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

By DANIEL A. KITTREDGE
Posted 7/27/16

1. Sarah Alam Class of 2016 valedictorian Sarah Alam, 18, plans to attend Harvard College in the fall. She has yet to decide on a major. While at Cranston West, Alam took part in numerous activities, including the Math Team, Science Olympiad, Academic

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

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1. Sarah Alam

Class of 2016 valedictorian Sarah Alam, 18, plans to attend Harvard College in the fall. She has yet to decide on a major.

While at Cranston West, Alam took part in numerous activities, including the Math Team, Science Olympiad, Academic Decathlon, Class Council, and Student Council. She served as a peer tutor and freshman mentor.

In addition to ranking first in her class, Alam’s special honors and recognitions include the Brown Book Award, Yale Book Award, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal Award, Departmental Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science, and membership in the National Honor Society, Spanish Honors Society, and Rhode Island Honor Society.

“I will remember most the teachers that have opened my mind to the world around me and the friendships that have kept me grounded,” she said.

Alam credited the “support and love of my family, friends, and teachers” for her success, adding: “I am especially grateful for my parents and little sister.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Alam said: “I love to learn and I hope to use that knowledge to help others in any way I can.”

2. Zachary Lachance

Class of 2016 salutatorian Zachary Lachance, 18, plans to attend the University of Maryland, College Park in the fall to study aerospace engineering.

During his time at Cranston West, Lachance participated in a number of activities. He served on the school’s technical staff and stage crew, and as school-wide technical coordinator; was a member of the Marching Band, serving as a squad leader and first chair trumpet; and was a member of the Pep Band and Jazz Band. He also took part in the Chamber Choir, All-City Band, Math Team, SkillsUSA, Rhode Island 2015 Engineering Olympics, peer tutoring program, and Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to ranking second in his class, Lachance’s special honors and recognitions include the 2015 Silver Medal in the SkillsUSA robotics and automation technology national competition, and sixth place in the 2014 competition; 2014 and 2015 gold medals in the SkillsUSA Rhode Island robotic workcell competition; the Departmental Mathematics Award; the Band Award for Excellence; AMC highest score; the Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Achievement; twice receiving the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition; the Rhode Island Island House of Representatives Recognition Award; and membership in the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society.

Lachance said from his high school years, he will most remember his experiences in Kansas City and Louisville at the SkillsUSA national competition.

He attributes his success to his parents and “amazing teachers,” particularly Mr. Spidell and guidance counselor Mrs. Velino.

Regarding what motivated him to excel, Lachance said: “My goal to become an aerospace engineer and to help support my college education financially.”

3. Elysha Sameth

Elysha Sameth, 18, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall to study cell and molecular biology.

During her time at Cranston West, Sameth participated in a range of activities. She was a member of the theater costume crew and cast from 2012 to 2015, and has taken part in SkillsUSA and the Chamber Choir since 2013. She also served on the Junior Class Council and Senior Class Council.

In addition to ranking third in her class, Sameth’s special honors and recognitions include membership in the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Society; the 2015 and 2015 Silver Medal, and the 2016 Gold Medal, in the SkillsUSA Health Knowledge Bowl State Competition; the Skills Connect Nursing Assistant Certificate; and the Excellence in Psychology Award, Excellence in Science Award, and American Mathematical Society Award for Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics.

Sameth said from her high school years, she will most remember the Medical Pathways program at the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center.

“I have been a student in the program for the last three years, been with the same group of students, and had the same teachers. Mrs. Coutu and Mrs. Coppa were a joy to come to class to, and in this class, I met some of the greatest people I know who I would not have talked to normally,” she said. “I learned so much in this class – human anatomy, CNA skills, medical terminology – and the internships provided allowed me to discover the path that I want to take in life.”

Sameth said her friends contributed most to her enjoyment of high school, particularly Brian, Catherine, and Alex.

“We’ve had several laughs together, some conflicts, but at the end of the day we have always been there for each other and made our days at West the best they could be,” she said.

Sameth also praised her teachers, without whom “I would not be where I am today.”

“They have given me the knowledge that will hopefully lead to my success in the future and have always made coming to school enjoyable,” she said. “A lot of my teachers such as Mrs. Matson and Mrs. Coppa acted as though I was more than a student, and because of that, I felt as though I was coming to class to a teacher, a mentor, and a friend.”

Sameth said her mother – who escaped from the Cambodian genocide as a teenager and came to the United States with no knowledge of English – motivated her to excel.

“Despite this challenge, she was able to graduate from East and serves as a symbol of perseverance and overcoming difficulties for me,” she said.

4. Danielle Dottor

Danielle Dottor, 18, plans to attend Northeastern University in the fall, with a double major in criminal justice and music to study child advocacy and music therapy.

During her time at Cranston West, Dottor was a member of the varsity tennis team, serving as senior year co-captain. She also participated in Class Council, the freshman mentor and peer tutoring programs, and the Choir and Chamber Choir.

In addition to ranking fourth in her class, Dottor’s special honors and recognitions include the Excellence in Spanish, Choral Music, and U.S. History Awards in her junior year; the Excellence in English and Choral Music Awards, and Musician of the Year honors, in her senior year; being named 2nd Division All Doubles for Division II in tennis; being chosen for the All State, All Eastern, and All National Honors Choirs; and membership in the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society. She served as fundraising and community service head for West’s National Honor Society chapter.

“I’ll remember all of the hours I spent in hard work and dedication, friendships I made in sports, music, and beyond, and the teachers that inspired me and taught me to question the world,” she said.

Dottor attributed her success to her family, friends, and teachers, especially Ms. Golini, Mr. Lachance, Mr. Pearson, and Mrs. Luther-Morris.

Asked what motivated her to excel, Dottor said: “My teachers, family, and friends, and my desire to help others.”

5. Catherine Tiley

Catherine Tiley, 17, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall. She is currently set to major in chemistry, but anticipates instead pursuing marine biology or environmental science.

Tiley participated in several activities during her time at Cranston West, including the Math Team, Academic Decathlon (for which she served as team captain in her senior year), Science Olympiad, field hockey, indoor track, outdoor track, and golf. She worked at McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts throughout her senior year.

In addition to ranking fifth in her class, Tiley’s special honors and recognitions include membership in the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, and Italian Language Honor Society; awards for excellence in Italian, U.S. history, creative writing; being named one of Cranston’s “Best and Brightest” by the mayor; and first- and second-place medals at the State Science Fair. Her summative essay will be used as an example for seniors working on their final portfolio assignments next year.

“In my first year of high school I went to nationals for my documentary in the National History Day compitition,” she added. “I have gone to states for the documentary category for this competition twice, and won the book award the first time, and was a finalist of Rhode Island the second time, allowing me to participate in the national competition.”

Asked what she will most remember about her high school years, Tiley said it would be “the people who have always helped me and truly cared about me.” She spoke of transferring to West in her second year of high school after previously attending Warwick Veterans’ Memorial High School, and said while she was at first nervous about changing schools and making new friends, she found a “very comfortable and enjoyable community” at her new academic home.

“I am so glad I changed schools because if I didn’t get to meet all the nice people at West, my life wouldn’t be as happy as it is now,” she said.

Asked who contributed most to her enjoyment of high school, Tiley cited Mrs. Luther-Morris, who “has always supported me, helped me with my problems, made me feel loved, and helped me be confident in my success.”

“She has really been a role model for me throughout my high school career and I hope one day to be like her: a caring person with amazing humor who isn’t afraid to share her opinion,” she said.

Tiley also pointed to Mrs. Feoloe, who also “made me feel extremely loved, and she also supported my dreams and helped me become a much better writer, allowing my to write in many different contexts and genres”; Ms. DelFiore, “who was my first true friend at Cranston West” and “has always been there for me”; and Sarah Alam, “an amazing student who is also an amazing friend.”

“I am extremely proud of her with everything she has accomplished so far in life and hope to see her as President one day,” Tiley said of Alam. “She has so much potential and I can’t

wait to see what good she chooses to do with it.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Tiley noted that in her younger years she struggled with academics.

“I had a very hard time in elementary school, having trouble with reading mostly. One day I decided that I was sick of struggling and wanted to improve myself … So, my difficulties in life before helped me become a better student,” she said.

6. Gretchen Thompson

Gretchen Thompson, 18, plans to attend the University of Vermont in the fall with a major in biological sciences on a pre-medical track.

During her time at Cranston West, Thompson was involved in a range of activities. She served as Student Council vice president in her senior year, Class Council president in her sophomore year, and National Honor Society vice president in her senior year. She was a member of the freshman mentor and peer tutoring programs, the Westernettes, and swimming and lacrosse teams.

In addition to ranking sixth in her class, Thompson’s special honors and recognitions include membership in the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, and Foreign Language Honor Society; awards from the Society of Women Engineers for excellence in mathematics and the natural sciences; the Excellence in Sociology Award; and the Excellence in Science Award. She is also an AP scholar, Rhode Island scholar, and AMC school high scorer.

“Looking back on my high school years, I will most remember the countless activities I did with my friends, from team nights, games, and practices with my sports teams to going to school activities with my friends on Friday and Saturday night,” she said. “I will also remember all the different and diverse people I met during my time at West.”

Thompson attributed her success to her parents, teachers, friends, and teammates. She said her goals and family motivated her to excel.

“My family taught me to set high goals and dream big, and those goals have driven me to success,” she said. “I set my goals at becoming a surgeon. To do that, I knew I needed push myself and work hard. Throughout high school I kept my goals and ambitions high and did not stop until I had met my goals. When I did reach short-term goals I immediately set them higher and strived to do better.”

7. Adriana Saccoccio

Adriana Saccoccio, 17, plans to attend Brown University in the fall with a concentration in studio art and pre-medical studies.

During her time at Cranston West, Saccoccio participated in a number of activities, including the theater technical crew and costume crew, theater board for graphics, and peer tutoring program.

In addition to ranking seventh in her class, Saccoccio’s special honors and recognitions include membership in the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society; the Silver Key Scholastic Art Award in drawing; the Excellence in Art Award; the Academic Excellence Award in Spanish; and status as a Rhode Island Scholar.

“I will remember the countless hours of hard work I have put in to achieve my goals, my inspirational teachers that I have had the privilege to learn from, and the fond memories that I have made with my friends,” she said.

Asked who contributed to her success, Saccoccio said: “People who have influenced me the most throughout my high school journey include my guidance counselor, Ms. Golini, my home room teacher, Mr. Spidell, my art teacher, Ms. Voccola, my family, and my friends. Together they have all pushed me to succeed, while supporting me through the high school journey and making it one I will never forget.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Saccoccio said: “My motivation to excel came from the influential people around me, as well as my desire to make a difference in the world by helping others.”

8. Erin Blake

Erin Blake, 18, plans to attend the University of Connecticut to study psychology as well as physiology and neurobiology.

During her time at Cranston West, Blake participated in a wide range of activities. She is the founder and co-director of the Running for Remission: From Kids to Kids 5K, and has served as head coach of the CYGBA senior division girls’ basketball team, assistant coach of the CLCF junior division girls’ basketball team, and assistant coach of the CYO 12-year-old girls’ basketball team.

Blake was a member of the varsity girls’ basketball and soccer teams, serving as captain for both in her senior year. She also played with the Rhode Island Lady Cyclones AAU basketball team.

Additionally, Blake participated in SkillsUSA, Class Council, the freshman mentor program, and the CACTC mentor program. She also took part in a cleanup of the Chafee Athletic Complex with the West girls’ soccer team.

In addition to ranking eighth in her class, Blake’s special honors and recognitions include winning gold and silver medals at the SkillsUSA national competition; being named RIIL Student Athlete of the Month and Year at different times; being named to the RIIL varsity girls’ basketball Academic All State Team, and to its All State and All Division third teams; being named a finalist for the Presidential Scholar’s Award and Wendy’s Heisman Scholarship; being named Most Valuable Player in the Cranston West Hank Orabone Holiday Tournament; serving as master of ceremonies for the CACTC graduation; earning membership in the National Honor Society; and winning the American Math Contest as a freshman.

“I will remember the friends I’ve made the most,” she said. “They are some of the best people I know and I am a better person for knowing them.”

Asked who most contributed to her success, Blake said: “All of my teachers have contributed to my success, but Mrs. Coutu and Mrs. Velino went above and beyond to help me succeed. Above all, my parents’ love and guidance have turned me into the person I am today. They definitely contributed to my success and enjoyment the most, and will continue to do so in my future plans.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Blake said: “My perfectionist attitude and want to learn motivated me to excel.”

9. Ariana Tortolani

Ariana Tortolani, 17, plans to attend Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences. She has currently not declared a major, but is considering studies in the scientific field.

During her time at Cranston West, Tortolani participated in several activities. She served as stage manager for theater, president of the theater board, a Mock Trial lawyer, a Class Council delegate. She was a member of the Math Team and freshman mentor program, and a dancer at TLC Performing Arts.

Tortolani traveled to Blessed Assurance Orphanage in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with nine other teens from Holy Apostles Parish to work with severely handicapped children for a week. She has served as a lector and retreat leader at Holy Apostles Parish.

In addition to ranking ninth in her class, Tortolani’s special honors and recognitions include membership in the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society; winning the Rhode Island State Drama Festival as a sophomore, junior, and senior; and being named one of Cranston’s “Best and Brightest.”

“My time at Cranston West has been both memorable and unforgettable,” she said. “I will always remember the close friendships I have made and the exciting yet exhausting hours spent as a part of the theater department. I am so grateful to have formed these wonderful friendships which I know will last a lifetime.”

Asked who contributed most to her success, Tortolani said: “I would like to thank not only my amazing teachers for contributing to my success and enjoyment of high school but my friends and family as well who were behind me every step of the way. My teachers instilled in me the value of knowledge and my friends and family supported me through everything I did.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Tortolani said: “Ever since I was very young my parents always taught me to strive to do my best. Since then I have always found pride in presenting my best quality work. Throughout high school I was motivated to excel by my own self confidence and passion to learn. With my perseverance and determination, I was able to succeed during my years at Cranston West.”

10. Stefanie Hersey

Stefanie Hersey, 17, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall with a major in physics.

During her time at Cranston West, Hersey was involved in numerous activities, including the girls’ tennis team (with two years as captain), Class Council, freshman mentor program, and band. She was also a volunteer coach for the boys’ tennis team.

In addition to ranking 10th in her class, Hersey’s special honors and recognitions include membership in the National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society, the Excellence in Spanish Award, the sportsmanship award for the tennis team, and the “Most Likely to Rock the Band Uniform” superlative.

“I will remember the team nights, the dances, band camp, running downfield with my team at the pep rallies, the field trips, band trips to Florida, and the amazing teachers I’ve had. But most of all, I will remember the friends I’ve made and the impact they each have had on shaping me into the person I am today.”

Asked who contributed most to her success, Hersey said: “My amazing mom, close-knit siblings, and unbelievably supportive friends have contributed most to my success and enjoyment of high school.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Hersey said: “I was motivated by my inner drive to always improve myself, the thought in my head that I hold myself to a certain standard and I should always strive to exceed it. I was also extremely motivated to make my mom proud. She has been a remarkable role model for me and I wanted to prove to her that her hard work paid off.”

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