Bruton High School - Class of 2024

Nicholas Felsman

1. GPA: 4.73
2. High School Extracurricular activities: Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Indoor Track, Varsity Outdoor Track, Varsity Tennis, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Student Council, Panther Achievement Leaders
3. Community involvement: Volunteer with One Child Center for Autism, supervising children during the monthly "Kid's Night" - an opportunity for the kids to play in an exciting and safe environment. Member of YVCHR, an organization connecting adolescents with various community service opportunities based on the Hampton Roads' needs.
4. College attending: University of Virginia
5. Studying/Major: Physics and Political Policy, Philosophy, and Law (PPL)
6. Were there any teachers or mentors who played a significant role in shaping your academic journey? If so, how? I have a few people who have collectively taught me to endure, and to remain determined. I would like to thank Mrs. Valledor for always giving me work; it was valuable, and it never stopped coming, so I had to learn to endure. I also would like to thank Coach Barr and Coach Boop for always pushing my body to its max; not only did I endure through their practices and grow stronger, but I learned to balance these activities with the schoolwork I did.
7. If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? Relieve yourself of your burdens. Find what makes you stressed and respond. In school, sports, work, or at home, respond. Maybe that means doing your work ahead of time, taking easier classes, investing yourself outside of school, or just appreciating the people around you. Stress is a natural reaction to something you care about. Respond to stress.
8. What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? I think it's got to be a tie between either Film Studies or my English class. In film studies not only do we watch and really digest movies, but we are given the creative freedom to apply what we've learned to actually make our own movies. In English class, I've just learned so much about analysis and argumentation, although we apply it to written works, these skills translate basically everywhere. My English class has made me a stronger human, and my Film Studies class had been a brief respite of creativity from my regular schoolwork.
9. What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? I love the beginning of the year and all of the traditions that come with it: the homecoming parade, the homecoming game, the spirit week, the pep rally, and the homecoming dance. It's all so exciting and there's so much to experience with your friends and with the rest of the school
10. What is your most memorable experience or highlight from your high school years? I can't really come to appreciate the impact that sports have had on me. Not only did they teach me dedication and perseverance (I also learned how to shut my mouth), but I met the most important people in my life because of them. Without sports I wouldn't be the person I am today, and I'm sure I would be less happy.

Thomas Shriner

1. GPA: 4.6734
2. High School Extracurricular activities: Student Council Association (President), Class of 2024 Class Office (Treasurer), Gifted Education Advisory Committee (Bruton High Student Liaison), National Honors Society, French Honor Society (Treasurer/Member), Chemistry Honor Society, French Club, Panther Achievement Leaders, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Prom Committee, Principal Advisory Committee
3. Community involvement: York County Youth Commission (Chairman), Pirates Cove Big Game Fishing Tournament Volunteer, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center Junior Volunteer, Yorktown Market Days Volunteer
4. College attending: University of Virginia
5. Studying/Major: Major in Political Philosophy, Policy and Law with a minor in Data Science on a Pre-Law track
6. Were there any teachers or mentors who played a significant role in shaping your academic journey? If so, how? My AP Lang teacher, Ms. Valledor, really taught me how to read critically and fully develop the arguments in my essays. It's because of her class that I want to go to law school. I know that I will be channeling her energy in the courtroom one day.
7. If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? Even if you don't think you need it, do the extra credit.
8. What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? My favorite class I took in high school was Ceramics. It was a very therapeutic break from the school day, and I was surprisingly decent at making a pinch pot!
9. What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? I will miss when the hallways get decorated for Homecoming. It brings such a fun atmosphere to the building that we desperately need sometimes. It's always exciting to see how different grade interpret the theme of each year.
10. Describe your high school experience in one word. Fulfilling