The Class of 2017 at Hamilton’s three public high schools—including the Top 10 seniors featured below—will graduate June 23, 2017. Steinert High kicks things off 11 a.m. at the Sun National Bank Center.
Roy Forestano
Boston College (math and physics)
Class rank: 1 GPA: 4.7
Sports: Soccer, cross-country, baseball, winter track, spring track
Clubs: Peer Leadership, Italian club, math club, robotics club, science club, Key Club, STEM club
Prior schooling: Yardville Elementary, Reynolds Middle
Person who inspires me: “My mom. She is the strongest person I know. She taught me to work hard and perservere through tough times no matter what the circumstances are.”
Favorite memory: “My freshman year of soccer was my first experience coming into high school, and I made so many new friendships through it. Our coach, Mr. Giglio, was an incredibly inspiration coach that pushed us and made us all into better players, as well as better people. The things I learned and his mentorship has had a large impact on me.”
Connor Kaminski
Rutgers University
Physicist/Astrophysicist
Class rank: 2 GPA: 4.65
Clubs: Marching band, jazz band, theater orchestra, brass emsemble
Prior schooling: Alexander Elementary, Reynolds Middle
Person who inspires me: “Although he is not someone I’ve ever met, Carl Sagan is my biggest inspiration for not only how to be a great scientist but a great person.”
Favorite memory: “Walking into Dr. Letson’s physics class everyday for two years, and having no clue what is going on most of the time, but once in awhile after studying for countless hours, kind of understanding a little bit about physics. Oh, and that one singular time Dr. Letson said physics is easy.”
Thomas Fitzgerald
College of New Jersey (biology)
Class rank: 3 GPA: 4.63
Sports: Lacrosse, swimming, cross-country
Clubs: German club
Prior schooling: Yardville Heights Elementary, Grice Middle
Person who inspires me: “My parents and grandfather because they have always pushed me to do my best and have set great examples for me.”
Favorite memory: “Over the past 13 years, I have done many memorable things. As a result, it is difficult to pick one. However, if I had to choose one, it would have to be the Mercer County Tournaments for swimming.”
Danielle Standifer
New York University
Musical theater performer
Class rank: 4 GPA: 4.61
Sports
: Track
Clubs
: National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, volleyball club, Peer Leadership, drama club (president)
Prior schooling
: Langtree Elementary, Crockett Middle
Person who inspires me: “My brother, Ryan, because not only did he succeed in college and succeeds now in his profression, but more importantly, he has been a role model and a guide for me for the past 17 years, which has helped me become the person I am today.”
Favorite memory: “Playing the role of Belle in Steinert’s musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ my sophomore year. It was such a wonderful experience to play the part of my favorite Disney princess, and at the same time, perform on stage with all of the friends I made throughout the process.”
Bradley Helias
Rutgers University
High school music teacher
Class rank: 5 GPA: 4.61
Clubs: Marching unit, jazz band, pit orchestra, brass ensemble, school musical, concert band, select choir, Italian club
Prior schooling: Morgan Elementary, Reynolds Middle
Person who inspires me: “My band teacher and marching band director Mrs. Giunta because the lessons she has taught me through music serve as my inspiration to follow in her footsteps and become a music teacher.”
Favorite memory: “I have too many favorite memories to pick must one, but as a group, I would say all my memories made with the Steinert Marching Unit. We’ve performed in places like Disney World and Metlife Stadium, and I’m truly humbled and so grateful to have had that experience.”
Nicole Bumbera
University of New Hampshire
Marine microbiologist
Class rank: 6 GPA: 4.6
Clubs: Color Guard, props crew, STEM club, Science National Honor Society and National Honor Society
Prior schooling: Yardville Elementary, Reynolds Middle
Person who inspires me: “My father, Bill Bumbera, has always worked incredibly hard to ensure I was capable of anything I set my mind to. He taught me to be persistent and kind above all else.”
Favorite memory: “Venturing on my marine biology class’s Key Largo trip. Despite the anxiety that arose from the new experiences, they also rendered me speechless, as well as more encaptivated in the marine ecosystem. Kayaking in the mangroves, seeing a nurse shark, learning about microplastics, and trying Key Lime pie for the first time was amazing.”
Emma Armstrong
Gettysburg College
(Biochemistry/molecular biology)
Class rank: 7 GPA: 4.58
Clubs: School musical, Color Guard, STEM club, science club, Key Club, National Honor Society; danced pre-professional ballet for 11 years
Prior schooling: Yardville Elementary, Reynolds Middle
Person who inspires me: “My parents are the most inspirational people in my life because they always encourage me to try new things and do my best.”
Favorite memory: “Meeting so many amazing friends. I have loved going to sporting events, field trips and dances, and having fun together.”
Axel Delakowski
College of New Jersey
(Biomedical engineering)
Class rank: 8 GPA: 4.57
Sports: Cross country, swimming, track
Clubs: Math club, science club, German club, jazz band, National Honor Society
Prior schooling: Alexander Elementary, Reynolds Middle
Person who inspires me: “Everyone I meet inspires me in one way or another; what they have done, what they have seen and where they have been—it all fascinates me.”
Favorite memory: “Playing the piano blindfolded on stage and performing with all of my friends in Mr. SHS.”
Cassidy Wood
College of New Jersey (psychology)
Class rank: 9 GPA: 4.56
Sports: Soccer, basketball, softball; 12 varsity letters
Clubs: Peer Leadership, National Honor Society
Prior schooling: Yardville Elementary, Reynolds Middle
Favorite memory: “Winning the state championship with my softball team in 2016. The journey to get there was unforgettable, and I will cherish those memories forever.”
Kelsey Espenhorst
Ithaca College
Occupational therapy
Class rank: 10 GPA: 4.56
Intercollegiate sports: Soccer
Sports: Soccer, lacrosse
Clubs: Student Government Association, Key Club, yearbook, school musical, National Honor Society
Prior schooling: Robinson Elementary, Grice Middle
Person who inspires me: “My grandma. She was and always will be the strongest, most positive and most selfless person I have ever know.”
Favorite memory: “Being a part of the girls’ varsity soccer team was already an amazing experience, but the one game that is now engraved in my mind was our overtime win against Brick in the state quarterfinals. We were down the whole game, but tied it up in time to go to OT, and ended up scoring first—winning the game. The whole team rushed the field, and we all just dogpiled right in front of the goal. The feeling was truly indescribable and unlike anything I have experienced.”
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