Alumni Spotlight: Bailey Walker ‘16
Bailey Walker, Class of 2016, has always been passionate about the outdoors and environmental stewardship. His journey from St. Anne’s to Middlebury College reflects his commitment to sustainability, community, and leadership.
From St. Anne’s to Colorado Academy
At St. Anne’s, Bailey developed a strong foundation in writing and outdoor exploration. "The time I spent at St. Anne's in the hills was formative and special," he reflects. "I had great memories of outdoor trips and community experiences." This love for nature and curiosity led him to Colorado Academy (CA), where he joined the cross-country team and participated in the Redi Lab program. A key experience during high school was a month-long wilderness course with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). "It was formative, teaching me both backpacking and leadership skills," Bailey recalls.
Middlebury College: Exploring Environmental Studies
Bailey continued his academic journey at Middlebury College, majoring in Environmental Studies and Geography. He chose Middlebury for its small, community-oriented atmosphere and strong environmental focus. "Middlebury’s values around the environment and community really resonated with me, much like those I learned at St. Anne's," he says. Though the pandemic altered his college experience, Bailey thrived in the liberal arts environment, embracing learning across disciplines.
Hands-On Experience: Food Systems and Community Engagement
Bailey’s internships have connected his academic interests with real-world impact. At the Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN), he helped map local farms and distribute food to restaurants and institutions. "It was exciting to see how the local food system connects," he notes. He also contributed to ACORN’s FARMacy program, providing fresh produce to people referred by healthcare providers. "It showed me the power of food to improve health," Bailey explains.
A particularly meaningful project was his personal initiative to screen the documentary Farming While Black, highlighting the challenges faced by Black farmers in the U.S. The event, which drew 100 attendees, sparked important conversations about racial and environmental justice.
Looking Ahead
After graduation, Bailey plans to return to Colorado, where he hopes to work in sustainable agriculture and continue working in outdoor education. "I’m excited to connect my environmental studies with real-world food systems work," he says.
Reflecting on his time at St. Anne's, Bailey credits the school for teaching him the importance of community and compassion. "St. Anne’s taught me to be humble and to build strong connections with others," he says. "Those lessons have stayed with me as I’ve moved through college."
Advice for Current St. Anne’s Students
Bailey’s advice to current students is simple: "Stay curious, be compassionate, and embrace your community. The relationships you build now will be important later."
Bailey Walker’s journey from St. Anne’s to Middlebury is a testament to the power of curiosity and community. As he looks toward the future, he is poised to make a lasting impact on both the environment and the communities he serves.