Far Hills Country Day School
A co-educational Preschool–Grade 8 independent school
Stephanie Agathis ’17 Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Music)
Stephanie Agathis ’17 Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Music)
Far Hills Country Day School is proud to celebrate Stephanie Agathis ’17, who has been recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 – Music, an honor that highlights young leaders making an impact on the future of the music industry.
After graduating from Far Hills, Stephanie continued her academic journey at St. Elizabeth’s and has since built an impressive path defined by creativity, drive, and entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Vitalize Projects, a music and brand management company that supports emerging artists and growing talent in a fast-moving and highly competitive field.
Stephanie’s success is more than an exciting professional milestone—it is a reflection of the values Far Hills strives to instill in every student. As Head of School Georgia Zaiser shared, “Stephanie’s journey exemplifies our mission to empower young people to pursue their passions with confidence and curiosity. Her success in a competitive field is a testament to the strong foundation we provide, where students are encouraged to think critically, embrace challenges, and develop their own unique voice.”
For Stephanie, that foundation began early. She credits Far Hills with not only nurturing her love of music, but also helping her grow into a confident leader. “Music was always a big part of my experience—I was consistently involved in school talent shows, playing the drums,” she recalled. “Being a female drummer was definitely rare, but Far Hills Country Day School embraced my passion for drumming from a very young age.” She also remembers music class as a meaningful space for self-expression and exploration, from learning instruments to preparing for holiday concerts.
Beyond the stage, Stephanie says Far Hills helped shape the person she is today through its emphasis on character and community. “Far Hills teachers and courses emphasized leadership and character. We were taught to be self-sufficient, reliable, and honest, even as young kids learning the five pillars of the school.” Those lessons have stayed with her well beyond graduation and continue to guide her professionally.
In fact, Stephanie believes the values of honesty, respect, and trustworthiness—reinforced through Far Hills’ five pillars—remain essential in her work today. “Being an honest person was emphasized by every teacher, and it became a core value for me from a young age,” she shared. “They taught me the importance of doing what’s right and staying true to yourself… and I truly pride myself on the strength and integrity I developed at Far Hills Country Day School.”
Stephanie also hopes current students take one message to heart: pursue what you love and believe in yourself. “Be open-minded, chase your dreams, and don’t limit yourself,” she encouraged. “Give strength and energy to yourself, your passions, your life, and most importantly, your dreams.”
That message of perseverance is especially meaningful given what this recognition represents for her. “Being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is more than just an award… it’s a testament to the perseverance it took to get here,” she said. “This achievement represents all the blood, sweat, and tears it took to persevere and reminds me that continuing to pursue your passions, even through hardship, truly matters.”
At Far Hills, we believe it is important for students to discover what inspires them—and to be supported in exploring it deeply. As Ms. Zaiser noted, “Encouraging students to explore their interests deeply at a young age is important because it fosters independence and a strong sense of self.” Stephanie’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when passion is nurtured early and students are empowered to grow with confidence.
Congratulations, Stephanie! Your Far Hills community is proud to celebrate you.