Top 10 students in Cranston High School East's class of 2016

Posted 7/20/16

1. Ethan Gomez Class of 2016 valedictorian Ethan Gomez, 18, plans to attend Boston College in the fall to study business while completing prerequisite courses for medical school and pursuing a minor in Spanish. During his time at Cranston East, Gomez

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Top 10 students in Cranston High School East's class of 2016

Posted

1. Ethan Gomez

Class of 2016 valedictorian Ethan Gomez, 18, plans to attend Boston College in the fall to study business while completing prerequisite courses for medical school and pursuing a minor in Spanish.

During his time at Cranston East, Gomez took part in numerous activities. He served as Student Council president, National Honor Society vice president, and manager of the school store, and was a member of the Class Council and Brown Science Prep. He also served as a volunteer coach for the Trudeau Center’s Special Olympic swim team.

In addition to ranking first in his class, Gomez’s special honors and recognitions include the Rhode Island General Treasurer’s Young Leader Award, the American Math Excellence Award, the Johnson and Wales University Book Award, and the Luis A. Bruno World Language Award. He also received the Rhode Island State Elks Scholarship, Picerne Real Estate Scholarship, and Hirst Scholarship, and is a Wendy’s High School Heisman state finalist.

Regarding his high school years, Gomez said: “I will without a doubt remember the people I have met here the most. Attending such a diverse and lively school has given me the opportunity to interact with such a rich group of people. The lessons I have learned from my peers and teachers are invaluable.”

Asked who most contributed to his success, Gomez pointed to his family and the support they have provided.

“They have continued to encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and take advantage of all the opportunity I am given,” he said.

Regarding his motivation to excel, Gomez said: “A big part of finding personal success is having the determination and self-motivation to achieve your goals. I was always told I could achieve anything I set my mind to, and that is something I truly do believe. I was motivated by the thought of making myself, and everyone that supported me proud. If I could give one piece of advice it would be to follow your dreams and pursue them with all the passion you have.” 2. Emily Ou

Class of 2016 salutatorian Emily Ou, 17, plans to attend Northeastern University in the fall to study pharmacy.

During her time at Cranston East, Ou was involved in several activities, including Class Council, Student Council, PALS, National Honor Society, and French Club, for which she served as treasurer.

In addition to ranking second in her class, Ou’s special honors and recognitions include the Harvard Book Award and the Jefferson Book Award.

Ou said from her high school years, she will most remember “spending valuable time with my friends and getting to see them every day.” Asked who contributed most to her success and enjoyment of high school, she said: “My parents, teachers, friends, and my awesome guidance counselor Mr. Gebhart.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Ou said: “I wanted to make my parents and myself proud. I wanted to be not just an average or good student, but great student!” 3. Sayira Silverio

Sayira Silverio, 17, plans to attend Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., this fall. She intends to major in biology with an emphasis in biochemistry, concentrating in community and global health and following a pre-med track.

During her time at Cranston East, Silverio participated in numerous activities, including Chamber Orchestra, varsity tennis, the Hispanic United Development Organization, Brown Science Prep, the Brown Brain Bee, and PALs. She served as section leader in Orchestra, editor of the Yearbook Club, president of the French Club, a volunteer at Rhode Island Hospital, and a morning announcer for the BBC.

In addition to ranking third in her class, Silverio’s special honors and recognitions include receiving the Picerne Family Scholarship, Spirit of Excellence Award, Music Book Award, Society of Women Engineers Excellence in Math and Science Award, and Rensselaer Medal; a superior rating for Rhode Island Solo Ensemble and Music Festival; membership in the National Honor Society; and being named to the Thunderbolt Honor Roll.

“I will remember the friends I’ve gotten closest to, combined with the inspiring teachers that I’ve had,” she said. “We’ve shared so many laughs and they were always able to brighten my day. Without these individuals I do not think I’d enjoy high school as much as I did.”

Asked who contributed most to her success and enjoyment of high school, Silverio said: “Many of my teachers have contributed to my enjoyment and success in high school, especially Mr. Silva, Mr. Berstein, Mrs. Tejada, Mr. Pandolfini, and many others. My friends have also been supportive of me, as well as my parents and siblings.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Silverio said: “My aspiration is to become a medical doctor. I knew from a very young age that this was the path that I wanted, and I knew that I would have to be in the top of my class if I wanted access to more scholarships and resources. I am also a first-generation college student; with that in mind, I worked twice as hard so that I could make my family proud of my academic endeavors and accolades.” 4. Hui Ying Huang

Hui Ying Huang, 18, plans to attend Smith College in the fall to study chemical engineering.

During her time at Cranston East, Huang participated in numerous activities. She served as 2016 drum major and 2015 woodwind captain for the Marching Band, captain of the girls’ lacrosse team, and secretary of the National Honor Society, and was a member of the Science Club. She played tenor saxophone in the Big Band Jazz Ensemble and marimba in the Winter Percussion Ensemble.

In addition to ranking fourth in her class, Huang’s special honors and recognitions include the Yale Book Award. She was a member of the USBands Open Regional Champions in back-to-back years, as well as the 2015 WGI Winter Percussion Marching AA Champions and the 2016 WGI Winter Percussion Concert Percussion Champions.

“What I will remember most about my high school years are the wonderful memories that I have made with the marching band,” she said. “The marching band has helped me transition into high school and with the guidance of my band directors, Mr. Arsenault and Mr. Colozzi, I have become the mature person I am today. I have made so many long-lasting relationships within this band and they have become like a second family to me. They are the ones who have gone through thick and thin with me and have created the most memorable memories.”

Huang said her mother contributed most to her success.

“Without her unfaltering support and drive to continue my education and to be a well-rounded person, I would not be where I am now,” she said.

Regarding her motivation to excel, Huang said: “What motivates me to excel is the infinite number of possibilities out there in the world. I want to be able to make the impossible possible and to be able to experience everything that the world has to offer.” 5. Saiya Chik

Saiya Chik, 18, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall with a major in nursing.

During her time as Cranston East, Chik was involved in several activities, including FCCLA, the library staff, senior art studios, and the creation of last year’s yearbook.

In addition to ranking fifth in her class, Chik’s special honors and recognitions include a Silver Key in drawing in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the Spirit of Excellence Award, the RISD Book Award, the Ross Scholarship, and being named one of Cranston’s “Best and Brightest.”

Regarding her high school years, Chik said: “I will remember the people I met at CHSE, the art room that was like a second home to me, the beautiful library, and all of the amazing teachers. I will definitely remember the time planning and painting the legacy for the class of 2016.”

Asked who contributed most to her success and enjoyment of high school, Chik pointed to “my wonderful family, my quirky friends, teachers, and the members of senior studios.”

“They helped me learn and succeed throughout my time at CHSE as well as making it enjoyable,” she said. “They taught me how to become a better friend and a better person overall. They are all my source of strength and happiness!”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Chik said: “My parents have instilled studious qualities in me ever since I was a child, therefore I am motivated to excel by my own determination. I always wanted to make my family proud and live up to their expectations.” 6. Donna El-Laham

Donna El-Laham, 18, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, with a major in biomedical engineering. She will be taking pre-med classes.

During her time at Cranston East, El-Laham participated in a range of activities, including PALs, varsity volleyball, Class Council, and Brown Science Prep. She also served as public relations officer for the Student Council, a volunteer at the Islamic School of RI, and a math tutor at East.

In addition to ranking sixth in her class, El-Laham’s special honors and recognitions include the Johnson and Wales Business Award, Advanced Accounting Award, Harvard Math Award, Rockerfeller Scholership Award, and Ross Simmons Award.

Of her time at East, El-Laham said: “I will remember all the amazing people I’ve met and the diversity here at Cranston East. The teachers here are beyond compare and they will always inspire me to do better.”

Asked who most contributed to her success, she said: “I would like to thank my brother for my success in high school because he truly did motivate me to do better. Whenever I would think about giving up and putting the books to rest, my brother would remind me it is all worth it in the long run.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, El-Laham said it was her vision for her future.

“I thought about where I wanted to be in life when I grew up. The house I want to live in, the car I want to drive, and the profession I want to wake up and do,” she said, “If it was not for these thoughts, I wouldn’t be here.” 7. Kevin Li

Kevin Li, 17, plan to attend Boston College in the fall with a major in computer science or a technology-related field.

During his time at Cranston East, Li participated in a number of activities, including the swimming and volleyball teams.

In addition to ranking seventh in his class, Li’s special honors and recognitions include the Society of Women Engineers Award, membership in the Rhode Island Honor Society and National Honor Society, and being named one of Cranston’s “Best and Brightest.”

Asked what he will remember most about his time in high school, Li said: “My life is procrastination, but all of my teachers can count on me to hand all of their assignments in on time. I think I will probably remember finally finding that close group of friends that I can depend on. I know I will remember all the sleepless nights when we all were procrastinating, doing everything but that one assignment. I will also remember all of the swim meets where I worked hard to achieve my personal records as well as cheering on for my teammates during volleyball games.”

Asked who most contributed to his success and enjoyment of his time at East, Li said: “My enjoyment of high school was most definitely brought upon by my teachers and friends. I can never understand why they became friends with a person like me, but I know I have positively impacted their lives just as much as they have impacted mine. I hope we remain in contact for the many years to come.”

Regarding his motivation to excel, Li said: “I am lacking in so many areas but my parents, teachers, and friends have never given up on me. My parents, brother, and family in China are my main motivators for success.” 8. Victoria Marion

Victoria Marion, 17, plans to attend Colby College in Waterville, Maine, with a major in neuroscience and German language.

Marion participated in a number of activities during her time at Cranston East, including the Brown University Brain Bee, the varsity tennis team, the indoor and outdoor track team, Science Olympiad, the Reflections literary magazine club, and PALs. She has played the violin for nine years

In addition to ranking eighth in her class, Marion’s special honors and recognitions include membership in the Rhode Island Honor Society, National Honor Society, and National Society of High School Scholars. She received the Bausch and Lomb Award at the National Honor Society induction ceremony. She broke the school record for weight throw in indoor track and for the discus throw in outdoor track. She also finished second in the state in discus throw in 2015.

“I will remember the lifelong friends I made and the teachers who inspired me to go into the neuroscience field,” she said of her high school years.

Asked who most contributed to her success and enjoyment of high school, Marion said: “My chemistry teacher Mr. Richard Cushman always talked to us about our future plans and encouraged us to go into the science field and try to make a difference in the world, be it political, environmental, or health related. His guidance definitely contributed to my success. My history teacher Mr. Howard Cowell contributed to my great interest in United States history and the importance of the many court cases of the past and how they impacted our society today, which is why I will most likely be attending law school after I get my bachelor’s degree so that I can become a constitutional lawyer. In addition, Mr. Cowell exposed me to the world of rock and roll so I have a great appreciation for The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, the Turtles, and other bands from the ’60s through the ’80s. Not only my teachers, but also my friends all contributed to my success and enjoyment.”

Marion said her motivation to excel came “from my peers challenging me and pushing me to be the best I can be as well as my desire to be a filial child and buy a big mansion for my mother in the future.” 9. Cheyenne Tillison

Cheyenne Tillison, 17, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall on a pre-med track in order to become a physician’s assistant.

Tillison took part in a number of activities during her time at Cranston East. She served as a captain of the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams, and as secretary of the National Honor Society.

In addition to ranking ninth in her class, Tillison’s special honors and recognitions include the UMass Dartmouth Book Award, Raymond E. Ball Memorial Scholarship, 2015 All-American Academic Award for lacrosse, 2015 All-Division II Second Team honors in lacrosse, playing on the 2014 and 2015 All-Division III North winner in soccer, membership in the Rhode Island Honor Society and National Honor Society, and being named one of Cranston’s “Best and Brightest.”

“I think I will remember all of the memories, good and bad, that I have created at Cranston East the most,” she said of her high school years. “From stepping on the field at Cranston Stadium to play a soccer game or walking from class to class with my friends; these are the little things that made my high school years most important. Academics are important, but at the end of the day the moments you share with a team or a friend will stay with you forever.”

Asked who contributed most to her success and enjoyment of high school, Tillison said: “My family has pushed me to be the best I can be as a student. My parents have always encouraged me in everything I have pursued and my sister has told me to make choices that will make me happy. My friends have made high school the most enjoyable. Besides school events, we would go out and always find something to do together.”

Tillison said her family has motivated her to excel.

“I wanted to make them proud and be able to give back to them when I get older. Receiving my diploma is the first step in my journey to giving back to my family and community,” she said. 10. Vivien Yau

Vivien Yau, 18, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island’s College of Nursing in the fall.

Yau participated in numerous activities during her time at Cranston East, including JROTC, varsity field hockey – for which she was a captain in her senior year – and varsity ice hockey.

In addition to ranking 10th in her class, Yau’s special honors and recognitions include All-Academics and Honorable Mention Awards for field hockey, the Hobey Baker Award for ice hockey, Distinguished Cadet and LET 3 & 4 Academic Excellence honors, the Reserve Officers Association Medal, the Wellesley College Book Award, membership in the National Honor Society, and being named one of Cranston’s “Best and Brightest.”

Of her high school years, Yau said: “I will remember the late nights I had from games and the adrenaline of being out on the field and the ice. I will miss my JROTC family and community and the pressure of being drilled and criticized by judges at drill competitions. I will miss my antics with my friends in the little time we had to spare at lunch and in the hallways. The scheduling and unique community of high school will never to be felt again.”

Asked who contributed most to her success and enjoyment of high school, Yau pointed to “my friends, my family, my coaches and, most importantly, my teachers.”

“My friends brought enjoyment to my high school years. My family and coaches provided unwavering support through my time here. My teachers, in particular Mr. Aucoin, Mr. Modica, and Ms. Conte have provided me the motivation, help, and support I needed from them as my main supporters to get through my time here especially as things got tougher as time progressed,” she said.

Yau said was motivated to excel by “the desire to make my family, in particular my father, proud because I will be the first of my family to achieve a post-secondary level education. I want to set a high standard for my siblings as I am the oldest. My main goal is to continue on to the neonatal medical field and be able to help support my family financially.”

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