They’re going to Alabama, Syracuse, Vassar, Princeton, Brown, Penn and Brigham Young. They are future special education teachers, oncologists, disability rights lawyers, neurosurgeons, astrophysicists and prosthetic designers. They are the Top 10 seniors at Hamilton High West, Nottingham High School and Steinert High School—and they graduate this month.
The three Top 10s feature 22 girls and eight boys, all with lofty career aspirations. They—and the rest of the Class of 2015—will say farewell to high school in late June. Nottingham and Hamilton West kick off the fesitivities June 21 at 7 p.m. Nottingham will hold its ceremony at the Sun National Bank Center, while Hamilton West graduates at the Trenton War Memorial. Steinert High rounds things out 11 a.m. June 22 at the Sun National Bank Center
Hamilton High School West
University of Alabama (English)
Literary agent/editor
Class rank: 1 GPA: 4.61
Sports: Statistics manager for football, wrestling and spring track.
Clubs: Newspaper, Menagerie (school literary magazine), Key Club, math club, science league, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Italian National Honor Society, National Mathematics
Honor Society
Prior schooling: Sunnybrae Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “It’s hard to choose one, but somebody that I’ve always looked up to is my older brother, Tommy. He has this gift where he can always make everyone laugh. When he tells a story, the whole room is captivated. He’s just the kind of person that people love.”
Favorite memory: “The football games. The coaches are an incredible group of people and there’s nothing better than being on the sidelines and seeing all the plays close up. The love of football that I gained at West was definitely a contributing factor when I decided to go to UA.”
Arcadia University
High school biology teacher
Class rank: 2 GPA: 4.57
Sports: Swimming
Clubs: Marching band, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Italian National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, drama club, HEY club, Key Club
Prior schooling: Mercerville Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “Both of my band directors. They pushed me to be the best I could be while I was leading the band.”
Favorite memory: “My entire time in the marching band was a great experience, but one of the best best moments was when I was drum major and our band broke the school’s highest competition score.”
New Jersey Institute of Technology
(biomedical engineering)
Prosthetics development
Class rank: 3 GPA: 4.53
Sports: Soccer, basketball, softball
Clubs: Key Club, Peer Leadership, math club, science league, Make the World Better club, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science National Honor Society
Prior schooling: McGalliard Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My mom. She has always been a great role model for me, and she taught me to be independent and work hard to earn what I want.”
Favorite memory: “Playing high school sports. They taught me to be confident and a leader and helped me grow into the person I am today. I had great coaches who were always there for me. I also had the opportunity to build strong friendships with my teammates, many of whom I never
would have gotten close with if I didn’t play sports.”
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Theater performance
Class rank: 4 GPA: 4.52
Clubs: Drama club, Italian National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, math club, National Honor Society, peer leadership
Prior schooling: Yardville Heights Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My dance teacher, Meg McMenamin, because she pushes me to be the best I can be and encourages me to pursue my dreams.”
Favorite memory: “Performing as the lead in the school musical this year, Legally Blonde. It was the most rewarding experience. The amount of support I received from being a part of the drama community has strengthened my confidence. I loved spending time with my ‘theater family,’ and working to produce an amazing show. I cherished every second in the spotlight and every last clap from the applause. Most importantly, I was doing something I loved for myself. I had found my passion.”
Rider University
Managerial accountant
Class rank: 5 GPA: 4.5
Sports: Soccer, golf
Clubs: Student government, Key Club, math club, FBLA, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, peer leadership
Prior schooling: McGalliard Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “Ellen DeGeneres because she makes it her life goal to bring happiness into people’s lives and rewards those who have done good deeds but do not get credit for it.”
Favorite memory: “The time 20 of us volunteered at a senior center for a day. I, along with two other people, were partnered with this one lady who no longer gets visitors. All she wanted to do was sit outside and talk because she hadn’t been outside in a while. It was so great listening to stories about her crazy teenage years and her favorite memories with her late husband. I will never forget the smile on her face.”
Rutgers University (computer science)
New media
Class rank: 6 GPA: 4.49
Clubs: Marching band, jazz band, mock trial, Menagerie (school literary magazine)
Prior schooling: Yardville Heights Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “I try to draw inspiration from everyone and everything. All over, you see people who are creating new things and trying their best to be happy.”
Favorite memory: “In fourth grade, I first joined the school band. At first, I worried I wouldn’t be able to make any sound out of my trumpet, but I soon learned that it wasn’t actually that hard. I loved—and still love—playing music with everyone, and even ended up with several solos throughout my school band career. All through middle school, I was in the concert band and jazz band, and all four years of high school, I have played my trumpet in the marching band, symphonic band and jazz band. The band program in the Hamilton schools has been so important to me that I plan to continue in the Rutgers Marching Band next year.”
Oberlin College (English)
Class rank: 7 GPA: 4.47
Clubs: Marching band, mock trial, Gay-Straight Alliance, Rose Club, National Honor Society, jazz band
Prior schooling: Robinson Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My parents are both inspirations to me because they work hard and are always there for me.”
Favorite memory: “Being in the marching band has given me so many great memories, I can’t being to pick a favorite. Performing, competing, making friends—it’s all part of the package. We’ve won together, worked together, played giant games of ninja together. Bnd has been the most memorable part of my four years, and I’ll never forget a minute of it.”
The College of New Jersey (business)
Class rank: 8 GPA: 4.44
Sports: Field hockey
Clubs: DECA, FBLA, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Italian National Honor Society
Prior schooling: Yardville Heights Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My Poppy because he not only encouraged me to do my best, but he also told I can do whatever I set my mind to.”
Favorite memory: “Joining the field hockey team. I didn’t just make friends, I gained a family. We didn’t just bond on the field, but also off the field at our many pasta parties. Being a part of the field hockey team really showed me what it is like to truly be a part of something special.”
Rider University
Forensic accountant
Class rank: 9 GPA: 4.4
Sports: Soccer, swimming, golf
Clubs: DECA, FBLA, Key Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National Italian Society
Prior schooling: Lalor Elementary, Crockett Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My dad because he always taught me to stay humble and look at things from a different perspective before acting.”
Favorite memory: “Starting a Relay for Life team with my three best friends. We fundraised, got our peers involved and even our school administration. With the help and support of Crockett, we raised a lot of money for the American Cancer Society, and had a blast doing it.”
Drexel University
Civil engineer
Class rank: 10 GPA: 4.39
Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, track and field
Clubs: Peer leadership, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Latin National Honor Society
Prior schooling: Robinson Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “Professional soccer player Kevin DeBruyne because I admire his work rate and how he never gets caught up in fame. He’s down to earth, helps the community and plays every game like it’s his last.”
Favorite memory: “I like to think of my K-12 years as one big memory. Whether it was in the classroom or on the field, I can genuinely say I enjoyed every day. My favorite memory was my journey through school. I learned not to wish a single day away.”
Nottingham High School
Vassar College (history)
Attorney
Class rank: 1 GPA: 4.52
Sports: Swimming
Clubs: Marching band (drum major), newspaper (executive editor), Consumer Bowl (captain), mock trial (captain), National Honor Society (president), morning announcers, Eagle Scout
Prior schooling: University Heights Elementary, Crockett Middle
Person who inspires me: “My mom is my biggest cheerleader and most fervent defender. I know it sounds cheesy, but my mom truly is the most inspirational person in my life.”
Favorite memory: “The debut meet of the 2014-15 boys’ swim season, against Robbinsville. Not only did I get my first 1st place finish in a race, I got four of them, and helped secure a win for the team.”
Syracuse University (architecture)
Class rank: 2 GPA: 4.51
Sports: Field hockey (captain), swimming, softball
Clubs: Debate (captain), mock trial, National Honor Society (vice president), National Art Honor Society, National World Language Honor Society, DECA (vice president), school musical (cast and set painting), student government (president), Consumer Bowl, morning announcers
Prior schooling: Our Lady of Sorrows
Person who inspires me: “Whenever I’m stuck in a difficult situation, I always think about the advice my Nana would have given me.”
Favorite memory: “It’s frustrating to have hard work go unnoticed. Through my three years of field hockey at Nottingham, the team constantly worked to have more endurance and utilize our stick skills. But we were unable to win. That is, until one of our last games, against West Windsor-Plainsboro South. There was no greater feeling than actually pulling off a win.”
Hofstra University (undecided)
Class rank: 3 GPA: 4.51
Intercollegiate sports: Softball
Sports: Soccer (captain), softball (2-year captain), wrestling (statistician)
Prior schooling: Klockner Elementary, Crockett Middle
Person who inspires me: “My mom because she is so encouraging and kind-hearted. She has gone through so much, and she is so strong. She never fails to smile.”
Favorite memory: “Going to Stokes in 6th grade. I remember walking on one of the trails at night, and being able to see all the stars. Also, the teachers put on a skit for the kids where they acted like we did. It was a great trip with a lot of fun naturerelated activities. I have made close friends with people from that trip, and it is an experience I will never forget.”
Brigham Young University (nursing)
Pediatric onocology
Class rank: 4 GPA: 4.48
Sports: Cheerleading, JV softball, football (statistician), track and field (statistician), wrestling (statistician)
Prior schooling: 10 different elementary schools in the School District of Philadelphia, Grice Middle
Person who inspires me: “My cheer coach, LV. She is one of my biggest fans. She encourages me to be the best person I can be, and she is a wonderful role model.”
Favorite memory: “Joining the freshman softball team at Hamilton High West. It was my first time playing softball, and I almost backed out. But head coach Lindsey McKenna convinced me to give it a shot. I’m grateful I did. We never won a game, but I developed amazing relationships. Not long after the softball season, my best friend’s mom died. She was like a mother to me, and came to as many of our softball games as she could. It’s these memories of her I carry with me.”
Brigham Young University
(physiology and developmental biology)
Orthopedic surgeon
Class rank: 5 GPA: 4.47
Sports: Soccer, ice hockey, track and field
Prior schooling: Mercerville Elementary, Crockett Middle
Person who inspires me: “My grandfather. He is always ready with a plan, and from a young age, he set himself on his goals and never looked back. He inspires me to be like him, and to aspire for something higher.”
Favorite memory: “Being part of the ice hockey program. Playing and being captain of a team with a less than impressive record has taught me more than many of the other activities I participate in. Four years of hard work paid off with wins at the end of this year, but what has stuck with me is the brotherhood formed around a will to compete.”
Princeton University
Neurosurgeon
Class rank: 6 GPA: 4.43
Clubs: DECA (president), French Club, Outreach for the Stars, Princeton University Prepatory Program, NHS spokesperson to the Board of Education
Prior schooling: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Manhattan, New York City
Person who inspires me: “My parents. They have always supported me, and have pushed me to always do more.”
Favorite memory: “Moving from my small school in New York to Nottingham has been my favorite memory because I learned the value of diversity here. Not only ethnic diversity, but intellectual, spiritual and religious. Nottingham is a wonderful place, and I will forever be grateful for this experience.”
Franklin and Marshall College
Astrophysicist
Class rank: 7 GPA: 4.42
Clubs: DECA (vice president), French Club (vice president), National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, science club, Key Club, Outreach for the Stars
Prior schooling: Robbins Annex, Hedgepeth Williams in Trenton
Person who inspires me: “My cousin, Cynthia, migrated to a new country with barely anything in her possession. She finished her education, and is successful here.”
Favorite memory: “The GALRE trip to Washington this year. I had an amazing time, especially since the class is only seniors and these are the kids I was able to get to know throughout the years. It was my first time at Georgetown, and I had a wonderful time in that beautiful little town.”
Ohio State University (biology)
Class rank: 8 GPA: 4.4
Clubs: Marching band, jazz band, National Honor Society, medical club
Prior schooling: University Heights Elementary, Crockett Middle
Person who inspires me: “My grandparents because they went through a lot, and pushed through and succeeded.”
Favorite memory: “The Disney World trip for marching band my sophomore year. We played background music in a cool animation video, and we marched in a parade at the Magic Kingdom. It was an awesome experience I’ll never forget.”
Brown University (entrepreneurship)
Financial manager/lawyer
Class rank: 9 GPA: 4.34
Sports: Lacrosse
Clubs: World Lanaguages Honor Society, Peer Leadership, National Honor Society, Key Club, Teens for Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, volunteer at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Rutgers Business School Pre-College Enrichment Program, Urban Academic Academy
Prior schooling: Franklin Elementary, Paul Robeson Charter School in Trenton
Person who inspires me: “My mom is the most inspirational person in my life because she encourages me to take risks and chase my ambitions.”
Favorite memory: “The Peer Leadership training. The entire experience taught me about being open-minded, and it build my teamwork skills. I enjoyed learning more about my peers and creating concrete friendships.
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George Washington University
Astronautical engineer
Class rank: 10 GPA: 4.34
Sports: Golf
Clubs: Marching band, jazz band, pit orchestra, National Honor Society
Prior schooling: University Heights Elementary, Crockett Middle
Person who inspires me: “My dad because he started my interest in science and music, and continues to always teach me new things.”
Favorite memory: “My sophomore year, the marching band took a trip to Disney World. It was easily the most fun I’ve ever had. We spent five days in sunny Orlando, performed on Main Street in Magic Kingdom and took a class with Disney professionals. Besides that, spending so much time with my friends in Disney World was so much fun. I will remember the trip for many years.”
Steinert High School
Andrew Tse
Rutgers University
Pharmacist
Class rank: 1 GPA: 4.6
Sports: Tennis
Clubs: Math club, science club, Key Club
Prior schooling: St. Gregory the Great, Reynolds Middle School
Person who inspires me: “Steinert science teacher Dr. Letson for teaching me the importance of taking it easy in life.”
Favorite memory: “Making friends.”
University of Rhode Island (English/psychology)
Disability rights lawyer/psychologist
Class rank: 2 GPA: 4.58
Intercollegiate sports: Swimming
Sports: Swimming
Clubs: Mock trial
Prior schooling: University Heights Elementary, Reynolds Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My dad because he has taught me to always follow my dreams and to do what makes me happy.”
Favorite memory: “Winning the 200 freestyle at the Mercer County swimming championship and the 200 free relay with my friends Chelsea Ackerson, Hailey Thayer and Maggie Herbert sophomore year. The best part was being surrounded by great teammates and my coaches.”
New York University (pre-medicine)
Pediatric onocology
Class rank: 3 GPA: 4.57
Clubs: Mock trial (president), Latin National Honor Society (vice president), National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Key Club, science club, Consumer Bowl
Prior schooling: Alexander Elementary, Reynolds Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My mother. She has supported me through all my successes and failures, and she has taught me to always work hard towards fulfilling my spirations regardless of any adversities I may face.”
Favorite memory: “In 8th grade, I was placed in Mrs. McKeen’s ALPS English class. The central feature of the class was writing brief snapshots of our life experiences in response to specific prompts. Over those 10 months, I became intimately familiar with the art of introspection, and such selfawareness drove me to recognize who I am and what I wanted from my life.”
Rutgers University
Pharmacist
Class rank: 4 GPA: 4.56
Sports: Track
Clubs: Mock trial, Consumer Bowl (Captain)
Prior schooling: Langtree Elementary, Crockett Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My sister, Athena, because she was the driving force behind my hard work.”
Favorite memory: “Going to both the junior and senior prom with my girlfriend, Kelly Marrone.”
University of Pennsylvania (digital media design)
Animation software development
Class rank: 5 GPA: 4.56
Sports: Mercer Juniors Rowing team
Clubs: Parallax literary magazine
Prior schooling: Alexander Elementary, Reynolds Middle School
Person who inspires me: “I’m inspired by the many people who find their passion in life and pursue it because they’ve shown me that you can turn that passion into a career if you’re willing to try.”
Favorite memory: “The past few years, my best memories have been with the Mercer Juniors Rowing team. My favorite was travelling to Florida last spring to race at nationals in the women’s lightweight 8 category. Taking bronze with eight other wonderful girls made this an unforgettably happy experience.”
Stevens Institue of Technology
(physics/ computer engineering)
Quantum computers
Class rank: 6 GPA: 4.54
Intercollegiate sports: Swimming, crew
Sports: Swimming
Clubs: German club, science club (president), orchestra
Prior schooling: Sayen Elementary, Reynolds Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My girlfriend Madison Chebra. She has achieved amazing things with her academic and musical endeavors.”
Favorite memory: “AP Physics 1 and 2. I could ask Dr. Letson a question and always expect a comprehensive answer. Sometimes, his answer would broaden my range of questions, opening my eyes to new aspects of a topic. I found his catchphrase—“It’s easy!”—inspirational. When presented with a complicated problem, I knew that if I kept trying to solve it and kept learning, one day it will all be easy.”
SUNY Oneonta (dietetics)
Registered dietitian
Class rank: 7 GPA: 4.53
Intercollegiate sports: Tennis
Sports: Tennis
Clubs: Key Club, Student Government, math club, Math National Honor Society, science club, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, STEM Club, volleyball club, Parallax, Spectrum, school musicials, drama club, photography club, senior class offi cer, yearbook, Mosaic
Club, Girl Up Club
Prior schooling: Morgan Elementary, Reynolds Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My parents. My mom works nine hours daily, caring for children, and cooks and cleans. My dad cleans, cooks, also works a full day and has managed to help me through the entire college and scholarship process. Their drive, willingness and love has inspired me
to become a successful person, carrying on what they taught me with a positive attitude.”
Favorite memory: “I never understood the hype about prom. However, when my sister and friends helped me with my nails, makeup and hair, and I stepped into my dress and heels, I felt like a princess. Not worrying about school, relaxing and dancing like no one was watching allowed me to have one of the best nights of my life.”
University of Alabama (biology/STEM path to the MBA)
Class rank: 8 GPA: 4.52
Sports: Tennis, swimming
Clubs: Key Club, science club, German club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, German Honor Society
Prior schooling: Langtree Elementary, Crockett Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My dad is the most inspirational person in my life because he is hardworking and doesn’t give up, no matter the obstacles in his way.”
Favorite memory: “My best friends and I planned a surprise party for my favorite teacher in the 7th grade. She had done so much for us throughout our time at Crockett, and her face when she walked in was priceless.”
Penn State University (graphic design)
Advertising
Class rank: 9 GPA: 4.51
Clubs: Student Government, yearbook, stage crew, National Honor Society, Key Club
Prior schooling: Yardville Elementary, Reynolds Middle School
Person who inspires me: “My parents are very influential in my life for their motivation, strong work ethic and dedication to family. They are role models not only in their careers but as amazing parents.”
Favorite memory: “Some of my favorite memories in high school included the Drawing and Painting 1 and 2 classes. Mr. Cooper helped me develop as an artist and person to bring to where I am today. I will never forget the amazing project, which have prepared me for my future career.”
College of New Jersey (technology/pre-engineering education)
Special education
Class rank: 10 GPA: 4.5
Sports: Tennis
Clubs: Ping Pong, DECA, National Honor Society, light crew, mock trial, volleyball, Peer Leadership
Prior schooling: Robinson Elementary, Grice Middle School
Person who inspires me: “The campers at the Special Kids Organized Recreation program inspire me because despite many obstacles, they are able to persevere to enjoy every day.”
Favorite memory: “During spring break of my junior year, I was able to travel to Germany, Austria and Switzerland on an educational tour. While in Munich, I had the opportunity to play soccer with friends in the Englischer Garten. It was an exciting and memorable experience.”
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