Viking of the Week: Andrew Perez, ’26

Andrew Perez ’26 is quiet, reserved, and rarely seeks attention, but those who take the time to notice him quickly see the depth of his character and commitment. From his freshman year on, Andrew has been defined by his discipline, organization, and remarkable ability to manage his time, balancing demanding academics with national-level swimming commitments.

Andrew’s dedication is consistent across everything he does. Whether in the pool or the classroom, he gives his full effort and holds himself to high standards. Teachers describe him as exceptionally organized and hard-working, someone who quietly pushes himself to improve day after day. His steady determination has allowed him to succeed academically while continuing to grow as a competitive swimmer.

This year marked a turning point for Andrew as he truly came into his own. Enrolling in Anatomy and Physiology—his first honors science course—he entered the class knowing very few classmates. It didn’t take long, however, for his confidence to grow. Andrew began engaging more openly with his peers, asking thoughtful questions, participating fully in labs, and making meaningful connections between the material and real-world science. These skills have carried over into other classes and watching that growth has been especially rewarding for his teachers.

Andrew’s perseverance is also evident in his work with the Engineering Institute. For his capstone project, he designed a pedal-powered water-lifting system intended to provide a portable, cost-effective solution for moving water in areas with limited or no access to electricity. To complete the project, Andrew, having never used Computer-Aided Design (CAD), had to teach himself how to use it before even starting. When challenges arose—as they often do in engineering—he didn’t give up. Instead, he worked patiently through setbacks, refining his design and seeing the project through to completion. He will get to show off his hard work at this week’s EICC Expo with the rest of his classmates.

Even in spaces where he speaks very little, Andrew’s presence is felt. Teachers note that he listens carefully, remains focused, and consistently treats others with kindness and respect. He is the kind of student who embodies the phrase “still waters run deep”: quiet not because he lacks confidence, but because he is deeply committed to the task in front of him.

It has been an honor to watch Andrew grow from a shy freshman into a focused, resilient, and driven young man. For his dedication, perseverance, and quiet excellence, we are proud to recognize him as a Viking of the Week, even if the recognition itself may come as a surprise to him.