York High School - Class of 2026

Gavin West

GPA: 4.82

High School Extracurricular activities: Cross Country (2022-Present), Indoor Track (2022-Present), Track (2022-Present), VIMS Research (2024-2025), VMASC Mentorship Research (2025-present), Piano (2022-Present)

Community Involvement: Part-time Server, Hawthorn Gracious Retirement Living (2025-Present), Volunteer work with York Athletic Boosters, Bargain Box, and Gloucester Board of Supervisors Campaign

College attending: The University of Virginia

Studying/Major: Mechanical Engineering

Tell us about a person or experience that has had a significant impact in your life? My parents have had a profound impact on who I am today. They both worked very hard; in doing so they taught me and my brothers the value of hard work and commitment. Because of them, my brothers and I always felt loved and supported. My parents never pushed me into anything; they have always been supportive of whatever I chose to do and how I chose to do it. My parents have always been great at letting me find my own path and being there for support when I need help or guidance. I would not be who I am today if it were not for the love, support, and guidance that my parents provide.

If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? Be curious. If you want to know more about something, research it, read about it, or ask someone who knows more than you about the subject. Pursue clubs or activities that suit your interests, and when you find something you love, stick with it, even in those rough times when it seems challenging or overwhelming. Opportunity doesn't just bloom; you must be committed and harvest it.

What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? AP Literature was one of my favorite classes taken during high school. Going into that class, I genuinely thought we were going to learn how to interpret text. We learned far beyond that, we dove into the theoretical aspect of well-known works: from determinism to free will. The excerpts and books we read in the class always left me asking: "What does the author mean by this?". The class taught me to see beyond the story itself, giving be better understanding of the meaning of the story and the author's words.

If you could create one new rule (or change a rule) at your high school, what would it be and why? I would add 5-minute mandatory breaks every 25-30 minutes of coursework. This technique, known as the "pomodoro", is known to increase productivity by reducing that feeling of fatigue or helplessness we all get in the face of a monotonous daily work routine.

Describe your high school experience in one word. Squireship

Johnathan Nemec

GPA: 4.7755

High School Extracurricular activities: Cross Country (5 years), Indoor Track (3 years), Outdoor Track (3 years), Varsity Swim (1 year), Varsity Football (1 year), Varsity Soccer (4 years)

Community Involvement: Camp Counselor for York County's SafetyTown program for rising Kindergartners, volunteer with Virginia Legacy Soccer Camps, frequent volunteer for the Crawling Crab Half Marathon, Peninsula Track Club 5k, and Grafton Bethel Kids 1k

College attending: University of Virginia

Studying/Major: Aerospace Engineering

Were there any teachers or mentors who played a significant role in shaping your academic journey? If so, how? Dr. Nathaniel Blaesser, my NASA mentor, who instructed and guided my senior research project, and significantly shaped my academic approach. From him, I not only learned a great deal about aerospace engineering and how complex and time-consuming an aircraft design project is, he taught me how to be a researcher and an academic. He taught me how to organize, shape, and present my project, how to take an objective, unbiased approach, and how to prepare for the academic future. He also taught me what to expect going forward in academics, and gave me invaluable insight into the world of academia and aerospace. Dr. Blaesser has easily had the greatest impact on my academic journey, and I am extremely grateful to have had him as a mentor.

What was the most useful advice you have received from someone about high school? Don't bite off more than you can chew, you're in high school; get your schoolwork done and have fun, that's what high school is for. Take on extra-curriculars as you have time and passion. If you find out that you don't have time or passion for something, step away. Managing your time properly and focusing on what's important are ways of being loyal and grateful to your school, teachers, and coaches.

What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? AP World History was easily my favorite class from York. Mr. Macguinness was my teacher, and he focused on ensuring we knew how to analyze history. The laid-back nature of the class paired with the focus on analyzing rather than memorizing encouraged critical thinking within a free space, and allowed for some great conversations and moments I'd otherwise never have.

What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? The football games, or more importantly, working the concession stand with my Cross Country team, since we got to have fun serving all night, and still able to slip out occasionally to watch the game, especially my freshman year when our school was a powerhouse.

What is your most memorable experience or highlight from your high school years? Placing 3rd in the mile during Indoor Track Regionals my sophomore year and by doing so, making the state finals track meet. It was a moment of triumph for me as a person and I felt I had made it, that I was invincible, and I was grateful for everyone who had supported me along the way.