1. Ellen Macaruso

Class of 2015 valedictorian Ellen Macaruso, 17, plans to attend Brown University in the fall with a concentration in neuroscience.

At Cranston East, Macaruso took part in a range of activities, including the girls’ soccer and lacrosse teams, Science Olympiad, Class Council, Brown University Science Prep, the Brown University Brain Bee, the National Brain Bee, and Peers as Leaders (PALs). She also served as a math tutor.

In addition to being named valedictorian, Macaruso’s special honors and achievements include the American Mathematical Society Award, the U.S. Marine Scholastic Award, the R.I. Girls Soccer Coaches Association Sportsmanship Award, the

Women’s Game of U.S. Lacrosse High School All-Academic Award, membership in the National Honor Society, the Smith College Book Award, the Harvard Prize Book Award, the Rensselaer Medal, and first place in the 2014 Brown University Brain Bee.

“I have many fond memories from high school,” Macaruso said. “My most memorable experiences include the excitement of playing at Cranston Stadium for soccer and lacrosse as well as a trip to Washington, D.C., in 2013.”

Macaruso said her friends, teammates, coaches and teachers played a major role in her time at East, with her coaches and teachers being “encouraging and inspiring” and her peers helping her “balance enjoyment with hard work.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Macaruso said: “My family, friends, coaches, and teachers have supported me and enriched my experiences throughout my time in high school. Also, I aim to seize valuable opportunities and know that I would not be completely satisfied if I did not apply my full effort in every endeavor. I was motivated to build a foundation for continuous learning and new experiences in the future.”

2. Luke Maguire

Class of 2015 salutatorian Luke Maguire, 17, plans to attend Assumption College in Worcester, with a major in accounting.

While at Cranston East, Maguire took part in several activities, serving as secretary of the Student Council, a member of the Class Council and a participant in Brown University Science Prep.

In addition to ranking second in the class, Maguire’s special honors and achievements include the Rhode Island State Elks Scholarship, Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award, Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship, Cranston Teachers’ Alliance Scholarship, U.S. Marine Scholastic Award and Advanced Accounting Award.

“I will most remember the friends I made and not only how my best experiences and memories are with them but also how they’ve helped me grow and mature, especially this year,” he said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them, and I’m so grateful to have shared these past four years with them …We also had a healthy sense of competition that sometimes made us work to the best of our abilities. Of course, my classes wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable without my classmates who made almost every class memorable for me.”

Maguire also credited his teachers for his success. “When my teachers enjoyed teaching, I made sure to work my best,” he said.

Regarding what motivated him to excel, Maguire said: “I suppose that my family somewhat has a reputation for success. My brother and sister who preceded me at Cranston East were both successful, well-rounded students, and during my time here, I was told from time to time by teachers how fondly they remember my siblings. I was determined to make my mark and add to that legacy ... In that respect, I was extremely self-motivated. Both as a family and individually, though, a lot of my siblings’ and my motivation comes from our parents, who always wish for us not only to succeed but also to excel, so they were always there to back me up and support me.”

3. Vanja Frazier

Vanja Frazier, 17, plans to attend McGill University in Montreal, majoring in political science with a focus on international relations.

While at Cranston East, Frazier served as Class Council secretary, president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Council. She was also an announcer for the Bolts Broadcasting Company and played lacrosse.

In addition to ranking third in her class, Frazier’s special awards and achievements include the Jefferson Book Award, AP Scholar with Honors Award, History Book Award, Excellence in Spanish 5 Book Award, Thunderbolt Alumni Association Scholarship, Sandra Storti Memorial Scholarship, Paul C. Reed Scholarship, Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship, Cranston’s Best and Brightest Award, and membership in the National and Rhode Island Honor Societies.

“My fondest memories of high school are the fun, small moments that I shared with students and faculty at Cranston East daily,” Frazier said. “The major school events were always enjoyable, but the everyday occurrences – waving to friends in the hall, eating lunch with classmates, learning something new in class – are what will remain with me for years to come.”

Frazier credited her parents and brother for being “incredibly supportive,” and her classmates for providing a “fun, positive environment to learn, as well as some friendly competition.”

“My teachers supplied me with the lessons and tools needed to excel in the future,” she added. “They challenged me to work hard but were always willing to provide me with the help and constructive criticism needed to thrive.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Frazier said: “I am driven to be successful by my passion for learning and for helping others. My desire to be successful is fueled by my dreams of helping to make the world in which we live a better place.”

4. Christina Arlia

Christina Arlia, 17, will be attending Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. She plans to major in neuroscience and behavior.

While at Cranston East, Arlia took part in numerous activities, including Science Olympiad, Class Council, Prom Committee, junior varsity lacrosse, the Brown University Science Prep Program, the Brown University Brain Bee, and math tutoring.

In addition to ranking fourth in her class, Arlia’s special honors and achievements include membership in the National Honor Society, the Holy Cross Book Award, the English Book Award, the Picerne Scholarship, and being named one of Cranston’s Best and Brightest.

“From my high school years, I will remember the amazing friendships that developed over the years and all the teachers that helped show me my true potential as a student,” she said. “I’ll remember both the laughs and hardships with my friends that helped shape who I am today. I’ll never forget the kindness and genuine companionship that my teachers shared with me.”

Arlia credited her family, friends and teachers, who “have supported me every step of the way. They all gave me so much encouragement and remind me of how much I am capable of achieving when I apply myself.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Arlia said: “As a first generation college student, I was motivated to excel by my desires to become successful so that I can give back to my family who gave me so much support. My dream of becoming a doctor certainly gives me the push to work hard and strive for success. I want to be to show people that despite any setbacks, financial issues, or family circumstances, with determination and a passion for learning, anyone can achieve their dreams and dream big.”

5. Jaime Struminsky

Jaime Struminsky, 18, plans to attend Emmanuel College in Boston, and is currently undecided on a field of study.

While at Cranston East, Struminsky took part in a number of activities. She volunteered for four years at the Hugh B. Bain Middle School Science Olympiad Program, tutoring students in their events for the competition. She also participated in the high school division of Science Olympiad all four years at Cranston East. She served on Class Council, took part in the Brown Saturday Science Prep Program, was a member of the volleyball team, participated in Peers as Leaders (PALs), and became a member of the National Honor Society.

In addition to ranking fifth in her class, Struminsky’s special honors and achievements include a Silver Key in Painting at the 2015 Rhode Island Scholastic Art Awards, the Yale Book Award, and the Certificate of Excellence in Art Award.

“The most memorable aspects of my high school years were making genuine friendships through the clubs and activities I participated in,” Struminsky said, while crediting the support of her family, friends and teachers.

Regarding her motivation to excel, Stuminsky said: “I love learning, creating, and finding new things to be passionate about, and my inspiration to succeed accompanies all of those things.”

6. Pedro Polanco

Pedro Polanco, 17, will attend Brown University, with plans to study physics.

While at Cranston East, Polanco was captain of the drumline in his junior and senior years. In addition to ranking sixth in his class, his special honors and achievements include the Dartmouth College Book Award, recognition as a National Hispanic Scholar, and membership in the National Honor Society.

“I’ll remember the wonderful feeling of being New England percussion champions, the outstanding kindness and generosity of the faculty, and the awful smell of the boys’ locker room,” he said.

Polanco credited his parents for his success, and for playing an “integral role in shaping my character and motivating me to strive for excellence.” He also credited his friends and girlfriend, “who made the actual in-school time enjoyable, because education is impossible without a fun and accepting support network.”

Regarding his motivation to excel, Polanco said: “After moving to the United States at a young age, my father worked tirelessly to give me an environment in which I can succeed. I feel that working with the same fervor and taking advantage of the opportunities presented to me validates not only my own work but also the work of all my family members before me. Also, I truly enjoy classroom time and am very curious about how the world operates. With a sense of curiosity, pride, and urgency, it’s easy to keep pushing forward.”

7. Leah Golde

Leah Golde, 17, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island, majoring in engineer and Japanese language.

While at Cranston East, Golde took part in the Competition Marching Band, Competition Winter Percussion, and volunteer service at the library. In addition to ranking seventh in her class, her special honors and achievements include membership in the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society, and recognition as one of Cranston’s Best and Brightest.

Asked what she will remember most about high school, Golde said: “My time spent in marching band, which showed me a lot about hard work and its rewards, much more so than my time in the classrooms.”

Golde credited her older siblings and parents for their advice, guidance and support.

Regarding her motivation to excel, Golde said: “For the most part, I felt that I was able to get a good grade in my classes and so I put in the work to do so.”

8. Gabriella Calvino

Gabriella Calvino, 18, plans to attend the University of New Hampshire’s College of Liberal Arts, and has yet to decide on a major.

While at Cranston East, Calvino took part in a range of activities, including Student Council, Class Council, National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, the Brown University Science Prep Program, and varsity lacrosse.

In addition to ranking eighth in her class, Calvino’s special awards and honors include the Wesleyan College Book Award, a Scholastic Silver Key in mixed media, the Excellence in English Award, Spirit of Excellence Award, the Ross Scholarship, the CASA Scholarship, and recognition as one of Cranston’s Best & Brightest.

“I will most remember the many people who made my high school years the best years of my life,” she said. During the past four years, I have had the privilege of forming a number of new friendships as well as strengthening old ones. These are the friends who inspire me to be my best self.”

In terms of her success, Calvino credited “some truly great teachers, coaches, and advisors who never hesitated to commit all of their time and energy to benefiting my education and personal growth. It has been an honor to be taught and guided by people who clearly love their job and care about their students.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Calvino said: “I am motivated to excel by my own ambition. In the future, I know I want to happy and successful to my own standards, and I want to help people around the world and contribute to their happiness. This is why I have dedicated a great deal of hard work and determination to my high school career, and I plan for that trend to continue in my next four years at University of New Hampshire.”

9. Jessica Leung

Jessica Leung, 17, will be attending Northeastern University in Boston to major in the PharmD (pharmacy) program.

While at Cranston East, Leung took part in numerous activities, serving as concert master of the Orchestra, captain of the Science Club, secretary of the National Honor Society, and as a math tutor.

In addition to ranking ninth in her class, Leung’s special awards and recognitions include the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, Science Olympiad gold medals, and the Secretary of States Civic Leadership Award.

“My high school years were full of stress, but there wasn’t anything that couldn’t be done without hard work,” she said. “I’ll remember all those times I had stayed up past four o’clock in the morning working on research papers I procrastinated, but I’ll also remember all the fun times I’ve had with my friends.”

Leung said her friends and some of her teachers “contributed to most of my success and enjoyment of high school. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my friends in classes taught by my favorite teachers.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Leung said: “My desire to succeed motivated me to excel. I’ve always wanted to attend a good pharmacy program at a great university, and I knew that it wouldn’t have been possible to do so without hard work. The competition among my peers also motivated me to work harder.”

10. Joshua Miller

Joshua Miller, 17, will attend the University of Rhode Island to study mechanical engineering.

While at Cranston East, Miller was a member of the swim team. In addition to ranking 10th in his class, his special awards and recognitions include the Ross Scholarship, Perfect Attendance, and membership in the National Honor Society.

Miller said he will most remember “all of the great friends I have made and how my teachers helped me to improve academically and socially,” as well as “the great times during the swim season.” He credited his parents for their “continued support,” and his friends for “the laughs we shared.”

Regarding his motivation to excel, Miller said: “For all four years, I wanted to make my family proud of me and live up to their expectations. I also wanted to get into a good college for engineering.”