About
River An
Peddie School 27’
CREATIVE WRITING
& PUBLICATIONS
& PUBLICATIONS
Amphion Literary and Art Magazine — Editor-in-Chief, 2026–Present
Editorial leadership for Peddie’s century-old student-run literary and art magazine; curates 100+ annual submissions and mentors student contributors.
Creative Writing Signature Program — Selected Participant, 2025–2027
Two-year program in poetry, fiction, and graphic narrative; lead visual artist for a collaborative graphic narrative project.
Iowa Young Writers’ Studio — Selected Participant, Summer 2025
Two-week residential creative writing program in fiction and poetry.
Think of the Sea — Korean–English Screenplay Translator
Translated a short-film screenplay for international film festival submissions.
RESEARCH & LAW
Juvenile Miranda Rights Study — Independent Researcher, 2025–Present
Designed an IRB-approved study of 307 adolescents examining comprehension of Miranda warnings; authored a 20-page research paper and is developing a documentary based on the research.
New Jersey Student Ethics Conference — Presenter, 2025
Presented “Why Do Miranda Rights Fail to Protect Young People?” on false confessions, language barriers, and legal reform.
Columbia High School Law Institute — Participant, 2025–2026
Studied criminal procedure and constitutional law through Columbia Law School’s high school program.
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY
Student DEI Leadership Council — Co-Leader, 2025–Present
Organizes student programming and dialogue; designed and led a DEI Day workshop connecting the Heart Sutra and Five Skandhas with contemporary inclusion.
Arts Citizenship Committee — Elected Representative, 2024–Present
Represents theatre students in school arts planning and student-faculty dialogue.
Hartley’s Legacy — Co-President, 2025–Present
Organizes student performers for twice-monthly performances at Princeton CIEL Senior Center; launched an oral-history project documenting residents’ songs and life stories.
VISUAL ART
Independent Studio Art Portfolio — 2024–Present
Developing a 12–15 piece portfolio exploring storytelling and memory through digital and traditional media.
ULTRAVIOLET at BRIC House Gallery — Selected Artist, 2026
Selected for a juried youth contemporary art exhibition in Brooklyn.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Gold Key — Poetry; Silver Key — Mixed Media; Honorable Mentions in visual art and writing.
PERFORMING ARTS
Musical Theatre — Peddie School, 2023–Present
Gloria Thorpe, Damn Yankees; Fiona, Shrek the Musical; ensemble in The Prom and Mamma Mia!; Assistant Stage Manager and onstage band singer in Romeo and Juliet.
Vocal Performance — Peddie School, 2023–Present
Lead Vocalist, Blair Day Band; soprano soloist for chapel services, alumni memorials, and school ceremonies; member of Peddie Singers and Treblemakers.
Private Voice & Acting Training
Voice study with David Gordon, Manhattan School of Music; acting and vocal coaching with Broadway performers Marina Kondo and Michelle Beck; New York Film Academy musical theatre intensive.
ATHLETICS
Varsity Girls Golf — Peddie School, Grades 9–10
Two-year varsity team member; 2025 Mid-Atlantic Prep League team champion.
HONORS & RECOGNITION
National Merit Commended Scholar, 2026
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards — Gold Key(Poetry, 2026), Silver Key & Honorable Mentions (Mixed Medea, Painting, 2024-2025)
CS Music Vocal Competition — National Live Second Round, Musical Theatre & Classical Voice, 2026
Peddie Declamation Contest — 2nd Place, 2026; Honorable Mention, 2024 & 2025
Hartley’s Legacy at Ciel of Princeton Senior Center
2025 Spring - Present
I initially began volunteering at the Princeton Senior Center by singing for seniors during regular visits. Over time, I noticed that certain songs consistently opened deeper conversations—prompting memories, stories, and emotional reflections tied to specific moments in their lives.
As a member of Hartley’s Legacy, I began to approach this work more intentionally. Rather than focusing on performance alone, I started collecting the songs that held the greatest meaning for each individual and using music as a starting point for dialogue. Through shared listening, conversation, and singing, these sessions became collaborative exchanges grounded in memory, storytelling, and mutual learning.
Building on this experience, I am currently developing this work into a sustained intergenerational community service project. As a DEI leader at Peddie School, I am preparing to formally connect this initiative with the school’s DEI efforts, shaping it into a long-term service project centered on inclusion, identity, and intergenerational connection.
- Began participating through vocal performances at the Princeton Senior Center and expanded the work as a member of Hartley’s Legacy, focusing on music as a tool for connection rather than presentation.
- Collects seniors’ most meaningful songs and life stories through structured conversations, shared listening, and collaborative singing.
- Currently developing this work into a sustained intergenerational community service project in coordination with Peddie School’s DEI initiatives.
© RIVER AN 2025