Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Light
At Ambleside, students know that education isn’t something that ends with graduation—it’s a pursuit that goes with us wherever we go. One of our recent graduates, now a freshman at Virginia Tech, shares what that looked like for him.
“I remember how deeply we were encouraged to think and wonder,” remembers Ryan Light, Ambleside class of 2021. “Ambleside brought learning to life, whether we were reading a living book, sketching in our nature journals, or discussing a new concept. I developed a love of learning in addition to learning facts by heart.”
Looking back, one of the most meaningful parts of the school day for him was morning assembly when the entire school gathered to sing hymns and pray together, which he said created a calm and focused atmosphere that carried him through the rest of the day.
“I also loved the nature walks we would take during nature study. I learned to notice and appreciate the beauty in nature and the world around me,” Ryan said.
Reflecting on how Ambleside prepared him for the future, he noted that there were many elements of the school day that gave him confidence in new educational settings.
“I learned how to think for myself, communicate clearly, and always stay curious. The emphasis on narration and discussion helped me enter high school and now college with confidence.”
He added, “Ambleside gave me a strong moral and spiritual foundation that continues to guide my choices and relationships today.”
For Ryan, Ambleside wasn’t just a school but a community – a sentiment we hope every student experiences. He said that learning has become “a lifelong adventure,” partly due to the way teachers got to know him on an individual level and genuinely engaged him in thoughtful and meaningful ways.
And, like many of our graduates, the annual Shakespeare Festival was a big highlight.
“One happy story that I will always remember is performing Shakespeare plays for the school, with Hamlet, my 8th grade play, being most memorable,” he shared. “I loved getting to memorize and practice my lines as Horatio… Experiencing the play coming together through the sets, costumes, and rehearsals was something I'll never forget. It was a time when joy and learning were mixed into one.
“Ambleside nourished every part of who I was: my mind, my heart, and my spirit. The teachers cared deeply about our development rather than just our potential. The whole environment encouraged growth and curiosity that continues to influence me now.”