Grafton High School - Class of 2024

Aruesha Srivastava

1. GPA: 5.0408
2. High School Extracurricular activities: Cancer Research, HealAmerica Inc. 501(c)3 Nonprofit, Biomedical Computation Group, Debate, YCSD Gifted Education Advisory Board, Engineering Club, Creative Writing, and Honors Societies (National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society, and Rho Kappa)
3. Community involvement: Founder and President of wellness-distribution focused 501(c)3 Nonprofit called HealAmerica Inc. which has served 1,000+ individuals across Virginia, STEM tutor for middle and high school students, pediatric cancer awareness short-story author in Virginia Musings, and member of the Hindu Center of Virginia
4. College attending: California Institute of Technology
5. Studying/Major: Bioengineering and Business, Economics, & Management
6. Tell us about a person or experience that has had a significant impact in your life? Throughout my life, my parents have been my biggest role models and guiding lights. They have taught me the value of cherishing compassion, culture, and hard work in whatever I do. I am truly blessed to be able to call myself their daughter.
7. If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? I would tell rising high school students to enjoy every moment of their four years in high school and focus on pursuing their passions to the fullest.
8. What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? My favorite class I have taken in high school has to be Mrs. Montini's AP Psychology because of her memorable stories, kindness towards everyone, and the general applicability of the material.
9. What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? I will miss the overnight trips we took as a debate team to competitions. It was a bonding experience that allowed us to become not only a more effective team but a closer group of friends.
10. Describe your high school experience in one word. Transformational

Hannah Chen

1. GPA: 4.9591
2. High School Extracurricular activities: Varsity Swim, Varsity Debate, Rho Kappa Theta (National History Day), Scientific Research, Jefferson Lab Mentorship.
3. Community Involvement: Virginia Peninsula Chinese School
4. College attending: University of Virginia: School of Engineering and Applied Science
5. Studying/Major: Computer Engineering
6. Were there any teachers or mentors who played a significant role in shaping your academic journey? If so, how? Andrew Abeyounis: he is very sarcastic, but incredibly supportive to all his students.
7. If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? Go for your goals, but remember to put your life first - hobbies, friends, family. Your goals mean nothing without them.
8. What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? AP Human Geography. This was the most applicable class to real life, and I still use the things I learned from Mr. Minor in random conversations or school projects.
9. What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? Varsity Sport Senior Night. Usually my sport, swimming, does not have much student turnout in the stands, but Senior Night was packed with teachers and friends that cheered me on.
10. What is your most memorable experience or highlight from your high school years? Overnight Debate trips. The car ride karaoke, fighting over the aux, and roasting each other back and forth kind of reminded me of a big family.