Special to The Swellesley Report courtesy of the Wellesley High School Bradford and Parents of Performing Students (POPS). This is one in a series of POPS Senior Profiles we’ll be publishing.
Eva Meraw is a master of sound waves—from arranging Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” for acapella to grasping the Doppler effect in AP Physics.
Born in Montreal to two classically-trained singers, Meraw began her own vocal journey in music class at Schofield Elementary School.
feels performing arts have taught her the confidence
required at the trial stand (Photo courtesy of Evie Simon).
This path led her to many stages—both at the high school and throughout Massachusetts. Meraw is an intensive student in Rice Street Singers but also sings in two other high school groups—Overtones and Ladies First Acapella. Outside of the chorus room, Meraw played Karen in the high school’s production of “Mean Girls” and Hope in “Anything Goes.”
At her church, Meraw sings in both the youth and adult choirs.
“She is one of the finest singers in the state of Massachusetts and has performed with honor choirs, including the [Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA)] Eastern District Chorus and the MMEA All State Choir,” said Dr. Kevin McDonald, the high school choral director.
Behind all of these accolades is a sincere care for both music and the musical community.
“What drives her hard work is how much she cares. She worries for people and consistently promotes change for the better,” Jamie Duffy ’25, a fellow singer, said.
Meraw has also worked to overcome stage fright before major performances, such as her first acapella solo sophomore year.
“I went out and I was physically shaking… It was funny, because I was always the person telling other people that they didn’t have to be nervous, that they were gonna kill it and be beautiful and amazing,” said Meraw.
Now in her fourth year of acapella and second as a Ladies First music leader, Meraw auditions for every solo opportunity.
“I want people to feel more welcome when they go for one,” Meraw said.
Beyond fostering a welcoming atmosphere, her musical arrangements and vocal abilities help others grow alongside her.
“[She] is a role model for younger singers and raises others’ skills in class, rehearsal, and performance,” said McDonald.
For Meraw, building these skills comes back to putting in the effort, not solely relying on natural talent.
“There are no shortcuts in music. The only way to get to a place where you feel ready and polished is through hard work at the piano. I kind of love that about [music], actually. Talent will only bring you so far,” Meraw said.
Her effort extends beyond music to other areas she enjoys: German, improv, physics, and mock trial. A teacher’s assistant in the German department, Meraw also went on an exchange program to Jüchen, Germany this past summer.
While planning on applying to college as a humanities major, Meraw decided to take on AP Physics her senior year, a pursuit she’s excelling in.
“[She] is an astounding physicist. There is no question about Eva’s musical and theatrical ability… but some people only know Eva as Karen from “Mean Girls” or as ‘that girl from improv’. Eva is the smartest person I’ve ever met,” said Brooke Simko ’25, a close friend of Meraw’s.
While her other pursuits may seem unrelated to singing, for Meraw, music instilled in her confidence in her capabilities.
Last year, Meraw arranged “Jolene” by Dolly Parton for an acapella concert. The arrangement started as something she heard inside her head, but working with her acapella group helped her transform this fledgling idea into reality.
“Something about that was so transformative, because I was like, ‘If I can take that from my head into the world, what else can I take from my head into the world?’” said Meraw.
As for what the future holds, Meraw doesn’t want to major in music. However, an active college acapella scene is a must-have for her.
Whatever Meraw chooses to pursue in college and beyond, her peers are confident that she will continue to redefine expectations.
“She expands the boundaries of what it means to be a student, an actress, a singer, and a best friend,” said Simko.
Article written by WHS Bradford Executive Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Hoerter ’25 and Staff Writer Jonathan Luu ’27.
