Top Students At NHS Share Observations And Advice

By Laurie Borst

The top graduates at Newtown High School have a lot of similar ideas and attitudes. All speak of working for what you want, not what others want for you, of combining hard work and having fun. They are well-spoken, confident young people ready for the next step in their lives.

Celia Song, valedictorian, will attend Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., this fall to study in the College of Engineering. It is no surprise that her favorite classes in high school were AP Physics and AP Calculus. Celia said, “I like math and science. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot.”

Celia credits her parents and teachers as giving her inspiration. “People who are passionate about what they do, are interested in learning and helping others inspire me.” Celia believes in “doing the best that you can because, in the end, if you’ve put the effort in, it’s worth it.”

To the underclassmen, she offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the resources available, the career center, the library. Teachers are always willing to help.” After seeing so many changes at Newtown High, Celia would like to see better management of the school. “Too many changes all at once aren’t good,” she said.

Lillian Campbell is co-salutatorian for this year’s class. Lily will be attending Villanova University, in Villanova, Penn. Currently, she is undecided on her major, but is leaning toward English and secondary education. AP US History was Lily’s favorite class. She found it very interactive. Lily added, “I put a lot of time and effort into the class. The more you put in, the more you get out of it.”

Lily has found great inspiration from her mother. “She stayed home to raise my brother and me. When we got older, she earned her PhD. She worked really hard yet was always there for me. Now she’s a professor.

“You really have to give it your best shot. Have fun at the same time, enjoy the high school experience,” she offered. For herself, she said, “I still have a lot to learn. You can’t take yourself too seriously, either.”

If she could suggest one change to NHS, Lily would like to see the two-week, rotating schedule go. “You can end up with lunch at 10:30 and that’s just to early,” she stated.

Claire Zukowski shares the title of salutatorian with Lily this year. Claire is off to Columbia University in New York City to, most likely, study physics. She offers this advice, “Do things that are slightly strange and unconventional. Do something unique.” Claire found an unusual experience by studying in Japan for a year.

Her favorite course was Japanese history, which taught her things she did no’t realize. Once she learned a bit of the language, she enjoyed participating in the class. Back at NHS, she preferred the English classes with all the discussion and class participation. Much of the teaching style she experienced in Japan was rote memorization.

Claire believes you have to work hard for yourself, “But don’t get too stressed out about conventions and what everyone else thinks.” She draws inspiration from Sergei Rachmaninoff, who continued to compose in the style of the Romantics when all other composers where “going modern.” He was passionate and worked really hard. Her family also influenced her love of reading.

Claire would like to see teachers at NHS give less “busy work. Some teachers are really excellent. Others may assume students don’t want to learn.”

Try New Things

Sarah Gutbrod, third in the 2006 Class, will be attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where she will study biomedical engineering, and minor in math. Sarah advises, “Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t back out just because you’re the only one.” During high school, Sarah attended an EMT course on her own, which led her to her intended major.

“My Grandpa is one of the smartest people I know. We do puzzles together. He will often give me a math question to figure out,” Sarah shared. “Of course, my parents’ support has been inspirational too.”

AP Chemistry was Sarah’s favorite class because the material was presented in an enjoyable way. Students were able to choose what they level of learning they attained, how challenged they were. This course helped Sarah realized she wanted to study science.

Sarah believes, “You have to work hard for yourself, not others. Strive for something for yourself. Live without regretting.” She also wishes NHS could allow more flexibility in courses required, more opportunities to choose electives.

Remember To Have Fun

Megan Rawson, graduating fourth in her class, is heading to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. She is undecided as to major, but leans toward math and science. AP Chemistry has been her favorite course at NHS. “It was the first really challenging course I’ve had to take. But I like what I’m learning,” Megan said.

Her advice to underclassmen: “Don’t take things too seriously. Senior year has gone by so fast. Use your time in the best ways you can. And have fun.”

Megan credits her parents, family, and teachers for having been supportive of her in all things. No one person influenced her. Megan believes in doing things to please oneself. “You have to enjoy what you do. Do what you want, not what others want.”

Megan would like to see the administration show more consideration of the students feelings. “There is a separation between the administration and students. The communication gap needs to be bridged,” she said.

Have Confidence

Fifth-ranked Elsa Gillis will also attend Cornell University. She is enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences with an undeclared major. Elsa believes “you must trust your instincts and have confidence in yourself.”

Elsa advises, “Enjoy yourself, have fun. Take part in lots of activities and work hard. Get set for the future.”

AP Psychology was Elsa’s favorite class. The material was interesting. “Mr McHugh was a great teacher,” she added.

Elsa’s parents are the people who most inspired her. “They never pressured me. They were always supportive. They are caring people,” she added.

NHS has been a positive experience for Elsa. “There are little things that need work, but no one big thing,” she said.

Challenge Yourself

Peter Young Kim, ranked sixth in his class as was his sister in 2002, is bound for Boston College to study political science, and maybe a double major in economics.

He advises, “Take the most challenging courses you can. You won’t be prepared for life without challenges. Overcoming challenges leads to success.”

One challenging course Peter enjoyed was AP Psychology. The teacher made the difference for him. “Mr McHugh is really passionate, likes us all. He made it more entertaining, more fun. He cares about the students,” Peter added.

Peter’s motto for life is from the Bible, Philippians 4:13: I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. “It got me through junior year,” Peter said.

Peter credits his mom with influencing him the most. “She is the most brave, courageous, hardworking, and loving person. She never got upset about a grade, always encouraged me, in school and in my spiritual life, too.

“This year, we got a lot of new guidance people with new ideas. A lot of changes occurred which changed the character of the school. The changes should have come in slower,” he suggested.

Relax, And Do Your Homework

Karli Beitel, graduating seventh in the class, will be attending Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. She currently plans a double major in Cognitive Science and Spanish. She advises, “Relax, don’t stress out and do your homework.”

Her personal philosophy is a basic one, “Be Happy!” “Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be.’ I’ve always felt it’s up to the individual to decide how to respond to elements of every day life. Whether one chooses to be happy or upset is largely dependent on one’s outlook.”

Karli credits her mother as her inspiration. Her mother has been a teacher at Head O’ Meadow, later becoming assistant principal, then principal. “I watched in amazement as she worked so hard to climb the administrative ladder. Last May, she finally completed her PhD in educational administration. For her to finish that doctorate with an insanely busy and demanding family was incredible. The dedication she has exemplified will take us both as far as we push ourselves to go.”

“Throughout the years, I’ve found that the teacher really makes the class. And I’ve had so many great teachers, I just can’t identify one favorite class,” she said.

“If I could change anything about NHS, it would be to install a mandatory rest time. It was fabulous in kindergarten, and we could all use a good nap every day,” she said.

Make The Most Of Your Time

Will Jacob finished eighth in the class. He is going to Bowdoin College. He is undecided at the moment about a major but is favoring English. “Four years goes by quick, find something to make your time worthwhile,” he said, “while your only commitment is school.”

Will believes you should try everything once. “We moved around a lot while I was growing up. I felt I should meet people, do things. Changes happen so quickly.” He credits his parents with inspiring him. “Since we moved a lot, they always tried to do things as a family unit.”

English classes were his favorites. AP courses were discussion oriented, which he enjoyed. He liked writing, and working on the student-run paper.

Will wishes the administration would give the students more privileges. “Last year’s class messed up,” he said, “and we feel the result.”

Don’t Be Too Serious

Edward Small, ninth ranked student in this year’s class, is headed to Dickinson College in Carlisle, Penn. He is undecided on a major. “Don’t take things too seriously.” He advises, “Most things I worry about aren’t worth it. Don’t stress, take it all in stride.

“Dave Barry made me want to write. He was a big influence on my sense of humor,” he said. “In life, in general, my parents were my biggest influence.”

AP US History was his favorite class, except for the quizzes, which were “obscure multiple-choice” questions. “I’ve been lucky to have a string of really good history teachers, since middle school. AP has allowed deeper exploration,” he said.

Eddie would like to see more trust between the administration and students. While he hates whiners, he sees that senior privileges have been shrinking over the years. “Of course, the students have to show they can handle the privileges. It is a two-way street,” he added.

Explore Options

Alison Lones, ranked tenth in the class, will attend UConn in Storrs. She will study chemistry, specifically, pre-med. She advises, “Don’t be too wrapped up in competitiveness. Do what you want, not what others want.”

Her chemistry teacher, Mrs Mendoza, has been a huge influence on Alison. “Mrs Mendoza makes it lots of fun. She makes it interesting. She’s what got me interested in chemistry,” Alison said.

“You must take advantage of opportunities while in high school. Explore options like academics, sports, community activities,” she offered.

Anatomy and Physiology with Mr Kuroski was her favorite class. She says the subject matter was very interesting to her as she wants to be a medical examiner.

One change she would like to see at NHS would be smaller class sizes. “Some classes are so huge it’s hard to get anything out of it. Smaller classes mean more time with the teacher, more time to participate.”