The Top Ten Students Reflect On Their High School Experiences

By Tanjua Damon

Their laughter, their smiles, and their ease are deceptive; these are all hard workers. They are the top ten students in the Class of 2003.

Their personalities do not reflect the challenges, trials, and frustrations that come with the accomplishment of achieving such an honor. Instead they are playful, funny, exciting, and truly happy for the good fortunes of each other.

As they move on from high school to college, their paths will lead toward success. While their academic trajectories will take them to varied careers, they will always be bound together as NHS grads in their striving to do their best.

This year’s top ten students are Owen Beams, Kristen McGrath, Ryan Richardson, Theodore Yemc, Time Malone, Stephanie Kraushaar, Rachel Stern, Chris Giacolone, Courtney Brown, and Brandon Russell.

 

Owen Beams, Valedictorian

Owen is the son of Mark and Ann Beams. He will follow in his sister’s footsteps as valedictorian for his high school class. Owen will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall. Although his major is undecided, he finds the study of mathematics interesting.

While at Newtown High School, Owen has been a member of the varsity golf team for four years, a senior league baseball player for four years, a National Honor Society member for two years, and the Spanish Honor Society for three years, and a part of Peer Leadership. He is a product of Head O’ Meadow School and Newtown Middle School.

He advised students striving to be one of Newtown’s top ten to “always try to do your best.”

Owen has a bit of a humorous side to him, which he likes to use to lighten the mood or show people that life is not always serious, but fun, too.

His motto/philosophy is, “I figured out I couldn’t make it to the NBA, so I decided to hit the books.”

Owen could not decide on his favorite teacher so he gave credit to the entire math department. “I’ve always preferred math to other academic subjects because I enjoy the challenge of solving a tough problems.”

Owen said he will always remember his friends from high school. His most precious possession is his dog Chloe because “she is a blast.”

His favorite author is Dave Barry because “it’s always nice to have something light to read late at night.”

Owen’s quip about the NBA is quite revealing. He has always wanted to play in the professional basketball league. But he is a realist. “I’m not very good at basketball.”

If Owen were principal for a day he says he would install moving walkways in all of the hallways.

“I had to work pretty hard. I always tried my best to be prepared for every test and quiz. I gave my best on every assignment,” Owen said about his valedictorian honor. “I knew I was doing well, but I didn’t know I was doing that well.”

Although high school can be difficult, Owen enjoyed the time he has spent at Newtown High School.

“I really liked my experience at Newtown High School. I have enjoyed the people and staff, all the activities, and the friends I have made,” he said. “I think I have learned a lot. You should always give your best effort because if not, you’re really only a disappointment to yourself. Give yourself the best chance you can. Don’t get overstressed about work. There is more to high school than work.”

Owen hopes to be remembered as a “generally positive kid who makes things fun,” as well as a hard worker and someone who does not get “too stressed” over schoolwork. “Someone who keeps a balanced life.”

Kristen McGrath, Salutatorian

Kristen is the daughter of Deborah and Matthew McGrath. She will be attending George Washington University, where she plans to study international communications in hopes of working for the United Nations or elsewhere as a diplomat.

She has participated in field hockey, lacrosse, Student Government, Peer Leadership, Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), and National Honor Society while at NHS. Kristen attended Miller Elementary School in Plano, Tex.; Holliston Middle School in (Holliston, MA), and Newtown Middle School.

Advice she offers to upcoming students striving to be a member of the elite Top Ten Club is, “Work hard, do your best, and have fun. If you do all three, you can’t ask for anything else.”

Her motto/philosophy is, “It’s choice, not chance, that determines one’s destiny.”

Kristen’s favorite teacher at Newtown High is Mrs Schwartz, a guidance counselor at the school. “She has taught me so much about life, love, and leadership. She has been there through it all guiding me in the right direction.”

Something Kristen will always remember about high school is “the unconditional support the Newtown faculty, my friends, and especially my family gave me along the road to success. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

On her first Valentine’s Day, her dad gave her a small gold heart, which she now says is her most precious possession. She likes it because of its sentimental value. “It’s a small token of the great love my dad and the rest of my family has for me.”

Kristen’s favorite author is Emily Bronte because of her ingenuity and creativity. “Wuthering Heights is unlike any other book I’ve ever read.”

Something she has always wanted to do is travel the world. Although nothing has really stopped her, Kristen knows “that if you really want something, there’s always a way to achieve it. One day my opportunity will arise.”

If she were principal for a day, Kristen would have an open campus for seniors who have a certain GPA because the students would have shown they are responsible. She would have parents sign a release form.

Kristen found high school to be a place to find herself and break down stereotypes that students build before they really get to know someone.

“There’s a lot of politics. There are a lot of things that are swept under the rug. [It’s a challenge dealing with] the stereotypes and perspectives people who don’t know you as a person believe,” she said. “Keep an open mind about things. A key moment for me in high school was going to the HOBY conference. It made me realize I could succeed if I put my mind to it.”

Kristen hopes to be remembered as dedicated, hard working, and passionate about everything she does in her life. “I just give my all in all that I do. Just an overall nice girl.”

Ryan Richardson

Ryan is the son of Kim and Eddison Richardson. He is ranked third. Ryan will attend Northeastern University in the fall where he plans to study biochemistry and psychology. He would like to attend graduate school after college.

Ryan has been a member of the marching band as the clarinet section leader, debate team, and cross country running team while at Newtown High School. He attended Sandy Hook Elementary and Newtown Middle School.

His advice to students striving to be in the top ten is, “Work hard; have fun.”

His favorite teacher at Newtown High School is former band director James Dumas. “Mr Dumas really challenged be me and made me strive for excellence. His work in the classroom and on the field was an incredible experience that taught me much about musicality, the joy of music, and pride and camaraderie.”

Ryan will always remember the marching band experience from high school.

His most precious item is any watch because “I just feel naked without it.”

His favorite author is R.A. Salvatore because of his “incredible imagination.”

Something he has always wanted to do but something has stopped him is “make a lasting impression on the world, only time stops me.”

If Ryan were principal for a day he would change the schedule back to eight classes, get rid of basic level classes, regular evaluations of teachers, and listen to the students.

Theodore Yemc

Theodore is the son of Bernard and Barbara Yemc. He is ranked fourth. He will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design to pursue a career in fashion design. Theodore plans to run his own clothing business, CYTE LLC after college.

He has participated in lacrosse, National Honors Society, Guidance Honors Society, and Ultimate Frisbee Organization. Theodore attended Hawley School and Newtown Middle School.

His advice to students striving to achieve being one of the Top Ten is, “Don’t work too hard. It is better to enjoy every second of high school.”

Theodore’s motto/philosophy is, “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.”

His favorite teacher and subject was Mr McHugh, who taught psychology. “I learned more than I could have imagined about human behavior,” he said.

Something he will always remember about high school is the people he met and those he will know all his life.

Theodore’s most precious item is his guitar. “I am not that talented at playing, but it’s something I love.”

His favorite author is E.E. Cummings because of his unusual and creative poetry.

Something Theodore has always wanted to do in life is taking a road trip and having no cares; school, he says, has gotten in the way of this dream.

If Theodore were principal for a day he would alter the schedule, open the campus, and “resign.”

Tim Malone

Tim is the son of Maureen and Stephen Malone. He is ranked fifth. He will attend Dartmouth College in the fall. He doe not know which major he will pursue, but would like to possibly be an equestrian after college.

He has participated in horse back riding outside of the high school. Tim attended Middle Gate School and Newtown Middle School.

Advice Tim would give students striving to be in the top ten: “Don’t get stressed out over details. They’re not that important in the long run.”

His motto/philosophy is, “Another deadline; another miracle.”

Tim’s favorite teacher and subject are Mr McHugh, who teaches psychology. “Interesting subject, funny teacher.”

Something he will always remember about high school is “AP history review sessions, mornings and nights the last two weeks before the test.”

The most precious thing in Tim’s life is “my horse riding. It is what sets me apart and makes my life interesting. Without a horse I would have noting to do.”

His favorite author is J.K. Rowling because the books are easy and interesting to read, outside of school reading like Shakespeare.

Something Tim has always wanted to do is skydiving. “My parents –– and a fear of dying –– won’t let me.”

If Tim were principal for a day he would make school start later and turn up the thermostat.

Stephanie Kraushaar

Stephanie is the daughter of Kurt and Barbara Kraushaar. She is ranked sixth. She will be attending Fairfield University and has not decided what her major will be.

She participated in the National Honors Society, SADD, Leo Club, and French Honor Society while at Newtown High School. She attended St Rose School for elementary and middle school.

Stephanie offers this advice to those trying to reach the top ten: “Always work hard but don’t limit yourself to just academics.”

Her motto/philosophy is, “Always approach everything with a sense of humor.”

Stephanie’s favorite teacher and subject are Ms Dougherty and AP English literature. “She’s brilliant and you feel more intelligent just listening to her speak.”

Something Stephanie will always remember about high school is the people who have become her close friends the last four years.

Stephanie’s most precious item is “the rose from my grandfather’s funeral because he was such an inspiration to me.”

Her favorite author is Philip Pullman because of his original and interesting work.

Something she has always wanted to do is travel all over the world. “But it is kind of hard to do when you’re 17. Hopefully when I am older I will be able to do that.”

If Stephanie were principal for a day she would regulate the air conditioning in the school. “It’s always either really cold or really hot no matter what the weather is like outside.”

Rachel Stern

Rachel is the daughter of Michael and Karen Stern. She is ranked seventh. Rachel will be attending Bates College is the fall where she plans to study economics and mathematics. After college she would like “to do something interesting and exciting while making a difference in the world.”

She has participated in Junior State of America –– vice mayor of New York and Connecticut and president of the NHS chapter, the marching band as flute section leader, tennis, National Honor Society, and Guidance Honors Association. Rachel attended Head O’ Meadow and Newtown Middle School.

Advice she gives to those striving to be in the top ten is, “Do what you feel passionate about, remember that learning is fun, and success will follow.”

Her motto/philosophy comes from Abraham Lincoln: “I will study and get ready, some day my chance will come.”

Rachel’s favorite teacher is Mr Foss. “He found ways to make reading a 1,000-plus-page text, and learning every random fact of American history fun.” Her favorite subject is math for its endless applications.

Something she will always remember about high school is the great friends she has made.

Her most precious possession is her opinions. “They make me unique and give me my voice.”

Rachel’s favorite author is Charlotte Bronte. “She was years ahead of her time and was not afraid to stand up for what she believed in.”

She says he has always wanted to be president. “I’m still too young to run.”

If Rachel were principal for a day she would give students more say in how the school operates.

 

Chris Giacolone

Chris is the son of Robert and Laurel Giacolone. He is ranked eighth. Chris will attend Trinity College in Hartford. His major is undecided as well as his plans after college.

He has participated as co-captain of the cross-country running team, wrestling, editor-in-chief of The Hawkeye, and he has volunteered in his school and community. Chris attended Head O’ Meadow and Newtown Middle School.

His advice to those seeking to be among the top ten students is this: “It’s a great honor, but it’s still only a number; how much you have learned is much more important.”

His motto/philosophy is, “Eh.”

His favorite subject is journalism. “I feel that the art of composing a piece of writing for a large audience enables me to think and express myself in ways that would otherwise be impossible.”

Something Chris will always remember about high school is graduation.

Chris does not have a favorite author. “I love any author that can present to me a different point of view in a unique style of presentation.”

He says he has always wanted to go skydiving.

If Chris were principal for a day he would “make sure that every student in the school had the opportunity to have a high school experience that was as enlightening and enjoyable as mine.”

 

Courtney Brown

Courtney is the daughter Alan and Penelope Brown. She is ranked ninth. Courtney will attend Brigham Young University in the fall, where she will study mathematics and education. She plans to teach high school math after college.

She participated in field hockey, lacrosse, and National Honors Society. Courtney attended Sandy Hook School and Newtown Middle School.

Courtney’s advice to students striving to be in the top ten is, “Work hard, try your best, but keep balance to your life.”

Her motto/philosophy is, “Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections.”

Courtney’s favorite teacher and subject is Mrs Chervansky, her Honors Integrated III math teacher, because “she is kind, understanding, and motivated me to become a math teacher.”

She will remember her friends from high school. “All of the trials we have gone through and the experiences we have had because these have helped me realize who I am as a person and who I want to become.”

A precious item to her is family. “I don’t really have any materialistic items that I highly value. However, I know that if I were without my family and friends, my life wouldn’t be the same. They have supported me through everything. I owe a lot to them.”

Courtney’s favorite author is J.R. Rowling. “Her books have something for everyone, with many hidden meanings that regardless of your age, can remind you of different experiences you have had.”

She has always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but she has never had time.

If Courtney were principal for a day she would allow an open campus for seniors with the proper release form so that seniors with a lot of free periods during the day could have the opportunity to leave school and come back.

Brandon Russell

Brandon is the son of Scott and Christine Russell. He is ranked tenth. Brandon will attend Boston College in the fall, where he plans to study biology and plans to go to graduate school after college.

He has participated in National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Science Club, Science Research Program, and marching band. Brandon attended Middle Gate School and Newtown Middle School.

Advice Brandon offers to those seeking to be in the top ten is, “Take the hardest classes open to you. Don’t do too many activities or jobs.”

His motto/philosophy is, “I’m confident in myself and abilities.”

His favorite teacher is Mr O’Sullivan because he is funny, fair, and interesting. Brandon’s favorite subject is biology because he loves science and plans to study biology in college.

Something he will always remember about high school are the classes and activities he participated in that helped him further his interest in science, such as the Science Research Project.

One of his most precious items is his car. “It gives me great personal freedom.”

Brandon’s favorite authors are Dante, Homer, Frank Herbert, or J.R.R. Tolkein. “Can’t really choose. Immense topics.”

Something he has always wanted to do is to be a professional martial artist, “but there is no money in it,” he said.

If Brandon were principal for a day he would make an open campus and change the schedule.