zoo has been really cool. When I tell my friends from home that I have a zoo at my school, they’re like, what the heck? But I get to see all these animals every day, and working with them face to face is an experience that no one else gets to have besides the people here at Millbrook. Before working with the Wallabies and the Emus, I worked with the Tamarins and the Marmosets and they’re really cute and remind me of little gremlins.
You don’t get this opportunity anywhere else. And you can learn so much from it. Some kids are even collecting data for their science classes. Other kids would kill to have an opportunity like this. And I feel like we should be grateful that we’re able to do this every day and work with animals like this from all over the world.”
When she is not at the zoo or in class, Abby is a three-season athlete, playing Field Hockey in the fall, Basketball in the winter, and Softball in the Spring.
Keep up the great work Abby! We are so glad you have made Millbrook your new home.
