Bruton High School - Class of 2019

Catherine Mikhailova

1. Age: 18
2. Parents: Irina Novikova and Eugeny Mikhailov
3. GPA: 4.8163
4. High School Extracurricular activities: Research at NASA Langley, GSST Student Advisory Board, Model United Nations, GSST Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, soccer
5. Community involvement: Volunteer at the Heritage Humane Society
6. College attending: University of Virginia
7. Studying/Major: Physics
8. Name one thing you learned in high school that you didn't expect to learn: I learned that listening to NPR might be the best decision you can make. Hear me out. Initially, on my thirty-minute drive to GSST and back, I would listen to music. However, I got tired of the repetition of the same ten songs and the advertisements that did not seem to end, so I began switching my stations trying to find something else to listen to. I landed on and began listening to NPR, which made me feel productive on my drives and more aware of what was going on in Virginia, in America, and in the world. Ultimately what I learned was this: remain engaged in the world around you and continue to learn and, most importantly, listen.
9. Name one person who has influenced you and why: My best friend, Katelynne Berland, has been a huge influence on me. She inspires me to do better and strive for greater things, and she had pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and try activities, such as Quiz Bowl, that I would otherwise not do. She is an amazing person, full of happiness and light, and never fails to make me laugh. She has taught me resilience and strength, and I could not be more grateful for her presence in my life.
10. Is there a teacher you would most like to thank and why: I would like to thank my physics teacher at the Governor's School for Science and Technology from junior year, Dr. Woo. Dr. Woo created a class environment that was open and lively, and I began to feel comfortable in speaking up in class discussions and asking questions. The various engaging labs and projects we did in his classroom as well as just learning about physics helped me realize how much I loved the subject of physics, causing me to ultimately to decide to major in it. Dr. Woo is open and cheerful and has influenced me in more ways than I can imagine; for all of this and more, thank you!
11. Favorite quote or catchphrase: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." - Albert Einstein
12. Most cherished high school memory: During my senior year, I was roped into joining a math competition team because they needed another member. It ended up being an amazing experience, not because I won the competition (I didn't and in fact was far from winning), but because I had a great time with my friends at the competition and at Genghis Grill afterward.

Keely Pattisall

1. Age: 18
2. Parents: John and Cathy Pattisall
3. GPA: 4.6995
4. High School Extracurricular activities: Student Council Association (Spirit Coordinator), National Honor Society (Treasurer), Math Honor Society (President), Chemistry Honor Society (Vice President), Model UN, Panther Achievement Leader
5. Community involvement: Volunteer at Dream Catchers Therapeutic Riding Center, Summer Junior Volunteer at Sentara, Soft Stick Lacrosse Coach
6. College attending: University of Virginia
7. Studying/Major: Biology
8. Name one thing you learned in high school that you didn't expect to learn: I learned that kindness, humility, and hard work are crucial to succeeding in any endeavor.
9. Name one person who has influenced you and why: The support and care both of my parents have provided me throughout my life has undoubtedly made me the person I am today. Their example of a strong work ethic, perseverance, commitment to their jobs and family, and graciousness are what shaped the basis of my values. I am beyond thankful for their guidance, love, and inspiration to constantly be a better version of myself.
10. Is there a teacher you would most like to thank and why: I would like to thank my SOA dance teacher, Mrs. Knight, for constantly encouraging me and pushing me to become a better dancer and as a result, a better person. She has taught me that working hard, diligent practice, and believing in yourself culminates into success. With the upmost elegance and grace of a dancer, Mrs. Knight has instilled in me a love for dance and I could not be more grateful.
11. Favorite quote or catchphrase: "You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
12. Most cherished high school memory: Some of my best memories from high school were the simple conversations and laughing fits between my friends and I that could occur at any moment throughout the day. The pressures of school were undoubtedly present, but knowing I had a group of wonderful people that never failed to lift me up kept me going through even the most stressful times.