Another school year is about to come to an end, but this was anything but an ordinary school year.
The Class of 2022 at Bordentown Regional High School — and high schools throughout the state — did get to spend the majority of the year in classrooms, seated next to their classmates, unlike the seniors of the previous classes. But they also wore masks for the majority of the year, as the Covid-19 pandemic lumbered into its third year. Finally in March, the masks came off, and life began to feel a little closer to normal.
This year’s seniors did their best to deal with every challenge, having experienced more pandemic-fueled anxiety than any other graduating class to date. The Bordentown Current salutes all of BRHS’ seniors and everything they have accomplished. Starting on page 12, you can find our profiles of the top 10 graduating seniors of this year’s class.
Anush Nandyala
Georgia Institute of Technology | Computer Science
Rank: 1 GPA: 113.83
Career plans: Software engineer.
Clubs: TSA president; FBLA; Model UN; Mock Trial attorney; Debate.
A teacher who inspired you: Mr. Tobias motivated me to work hard in everything I do.
Favorite memory of school: Florida trip.
Christopher Chen
Princeton University | Mathematics/Operations Research and Financial Engineering
Rank: 2 GPA: 111.88
Career plans: Something in the STEM field.
Clubs: Mock Trial FoF/FBLA treasurer; National Honor Society; TSA/Robotics.
A teacher who inspired you: Mr. Montalto, my band director of 7 years, has always inspired me with the dedication and passion he shows towards our music department. Especially during the pandemic he did his absolute best to make concerts happen despite the social distancing. The amount of effort and his attitude have always been an inspiration.
Favorite memory of school: Going on the Boston trip with the Jazz Band.
Astha Rajpal
Temple University | Health Sciences, Pre-Dentistry
Rank: 3 GPA: 111.410
Career plans: Dentist or Orthodontist
Clubs: HOSA co-founder and president; Key Club president; Student Council vice president; Model United Nations; Debate.
Sports: Field hockey manager.
A teacher who inspired you: Ms. Rabenda was my science teacher in middle school, and ever since, her positive attitude has been so contagious. As a guidance counselor, she still assists me and puts her best foot forward to help our class.
Favorite memory of school: Running across the turf with the senior class for the Pep Rally!
Azizul Mahin
Rutgers University | Computer Science
Rank: 4 GPA: 111.29
Career plans: Computer engineer.
Clubs: TSA secretary; FBLA secretary; Future of Finance reporter; Robotics; National Honor Society.
A teacher who inspired you: During my freshman year, Mrs. Fecher inspired me to not be overly concerned with grades. In freshman year, grades took over my academic life and I did not enjoy school as much as I could. With my interactions with Mrs. Fecher and her Honors English 9 class, I learned to have more fun in school and enjoy the social aspect of it while still managing good grades.
Favorite memory of school: Freshman year, during a day in my Honors English 9 class. I believe it was right before Spring Break, and on this day everyone in class dressed up as a Greek God and had a mini party. We got to hang out and eat together while dressed in our goofy costumes.
Charissa Oswari
Southern Adventist University
Rank: 5 GPA: 108.55
Career plans: Psychologist or physician
Clubs: Bordentown Regional High School Jazz Ensemble; Sustainability Club president; Students Against Violence Everywhere Club vice president; Newspaper Club vice president, lead editor; Biology Club; Interact Club; National Honor Society.
Sports: Winter track.
A teacher who inspired you: Mr. Montalto inspired me to learn more about music and appreciate it. He pushed me outside of my comfort zone so I could grow, not only as a musician but also as an overall person. Mr. M taught me the importance of working hard, doing your due diligence, practicing consistently, creating good habits, setting goals, always trying your best, learning more and being proactive in opportunities to do so, all of which apply to music and life.
Favorite memory of school: AP Bio after the AP test, because Mrs. Jacobsen is awesome and I got to chill with friends.
Maranatha Paul
Harvard University | English
Rank: 6 GPA: 107.95
Career plans: I wish to become a writer and write novels, screenplays and scripts for plays.
Clubs: Mock Trial team strategist; Debate Team; Model UN/Congress; Student Government freshman, sophomore and junior class president; Student Council.
A teacher who inspired you: A tie between Mrs. Ingram and Mr. Franklin. They both fostered my love for English and taught me critical virtues about life. Ingram taught me empathy and how to wake up every morning despite all the hardships and tribulations we face. During the pandemic, Ingram faced so many challenges during her life, and still managed to be the best teacher in this school and make her classes so fun yet so informative. She and she alone enabled me to get a 5 on the AP English Language and Composition exam.
Franklin taught me to look at the nuances within not only literature, but life itself. Franklin valued the quirky aspects of what made each of his students unique and would always make being in his classes not only enlightening but comfortable which is arguably more important. These teachers have shaped who I am today, and I cannot thank either of them enough for inspiring me to become a better person like them.
Favorite memory of school: After we won the state semifinals for Mock Trial and we knew we were headed for the state championship again. The whole team celebrated together and we were all so hyped, it was amazing.
Isabella Martin
University of Delaware | Business
Rank: 7 GPA: 107.90
Career plans: I hope to work for a fashion company and/or own a small business.
Clubs: SAVE Club president; Interact Club vice president; Newspaper Club social media manager; Sustainability Club historian; Key Club lieutenant governor at large; Don’t Text & Drive; BEST Tutors.
A teacher who inspired you: Mrs. Ingram inspires me because she has always been a huge inspiration, motivation, and an incredible teacher who has always been there for me. She always goes above and beyond and is always sharing her wisdom and life experiences. Mrs. Wright is also a teacher who inspires me because of her amazing dedication and creativity within the SAVE Club. She is always looking to better the school community and creates a welcoming environment for all students.
Favorite memory of school: My favorite ones are the small moments that make any day better: lapping with friends in the hallways, visiting teachers during lunch, going to club meetings, et cetera. These are the things that made my high school experience better.
Elaria Mousa
Drexel University | Health sciences, physician assistant track
Rank: 8 GPA: 107.78
Career plans: I plan on becoming a pediatric physician assistant.
Clubs: Flash tutoring president; Sustainability Club president; Interact Club treasurer; Key Club treasurer; HOSA Pre-med Club historian; Spanish Club Spanish for kids teacher; STEM for Kids; Red Cross Club; UNA USA United Nations Association of the United States of America; Biology Club; Math Club; National Honor Society; FBLA
A teacher who inspired you: Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Jacobsen. They’re probably going to kill me for putting them together, but as much as they deny it, they’re an inseparable pair. Mr. Franklin’s class was truly one of my favorites. He balances fun and education so well and is one of the most encouraging, understanding, and compassionate teachers. Mrs. Jacobsen always pushes me to work harder and doesn’t take no for an answer, and that’s something I really needed my senior year. Together with their shenanigans, they have made my high school experience unforgettable.
Favorite memory of school: When we could finally come back into the building after remote learning. After almost two years of being stuck on a screen at home, coming back to school and being able to see everyone in person was a moment of triumph not only for me but for everyone else as well.
Owen Vliet
The College of New Jersey | Secondary education/history
Rank: 9 GPA: 107.26
Career plans: I hope to become a history teacher at the high school or collegiate level.
Clubs: Debate Team.
A teacher who inspired you: The teacher who inspired me the most throughout my academic career was my middle school art teacher Mr. Derby. He acted as a great mentor and always shared my passions for video games, TV shows, and movies. Although I won’t end up taking art classes in college, it has become one of my greatest passions in general because of the support and care he was able to give me as an artist and as a person. As a future teacher, I one day hope to have as big of an impact on my students that he had on me.
Favorite memory of school: My favorite memory from high school has to be my senior classes trip to Disney World. The opportunity to spend five days with all my closest friends at one of the best theme parks in the world was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The freedom and genuine joy I got from that trip will remain in my mind for years to come.
Aakhilesh Donthula
Indiana University | Finance
Rank: 10 GPA: 107.18.
Career plans: Investment Banker
Clubs: Student Council president; FBLA president; Future of Finance co-founder/co-president; TSA vice president; Model UN/Congress delegate; Debate; STEM tutor
A teacher who inspired you: Mr. Hemingway. More than just his brilliance is his approach to teaching the course. Mr. Hemingway would make sure to teach important lessons about the real world. Mr. Hemingway made me confident about what I want to do with my future. Because of him, I’m convinced that as long as I am happy doing what I’m doing, then I’m doing the right thing.
Favorite memory of school: Senior homecoming week. The way my class came together like we never left after almost two years of being at home felt surreal.
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