HEBRON ACADEMY: What was it like growing up at Hebron and being in the Middle School?

MAX  MIDDLETON: I joined Hebron in the 6th grade as a middle schooler. Middle School was a blast – you instantly become close with your classmates because the group is smaller and there is so much fun to be had. You get so much attention from teachers, and you’re allowed to be a kid – some of my fondest memories are from my years as HAMSter.

HEBRON ACADEMY: Your parents are both teachers/staffers/coaches at Hebron and have been here for a long time. What’s it like being affectionately known as a “fac brat”?

MAX MIDDLETON: I loved having my parents as teachers and directors. It can be tough separating when you’re home when you want to talk to your mom or your dad as parents versus when you want to be talking to your director or your teacher. For me it was never too difficult. My sister has a harder time with it!

HEBRON ACADEMY: What's a favorite Hebron memory?

MAX MIDDLETON: What first comes to mind is Carnival Day in 8th grade. The Middle School and the Upper School got together for a day of fun activities, and there were all these bouncy castles and the most competitive game of four square I’d ever seen in my life. During the senior speech that year at graduation, Molly Curtis ’06 talked about how life was so much like a game of four square, which she didn’t realize until that Carnival Day. That connection she made and the fun I had at the day itself really resonated with me. It was the kind of experience unique to Hebron.

HEBRON ACADEMY: What advice do you have for prospective students who are considering attending Hebron?

MAX MIDDLETON: Hebron fosters your talents and nurtures new ones. It is a place where no matter what you may consider your strong suits, you will not only improve them ten-fold but also discover interests you never even knew you had. For me, math was something I never cared much for, but now I’m in AP Calculus and doing well – and actually enjoying it. No matter what you’re into, Hebron will help you find your niche.

HEBRON ACADEMY: You have a vested interest in theater and performing arts. Can you talk about your passion and Hebron’s role in those interests?

MAX MIDDLETON: I became interested in theater because of my mother [Hebron’s quintessential director, resident thespian, and Associate Director of Admissions], having been immersed in it since a very young age. I started performing with the Middle School, which has a great drama department. We did really fun and comical shows and learned the fundamentals, like how to memorize lines and practice playing different parts in front of a live audience. I became serious about theater my freshman year when there was a really talented group of seniors who helped inspire me to pursue acting. From there, the Hebron community helped me with off-campus avenues for acting. Ms. Reedy encouraged me to audition for my first community show with OHMPAA (Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association), which I really enjoyed, and then Ms. Barefoot helped me try out for "Children of Eden." I’ve just recently played the role of Leaf Coneybear in the musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” with the Community Litter Theater. The show earned a full house most nights, and lots of Hebron friends and family made the trip to support me, which was wonderful.

HEBRON ACADEMY: Without Hebron’s guidance, do you think you would have been pushing yourself to try other avenues of theater?

MAX MIDDLETON: I really don’t think so because it was not only the teaching influence but also the confidence building that Hebron contributed. My mentors reinforced and supported my interest and provided important critiques – they’re just wonderful people who are great at their jobs.

HEBRON ACADEMY: Now that you’ve had a taste of the stage, do you think this is something you’re going to pursue for the long term?

MAX MIDDLETON: I’ve gone back and forth on this. I want theater to continue to be a part of my life. I think it’s incredibly fun, but I do not think that’s what I want to do with my life. A few teachers here, one of them being my Dad [Mr. Middleton], made me realize how much I also love history – if not moreso than the stage. Also, theater at a professional level is extremely competitive – and I can’t dance!

HEBRON ACADEMY: Did you ever have your father as a teacher?

MAX MIDDLETON: For three years in Middle School I had my Dad for history. I loved it. He’s a fantastic teacher who is fun and energetic and cares a lot, like all teachers at Hebron. I tried to address him as “Mr. Midd” in class – but it just didn’t work out. No one seemed to mind me calling him “Dad,” which I think says a lot about how Hebron operates as a family.

HEBRON ACADEMY: Can you talk about making friends on campus?

MAX MIDDLETON: Middle School friends just happen! When you get to the Upper School, you see all these new students trying to figure out boarding school – it can be scary. I think the two most effective ways that friends are made is through dorm life and being in class. Dorm life is great; you know you’ll always have your roommate as a familiar face, but you’re also in a big house with 30-60 other kids your age. You’re bound to share common interests! The classroom is another great way to make friends because you really learn how people truly feel about certain topics since Hebron classes are discussion-based.

HEBRON ACADEMY: What was your college process like?

MAX MIDDLETON: I compiled this huge list of all these schools. I presented the list to Mr. Mac [Mr. MacLellan, college counselor], who helped me cut it down to the probables and the matches – and recognize the reaches. It was humbling. I knew I wanted to apply early decision, so I narrowed it down to two very different – but equally great – schools, Bowdoin being one of them. I was so sure I didn’t want to go to college in Maine after having been here most of my life, but I was wrong. I toured Bowdoin and saw the beautiful campus and decided to apply early decision and got in. End of story!

HEBRON ACADEMY: What are you most excited about in your transition to college?

MAX MIDDLETON: Bowdoin is a small college - but it’s still going to feel a lot bigger than Hebron. I’m looking forward to being in that environment, seeing new faces and meeting new people. I am also looking forward to being away from my parents a little bit. In morning meeting the other day, Mr. Jurek was talking about midterm grades and attendance, and there were my parents staring right at me! I won’t miss that!

HEBRON ACADEMY: What is going through your head with graduation around the corner?

MAX MIDDLETON: The main thing going through my head right now is that I have to write this Commencement speech and I’m freaking out! We initiated "The Last Word" this year [a mandatory public speaking exercise for seniors], and I got to go first which was fun. I gave a speech that people seemed to like, but now there’s pressure! I’m also looking forward to spending these last few weeks with my good friends who I have become so close to.

HEBRON ACADEMY: What are some things you’re going to miss about Hebron?

MAX MIDDLETON: I’m going miss my friends a lot because - even though we all hear it - Hebron is a great community. It is truly awesome to be a part of, but that means it’s also going to be really, really hard to leave. I’m going to miss my teachers a lot, like Ms. Burns, my unbelievable English teacher who I had as a freshman and a junior. She is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had in my life…And I’m going to miss my parents a lot!

HEBRON ACADEMY: Who do you credit most with your success, if anyone?

MAX MIDDLETON: There’s a saying “it takes a village to raise a child,” and in my case I believe that it takes a school to raise a child. So, I don’t think I can say one particular person. I give my parents a lot of credit, but my teachers are due a lot of credit and I think I’ve worked pretty hard, too. But at Hebron – like with me and with most students - it’s always a community effort.