As the 2015-16 school year nears its end, Newtown High School on Tuesday, May 16, named its valedictorian, Caelan Ritter, and its salutatorian, Sean MacMullan, for this year's graduating class.

Following the announcement, both boys shared their tips, favorite subjects and plans for the future.

Caelan grew up in Waterbury and started attending Newtown Public Schools in fifth grade. His favorite subject has been math "for a while," and his parents, Erica Barber and Cliff Ritter, have been supportive throughout his academic career.

His parents, Caelan said, were a source of his enthusiasm for learning. Caelan said he remembers his father teaching him algebra when he was younger.

"Early on it sparked my love for discovery," said Caelan.

Both Caelan and Sean said they are friends.

"Pretty much best friends," Sean added.

Caelan said he remembers meeting Sean in fifth grade, but recalls becoming closer friends when they were in sixth grade. Caelan said their group of friends inspires each other and shares information about different subjects they are studying. Their friends, Caelan said, "either challenge me to solve a different type of problem" or inspire him to look at his problems from a different angle.

"For me, it is the teacher that makes the class interesting," said Caelan, before sharing that he had a number of good teachers throughout his academic career in Newtown.

One of the first teachers he had in Newtown, his fifth grade teacher Eric Myhill, stood out to Caelan.

"He really sparked an interest," Caelan said about the math and reading teacher.

At NHS Caelan said social studies teacher Larry Saladin, English teacher Elizabeth Hanna, social studies teacher Dave Foss and science teacher Susan McConnell also inspired him.

Ms Hanna, Caelan said, is "a very energetic teacher. She makes everything entertaining."

During his junior year, Caelan said Mr Foss and Ms McConnell really pushed their classes.

"And the pace really pushed me to excel and apply that same sort of energy to the other things that I do," he said.

Since his freshman year at NHS, Caelan has participated with the swim team in the winter. The team, he said, requires hours of effort each week, but he has found satisfaction in seeing his times drop at meets. He has also enjoyed building friendships with his teammates.

"It was really rewarding for me and I wouldn't have not done it just because of the work load," said Caelan.

In his junior year, Caelan participated in the school's science bowl team and the math team, which went on to compete at the state level. Outside of school he volunteers with the Woodbury Lions Club, helping with annual events.

Caelan plans to attend Brown University in the fall, and he has yet to decide what his major will be. For now, Caelan said he is leaning toward studying something in the math or science field.

Sean also said his parents have been a source of support for him throughout his academic career.

"My parents have been very supportive," said Sean, sharing that his parents, Susan and John MacMullan, have an encouraging attitude that inspired him to do well in school. Sean said he always felt encouraged to do his best.

While Sean said he likes math and science, physics is his favorite subject. He plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

"Physics is fun, because you get to apply math," said Sean.

When attending Newtown Middle School, Sean said he remembers one physics unit in particular that inspired him to continue studying physics as a sophomore at NHS. He went on to take AP Physics C in his junior year.

"Quite a few" teachers have stood out during his academic career, Sean said, including math teacher Eugene Hall, science teacher Kim Lowell, and Ms Hanna.

"They were just really good teachers. They made class fun, they made material interesting and they made it easy to comprehend," said Sean.

Sean has participated in after school activities during his time at NHS, including being a member of the school's tech team, participating on the swim team, and as a member of the school's Best Buddies club.

NHS Principal Lorrie Rodrigue said Sean and Caelan are outstanding students who represent this year's senior class in a positive way.

"We are so proud of their academic accomplishments, their ongoing effort, and their contributions to the school community," Dr Rodrigue said. " I know they will go on to be highly successful."

Both Sean and Caelan shared their advice for future NHS students.

"Try your hardest, but make sure you are doing what you want to do," said Sean.

Caelan said students should find their passion and "work at it."

"Success comes with working hard at what you do and loving what you do," Caelan said.