Jacob A. Morais - Valedictorian

Rank in class: # 1

Age: 17

uture plans: To attend Brown University with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering

High school activities: Varsity Soccer Captain - National Honors Society Vice President of Fundraising- National Honors Society Inductee - National Italian Honors Society Inductee

Awards/Achievements: Mayoral Scholarship - Academic All-State for soccer - Division II second team for soccer

Fondest memories: “I will always remember my senior year soccer season where we won the city cup and was led by the most amazing coaching staff I have ever experienced.”

Contributors to success: “My guidance counselors and teachers made high school enjoyable for me and shaped me into who I am today. I would not be where I am without my parents. They’re the reason for my drive and encouraged me to always be my best self.”

Motivation to excel:“I always wanted to make family proud so I did as well as I possibly could in every situation I was put in so that my family would be proud.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “Despite forcing me to spend a majority of my sophomore year taking classes at home, I feel like my path has not changed. ”

Mena Wadia- Salutatorian

Rank in class: # 2

Age: 17

Future plans: To attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and study applied mathematics and computer science.

High school activities: Drum major of That Falcon Band - Leader of Healing Hands Club - Jazz Band - All-State musician - Math Team - Math and Chemistry peer tutor - Swim Team

Awards/Achievements: All-State award, AP Scholar with Distinction, Math Team Top Scorer,  Jae S. Lim Mathematics Scholarship - Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award - Heart of a Mathematician Award - Recognitions in English, Science, and AP US History

Fondest memories: “The camaraderie that I experienced as a member of math and swim teams. It’s a great feeling to find a group where you belong!”

Contributors to success: “The friends that I have made along the way, who joined me through tough experiences, sharing my joys and sorrows.”

Motivation to excel: “I wanted to make sure I could go to the best possible college and to guarantee my “future self” the best opportunities.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “Lockdowns and school closing helped me realize I need to be in an atmosphere with other people to find my motivation. ”

Julia Shellard

Rank in class: # 3

Age: 18

Future plans: To attend the University of Pittsburgh and major in Communication Sciences to pursue a career in Speech Language Pathology.

High school activities: CHSW Theater - Student Theater Board Co-Chair and Events Coordinator - Girls Lacrosse - Indoor Track - Falcon Ambassadors - CSW Class of 2023 Council Delegate - Best Buddies - National Honor Society - National Italian Honor Society

Awards/Achievements: URI Book Award - Jae S. Lim Award in Science - Mathematical Excellence in AP Calculus Award -  Highest Honor Roll - Cranston Teacher’s Alliance Scholarship - Orabone Scholarship - Ronald Gill  Jr Scholarship - Bill Palmer Legacy Scholarship

Fondest memories: “I will remember all of the fun times I spent with friends”

Contributors to success: “My family has had a huge contribution to my success as they are my biggest supporters. My friends contributed to my enjoyment of high school as I always looked forward seeing them.”

Motivation to excel: “I wanted to be able to look back on my high school years with pride and know I accomplished all I was capable of.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “The pandemic helped me to become a very self-motivated and self-disciplined person”

Emma Lancellotta

Rank in class: # 4

Age: 17

Future plans: To attend the University of Notre Dame and major in Political Science while minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

High school activities: National Honor Society President - Class Council Secretary - Captain of the Falconettes Precision Dance Team - Student Leadership Team - Varsity Swim Team - That Falcon Band - Student Council Delegate - Yearbook Editor - Student Ambassadors - Peer Tutoring - Teen Missionary and Lector at Holy Apostles Parish

Awards/Achievements: 2022 Civic Leadership Award - Realizing Inspiration and Sustaining Excellence R.I.S.ing Leader Scholar - ALA Girls Nation Senator 2022 - RI Honor Society - NIHS - NAHS - Columbus Citizen Foundation Scholarship - GFWC Cranston Community Women’s Scholarship - Picerne Family Scholarship - HarborOne ONECommunity Scholarship - Burger King® Foundation Scholarship - Cranston Rotary Scholarship

Fondest memories: “Dancing underneath the Friday Night Lights as a Falconette for four years and marching down Main Street in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Parade.”

Contributors to success: The support from my parents and two sisters, Sara and Leah, has molded me into the person I am today. ”

Motivation to excel: I was self-motivated to do my best in all areas of my life, both in and out of school.”

The impact of growing up during a pandemic: “I remained determined to do my work and stay on task despite the disconnect with being online. I realized how important it is to spend time with my family.”

Jovina Yu

Rank in class: #5

Age: 18

Future plans: To attend Brandeis University and major in Computer Science hoping to pursue a career in UI/UX Design

High school activities: Girls Volleyball Team - Falcon Ambassadors - Student Leadership - Class Council Treasurer - Spanish National Honor Society - Rhode Island Honor Society - National Honor Society Co-Vice President and Social Media Coordinator - Peer Tutor - A/V Tech Team at Cranston Bible Chapel

Awards/Achievements: D1 North Girls Volleyball Champions (2021) - SkillsUSA T-Shirt Design Silver Medalist (2021) - SkillsUSA T-Shirt Design Gold Medalist (2023) - Commissioner’s Silver Seal of Biliteracy - Leo J. Castiglioni Jr. Scholarship Award - Town Fair Tire Scholarship Award - Picerne Scholarship Award

Fondest memories: “I will always remember the experiences and opportunities I’ve had while interning for organizations such as the WaterFire Arts Center.”

Contributors to success: “I thank my family, Mrs. Hogan, and Angela Thoeung.”

Motivation to excel: “As the oldest of a first-generation family, I didn’t really have anyone I could rely on academically due to the language barrier. I stepped into adulthood at an early age and became relatively independent. My parents immigrated to the states to give my brother and I a better life and so the desire to give back to my family has motivated me to excel.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “The pandemic taught me to cherish every moment in life. I enjoyed sleeping in, establishing my own routine, however, I realized how important social interaction was.”

Erica Wu

Rank in class: # 6

Age: 18

Future plans: To attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to study pharmaceutical science

High school activities: Math Team - Class Council - Swim - Student Ambassador, -National Honor Society - Healing Hands Communications Leader - Chamber Orchestra Concertmaster - Chemistry Club Leader/Founder

Awards/Achievements: Unwavering Excellence in Violin Award - CHSW Concertmaster Award - Heart of a Scientist Award

Fondest memories: “I will remember the connections that I made with my friends and teachers in school. Also, the memories of my friends and I having fun in class and fooling around will never be forgotten.”

Contributors to success: “My family and friends helped me to succeed and enjoy high school.”

Motivation to excel: “Something that motivated me to excel was that I wanted to make my parents proud so I pushed through all the hardships and tried to do everything with my best efforts.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “I didn’t get to see my friends or get to go out much and school was online, at home, so it really made me feel disconnected from the world. However, to deal with this, I tried to find new hobbies that interested me and I played my piano and violin to occupy myself. The experience has changed me because I’ve tried to become more outgoing and challenged myself to try new things .”

Hope Kelley

Rank in class: # 7

Age: 18

Future plans: To attend URI for chemical engineering

High school activities: Soccer team - Track Captain - Class Council Treasurer - Math Team - Student leadership

Awards/Achievements: Silver Medal for SkillsUSA Nationals in Robotics and Automation Technology

Fondest memories: “I will most remember my Robotics Career and Technical Class. I was a part of the class for all four years of high school. As a result I became very close with every member of the class and will look back on it with fond memories.“

Contributors to success: “My mother has been a huge support in my high school experience. She has insisted on making my lunch for me all year, even though I have been doing it myself since middle school. She always supported me in all of my activities and  helps me in so many other ways.”

Motivation to excel: “I have always strived to be the best version of myself I could be. Anything less just would be a waste.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “There was a lot of social isolation due to the pandemic. I had to work twice as hard maintaining friendships. However, it really shows which people are true friends. People willing to put in the effort.”

Ashlee Tennett

Rank in class: # 8

Age: 18

Future plans: To attend URI while majoring in nursing and minoring in Spanish.

High school activities: Varsity Girls Tennis - Varsity Girls Indoor Track & Field - Varsity Girls Outdoor Track & Field - Healing Hands - Math Team

Awards/Achievements: URI Presidential Scholarship

Fondest memories: “Throughout my four years my schedule has been packed with club sports, participating in fundraisers, contributing over 180 hours of community service to my church, and working a part-time job. I will certainly remember the stress and exhaustion of engaging in so many activities while maintaining academic excellence.”

Contributors to success: “My parents have always been my two biggest supporters since I was a child. I began playing softball at just six years old. Although my dad did not have to, he chose to spend time with me by coaching my teams growing up, and offering to practice together at home.“

Motivation to excel: “In middle school, I remember coming home late almost every night after softball to my older sister, Jessica, studying at the kitchen table. She was the biggest motivation to me during high school.“

The impact of growing up during a pandemic: “The COVID-19 pandemic made me realize how special my outside sports and friends were to me. I began working out and found myself enjoying a new fitness journey. Once restrictions were lifted, I made time in my busy schedule to do things I enjoyed with the people I love.”

Ethan Marchetti

Rank in class: # 8

Age: 18

Future plans: To attend URI and major in Mechanical Engineering

High school activities: Science Olympiad - Symphonic Orchestra Alto Saxophone - School band - Math Team - Peer tutoring - Programming club - SkillsUSA - Rhode Island Honor Society - National Honor Society.

Awards/Achievements: Science Olympiad 3rd and 1st in state for trajectory -  SkillsUSA 2nd for technical mathematics - Cranston West’s Certificate for Excellence in Science award.

Fondest memories: “What I remember most are the band trips we took to Disney. It was a fun time to hang out with my friends, and I’m sure they loved it when I asked to stop at every restaurant in sight.”

Contributors to success: “Part of my success and enjoyment would have to be attributed to all my teachers, the other part is due to my parent’s efforts to inspire me to do well ,and my sister who always makes me laugh when I see her in the hallway.”

Motivation to excel: “My interest in science and a thirst for learning has always motivated me to take as many science courses as I could.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “When I got back in my junior year, I joined as many clubs as I could, realizing everything high school had to offer, as well as everything I missed in my first two years.”

Hailey Bobek

Rank in class: # 10

Age: 17

Future plans: To attend Northeastern University and major in Finance

High school activities: Theater Board Co-Chair, Special Events team and Actor - Choir - Class Council - Best Buddies - Algebra and Spanish Tutor

Awards/Achievements: National Honors Society - Spanish Honors Society - Choir Honors Night - Excellence in Theater Award

Fondest memories: “I will remember the friendships and close bonds I have created with my peers, and my dedication to the theater department most.”

Contributors to success: “My closest friends and family’s support has contributed most to my success and enjoyment of high school.”

Motivation to excel: “The desire to get into a great school and earn a great scholarship motivated me to excel.”

Impact of growing up during a pandemic: “I have personally coped with the pandemic by finding things to do that I enjoy such as listening to music. The pandemic has changed my plans as I saw how many industries struggled through the pandemic, and knew I wanted to go into a field that would be sustainable despite outside circumstances.”