Clockwise from top left: Cenci, Curto, Cwalina and Esposito.
Part 1 of a two-part series.
The teachers, guidance counselors and administrators at Hamilton High School West have selected eight seniors as this year’s Academic Achievers. Each nominating teacher has written a testimonial, as well as each student. The Hamilton Post is proud to recognize four of the students this month. The other four will follow next month.
Alec Cenci, English
Nominating teacher Cynthia Buchanan wrote: “Originality is the essence of true scholarship. Creativity is the soul of the true scholar.”
These words, spoken by Nnamid Azikiwe, capture the spirit and intelligence of Alec Cenci. He is a talented young man who truly enjoys the pursuit of knowledge and the beauty of the written and spoken word.
Cenci ranks 16th in the Class of 2014, and excels in English. He has an A average in Advanced Placement Language and Composition, and scored a four out of five on the Advanced Placement test.
Cenci has a flair for the written word and a true appreciation for great works of literature. His creative spirit shines through in his essays as well as his creative writing. His writing exhibits fluidity and great emotion. His use of complex vocabulary and vivid images illustrate a student of great depth and maturity. He is an extremely insightful young man who shows his compassion in both written and oral forms.
He has a GPA of 4.16, and maintains honor grades in other subjects including Advanced Placement English Literature, Advanced Placement Statistics, Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement European History. He is a three-year Academic Award recipient and a member of the French National Honor Society. He is also a PSAT/NMSQT Commended Scholar.
In addition, to Cenci’s academic achievements, he is also active in extracurricular activities. He is a member of the Marching and Symphonic Band and the Select Choir. He participates as a member of the mock trial team, and plays on both the golf and tennis squads. Furthermore, he is actively involved in both school and community theater projects.
Furthermore, Cenci has donated many hours serving his local community. He has participated in such events as the emergency relief operations following Hurricanes Irene and Sandy. In addition, he has helped to organize and implement fundraisers for various band and music-related events.
Cenci is a young man with a passion for writing. He has been published in Hamilton High School West’s literary magazine, Menegerie, and also in Mercer County Community College’s literary publication, Aspirations.
Cenci is a highly gifted student and writer. His flair for the written and spoken word will continue to inspire and entertain others as he goes forward into the world.
Alec Cenci wrote: It seems a very natural thing to have interest in English.
Most Americans begin their studies in the language about a year into their lives, and never stop. While educators often disagree on what is the most important subject for students to learn, English will be used by every person in whatever profession they enter. The “When will I ever use this?” principle isn’t applied in English class, because it is impossible to avoid.
The most valuable thing children learn in school is how to communicate and interact with others that is taught chiefly through instruction in usage of the language and, in later years, analysis and understanding of how the language is used to spread ideas. Every one of us uses the lessons learned in English every day, beyond just speaking English, but communicating ideas, describing thoughts and emotions and spreading knowledge of all kinds using the more complex ideas not just of our language, but also of linguistics as a whole.
The real value of English class doesn’t lie in the language, but in the multiple methods of communicating with the world.
Sebastian Cwalina, social studies
Nominating teacher Robert Howland wrote: I have had the privilege of knowing Sebastian Cwalina for four years.
Cwalina excels in social studies. I have had him in my class for U.S. History I and AP European History. He has also completed course work in World History and Geography and AP US History II. He is bright and extremely driven to excel. His overall knowledge of history is exceptional.
Cwalina continually distinguished himself and showed great skill and understanding of the subject matter presented through reading and interpreting primary sources, participating in group historical simulations, and researching and completing several analytical papers.
He is the first to lead class discussions and debates. In a group setting, he works cooperatively with his peers to complete required tasks. Many of his peers seek his guidance in understanding issues and course materials. He is well respected for his excellent grades, hard work ethic and dedication to learning. He is an excellent role model for the entire school community.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Cwalina participates in extracurricular activities such as soccer, track and field, mock trial, math club, chemistry and Science League and Peer Leadership. He has volunteered his time working in the community for Relay for Life, Church Walking Pilgrimage and the New Jersey Special Olympics. He has a GPA of 4.47, and is ranked 3rd in his class.
The social studies department strongly supports Sebastian Cwalina’s nomination as our Academic All-Star.
Sebastian Cwalina wrote: All too often the study of history is misconstrued and discarded as the boring memorization of long dead men and their antiquated ideas and deeds. But oh, is there so much more to the subject.
Through history we learn from the vast treasure trove of knowledge that is our past. We absorb the civics and cultures that forged once great nations and civilizations. We contemplate the decisions and calamities that led to the fall of so many successful governments. As we look toward the past, we begin to understand how we arrived in the present, and use our knowledge of history to aid in the handling of modern day conflicts. Hopefully, through this careful analysis of the past, we can even acquire the faculty to peer into the fickle future.
Cicero once stated, “To remain ignorant of things that happened before you were born is to remain a child.” If one is to ever become a responsible adult in society, it is imperative to have a core education in social studies.
Bryant Curto, technology
Nominating teacher Jesse Smith wrote: A teacher working with Bryant Curto will soon realize they are collaborating with someone who possesses an assiduous nature and an eye for detail. These traits have served him well during his four years at Hamilton West, especially in the technology education classes he has excelled in.
As a student in Computer-Aided Design classes, Curto has designed three-dimensional models that have often exceeded those of his peers. When given a task, Curto is able to quickly digest the essential information and expand upon the concepts presented.
In a design and technology class, brainstorming, planning and a willingness to “go back to the drawing board” are all required. Curto has demonstrated that he is capable of generating many ideas, carefully planning a solution and, perhaps most importantly, being flexible when his first idea doesn’t work out. I can’t recall a time when he was discouraged by a setback. Instead, I have an image of a determined young man willing to do the hard work necessary to solve a problem.
Curto’s excellence is reflected in his work outside of technology education. His GPA—earned in a challenging, AP-class-laden schedule—is a remarkable 4.4453. It places him 5th in his class.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been an active participant in several school clubs, including the Hamilton Environmental Youths club, the math team and the robotics club. Bryant Curto’s intellect combined with the way he doggedly applies himself to solving problems should ensure his success through college and beyond.
Bryant Curto wrote: My technology classes have always given me the chance to come up with creative new solutions to engineering problems. Computer Aided Design I and II tasked me with solving scenarios by designing solutions as simple as a rippling pool of water or as complex as an entire chess set and board. Some of my other projects include designing a fragrance bottle and its advertisement, a crank and gear operated device, a remote control and a toy named CADMan.
In a course where a majority of the work is done in class, I often found myself making projects more complex and bringing home my work solely for my enjoyment of the designing process. Architecture I and II tasked me with learning about architecture and designing a house from the exterior to the floorplan. I fell in love with Prairie Style houses and, after incorporating their features into my house’s design, I added a courtyard. With modeling programs and a 3D printer, I am able to engage in the entire process: from the birth of an idea to the completion of a physical object.
I am honored to have been selected by my school’s technology department as its Academic Achiever.
Matthew Esposito, world languages
Nominating teacher Maria Alberta Baril wrote: It is vitally important to recognize students who shine in a particular subject area, and I have always known I would nominate Matthew Esposito to represent the Hamilton West World Languages department as its Academic Achiever.
I have had the pleasure of being his Italian teacher for three years. From the beginning I was impressed by the effort and commitment he has shown to his work in Italian I, III and IV Honors. Esposito is driven by his desire to do well and his enthusiasm to gain knowledge. He is attentive in the classroom, always working to meet the expectations of the class.
Furthermore, he accepts complete accountability for his actions; it is this kind of maturity that has afforded him excellent growth in the academic realm of World Languages. A 4.0 average in Italian since freshman year is a testimonial to Esposito’s dedication to academics.
Moreover, he actually enjoys learning; he approaches every project and assignment with focus and interest. He does not consider Italian work as an arduous task, but rather as an opportunity for learning and improving.
Esposito is also a dedicated officer of the Italian National Honor Society and is a caring and thoughtful tutor.
Matthew Esposito wrote: When we start high school, most courses are pre-selected before we even arrive. We know there will be English, math, science, history and physical education.But the one area where we can make a choice is with an elective. One class that excited me from the beginning was Italian.
Of course, I wanted to expand my knowledge of my own heritage and culture, but I also wanted to be able to speak like the cast of the television show “Jersey Shore.” Although it was an adolescent reason for choosing that class, it turned out to be the basis for one of the best decisions that I have ever made.
Italian sparked a great interest in my mind. The elegance and beauty of the language made me interested in learning more. Studying a second language has made me a more diverse individual. That skill can open an entire world of new and exciting possibilities.
I am honored to be receiving the Academic Achiever nomination in World Languages. I look forward to continuing on this path in college by majoring in business and adding an Italian minor and hopefully even spending time studying abroad in Italy.
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