Marauders of the Week: Friday, April 12th, 2024
DJ Joseph
1. Favorite school subject:
My favorite subject in school is definitely science because it’s fun
2. Most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
I think one of my most influential teachers would be Ms Baker and Ms Newcombe. Whenever I needed help with schoolwork it was always easy to go to them for help.
3. Extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
An extracurricular that is very meaningful to me is a school work based internship that I completed last spring. This internship not only gave me money, it also gave me great knowledge and insight into future workspaces and how I would work with a team around me.
4. What are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at BHS or in the community?
Being a volleyball manager was very cool and it made me like the sport more than I already and I met a ton of fun people. I felt a strong sense of community as well.
5. What are you passionate about?
I’d like to say I’m very passionate about cars, something about them just fascinates me and doesn’t fail to bring a smile to my face every time I talk about them
6. What words of wisdom would you like to leave for other BHS students?
For some people school can be very challenging and you should never be afraid to ask for help!
Michael Voigt
1. Favorite school subject:
Physics
2. Most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
Mr. Loosmann (Physics), Mr. O (Stats), Mrs. Saxena (Bio)
3. Extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
Math Team, Science Team, Tennis Team
4. What are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at BHS or in the community?
Being team captain for the Belmont math & science teams, as well as building and supporting a strong STEM community in Belmont throughout the past four years
5. What are you passionate about?
Optical Physics
6. What words of wisdom would you like to leave for other BHS students?
Use high school as an opportunity to try as many different things as you can so that you can discover what truly interests you the most
Eleanor Hardy
1. Favorite school subject:
French, AP Lit
2. Most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
Orchestra, AP Modern World with Ms. Mastalong, AP French
3. Extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
Model UN, Cello, Climate activism through Sunrise, XR youth and Boston Climate Action Network
4. What are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at BHS or in the community?
Model UN, I'm director of crisis for our team and am so proud of everyone's incredible accomplishments in the last three years. We've been ranked in the top five in the nation just the other week!
5. What are you passionate about?
Climate activism, Criminal Justice, research, reading, and music.
6. What words of wisdom would you like to leave for other BHS students?
Try it out! Getting out of your comfort zone is sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
Marauders of the Week: Friday, April 5th, 2024
Julia Luber
1. Favorite school subject:
Art
2. Most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
AP Art with Milo, Media Arts with Ms. Remick, Game Theory with Ms. Carlivati, Ms. Lacasse, Mr. Flam, Ms. King, Ms. Donovan, Mr. Roy, and Ms. Burhoe
3. Extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
PAC, Claypit Crooners, and colorguard
4. What are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at BHS or in the community?
I’m most proud of all of the activities and experiences I took part in during my years at BHS, particularly performing in PAC and marching band. It allowed me to meet some of my closest friends and explore so many new interests!
5. What are you passionate about?
I’m most passionate about art and anything that involves creativity! My dream is to become a full time artist and I’m so excited to start pursuing that next year!
6. What words of wisdom would you like to leave for other BHS students?
Take up space! You deserve to be loud and excited and to try everything you want to try! Ask for help, make mistakes, and to let yourself grow!
Mia Taylor
1. favorite school subject:
biology and psychology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
econ with mr. streit and global leadership have changed the way i view the world
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
swim team and rugby where i have made many friends and good memories and climate action club which has given me opportunities to make an impact in our town.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
winning rugby state champs, and helping to start compost!!
5. what are you passionate about?
playing sports, the environment, and hiking!
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don’t sign up for the college board emails when you take the psat :)
matteo antonio frabetti
1. favorite school subject:
biology and economics
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
economics h with mr. goldfine, biology h with ms. rankin, ap psych with ms. snow, and ms. masterson!
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
5 minutes ago has been the most meaningful extracurricular that i have ever done because of the benefits i see it cause in the belmont community. when i started watching the videos during covid my freshmen year i didn't really understand how meaningful it was to the bhs community. it was only until parents and strangers started recognizing me around belmont that i realized that the work we do on 5 minutes ago has an impact on the surrounding community. i was no longer just working on the show for my classmates, i was working on it for the teachers, parents, and faculty of bhs.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am honored for being part of wrestling as a captain and as a wrestler. there is no other sport like wrestling which can build and test character as well as it. the character and discipline of a person is what makes them a good wrestler so there is an empowering feeling when you fight with men and women who match your determination and discipline in order to break their opponents. wrestling has also always challenged me. i am constantly learning wrestling in the season and off-season from people who are younger than me.
5. what are you passionate about?
my two most passionate fields are healthcare and finance. i hope to bridge the connection between healthcare and finance in order to foster new ways to help patients economically or maybe even help patients directly.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
accept every opportunity and regret nothing. you can't possibly know what you like or what your strengths are if you've never tried anything else. push yourself into uncomfortable positions and situations. i personally never thought that i would be a host for 5 minutes ago, nor did i think that i was ever going to be a guest host because i was super shy. but then out of the blue an opportunity opened up and i just decided to say yes and now here i am.
marauders of the week: friday, march 29th, 2024
brynner eang
1. favorite school subject:
biology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap biology with ms. saxena, honors and ap lit with mr. markley
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
science olympiad (so proud of everyone!) and alopecia areata research.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
working to encourage involvement in stem and breaking down the barriers between people and their subjects of interest.
5. what are you passionate about?
the wilson cycle
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
it's probably more chill than you think.
sabrina vecchi
1. favorite school subject:
history
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap modern world history with ms. mastalong and ap economics with mr. streit, and drawing and painting with milo
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
model united nations and volleyball
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of being part of the ele summer camp that works with elementary students whose first language isn't english.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about being a part of the model united nations club and learning about global issues, traveling to compete in conferences, and meeting new people.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
take advantage of the clubs and sports our school has to offer!
marauders of the week: friday, march 22nd, 2024
aaron lubetsky
1. favorite school subject:
biology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
chemistry with dr. molk, biology with ms. saxena, and modern world with ms. mastalong
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
jazz band, ultimate frisbee, and coaching youth soccer
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am proud to be drum major of the marching band and to be in the beantown swing orchestra.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about learning all types of music, especially jazz.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
spend time doing things you enjoy
alex townsend
1. favorite school subject:
english
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ms. masterson
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
field hockey because i love my coach and i love being outside with friends, and the pac because i have learned to try new things and meet new awesome people.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of participating in the early days of the belmont voice and learning about how they work as a non-profit.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about reaching out to new people and trying to make myself the most outgoing person that i can be.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
my words of wisdom are to not stay in your lane, meaning that if you have always done certain things and stayed with certain people, go outside your comfort zone and try something completely different than what you are used to.
austin yang
1. favorite school subject:
anything that has to do with math, chemistry, or biology!
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
media arts with mrs. remick
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
chess club and baking!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
being silly at important events!
5. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
be wary of bears, they could be hiding anywhere.
marauders of the week: friday, march 15th, 2024
vivian weng
1. favorite school subject:
drawing & painting 2
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
milo, mrs. shea, dr. molk, mr. moresco
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
art, piano, microbiology research
4. what are you passionate about?
art and neuroscience!
5. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
get as much sleep as you can!!
delfina benitez
1. favorite school subject:
math
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
personal finance with ms. aller and zoology with ms. chen.
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
dance and pac.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of being part of pac and being a student at dance place in arlington.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about helping others.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
work hard, have fun and never give up.
sam kutsman
1. favorite school subject:
biology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap chem with dr. molk, ap bio with ms. saxena, bc calc with mr. delorio, ap econ with mr. z, algebra 2 with mr. moresco
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
bhs + club soccer, senior massachusetts youth wind ensemble at nec, co-president of belmontian club, soccer referee
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of being part of the bhs varsity soccer team this year and making a run in the d1 state tournament.
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about everything music, soccer, and helping others.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don't compare yourself to your peers; it'll only make you feel worse. enjoy your high-school years as they go by very quickly.
marauders of the week: friday, march 8th, 2024
veronica merhy
1. favorite school subject:
english
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
biology with ms. lewis, science ethics with ms. baker, world history with mr. streit and french with ms. el gamel!
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
working at winn brook elementary school's aftercare program!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
mentoring middle school students before school!
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about helping others.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
always show up the best you can and try your best!
gretchen hanley
1. favorite school subject:
social studies
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap modern world with ms. mastalong, ap econ with mr. streit and calc with mr. moresco
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
being a part of the field hockey, hockey, and lacrosse teams.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of being one of the captains of the girls hockey team and winning the middlesex league this season for the first time in years.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about spending time with friends and family, skiing, and being outside.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don't stress, everything happens for a reason
matthew pomer
1. favorite school subject:
math
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
chem with dr. molk, and calc/stats with mr. delorio and mr. olowinski. thank you to all of my teachers for their support and guidance over the last four years!
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
i am grateful to have been a part of the hockey, lacrosse and golf programs for the last four years - i will forever cherish the memories high school sports have given me.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am proud to be a co-president of the students for soldiers club with my brother and sean noone. i enjoy giving back to the community through coaching youth sports programs.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about being a good person and role model in life.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
build relationships with your teachers, it will pay off in the long run. school is only as difficult as you make it so create a schedule and get things done on time.
marauders of the week: friday, march 1st, 2024
abigail hill
1. favorite school subject:
math and social studies
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap economics with mr. streit, pre-calculus with ms. rafia, ap world history with ms. pasternak
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the girls swim and rugby teams!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of being a captain of the girls swim team and getting to create the fun supportive environment that it provided me with.
5. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
join clubs to meet new people throughout the school that you wouldn't get to know otherwise.
isabella radojevi
1. favorite school subject:
biology, chemistry, math
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
bc calculus with mr. delorio, ap biology with ms. saxena, ap chemistry with dr. molk, ap statistics with mr. o
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
bhs varsity volleyball, club volleyball, and tutoring
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am proud of my involvement in the volleyball community, both as a captain of the girls varsity team and a founding member of the belmont boys volleyball club. we are so excited for the first season of boys varsity volleyball this spring!
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about learning and making meaningful connections with others.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
the future is what you make it, so stay confident and dream big!
lauren correia
1. favorite school subject:
zoology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
dr. shea, mrs. elefteriadis
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
track
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
cultural exposition day
5. what are you passionate about?
spending time with friends and family
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
be kind to your teachers
marauders of the week: friday, february 16th, 2024
richard deng
1. favorite school subject:
math, chemistry, biology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
mr. streit, mr. a, ms. saxena, mr. delorio, mr. loosmann, ms. white
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
science team, math team, competing in olympiads, mentoring younger students
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
creating belmont's first student-run math competition belmont math hunt as a more fun, engaging, and accessible opportunity for both competitors and volunteers to rediscover problem-solving
5. what are you passionate about?
building a dedicated community, collaborating and competing to lift each other up
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
join science team, join math team, do what you care about and don't let anything stop you, enjoy the connections you make with people along the way
kira davidson
1. favorite school subject:
art and psych
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
art with milo and ms. remick
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
diving!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm proud of being a part of the swim/dive team and making some really good friends through it
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about art and music and just making cool things for people to enjoy
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
try your best to do the things you want to do
tomas estrada donahue
1. favorite school subject:
environmental science
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
global leadership - dr. shea, honors bio - dr. molk, mr. taylor, ms. bloom
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
soccer has helped me build really strong friendships and although i only wrestled sophomore year, i would definitely recommend wrestling as it's both a mental and physical challenge.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
being part of the student gov. at bhs has allowed me to be involved in a lot of school activities, my favorite of which was definitely cultural exposition day.
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about doing what i can to help the people around and bringing a new perspective into the work i do.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
put effort into school during your freshman and sophomore year. you can decide what you want to do with your life later.
marauders of the week: friday, february 9th, 2024
luna garschina-bobrow
1. favorite school subject:
english
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ms. shea, ms. choi
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
pac, dance, improv
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
bhs pac
5. what are you passionate about?
spending time with friends, theatre
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
always try your best!!
will anderson
1. favorite school subject:
history
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
drawing and painting with milo
3. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
the modern band concerts
4. what are you passionate about?
music probably
5. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
it’s never that serious
reyansh parikh
1. favorite school subject:
english and chemistry
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
mr. delorio, ms. santiago, dr. molk
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
tennis, drumming, cooking
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
fundraising for a nonprofit called bridge over troubled waters that is a shelter and support system for people aged 14-24 that need their help.
5. what are you passionate about?
outdoors, food and cooking, music, film, tennis.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
watch a good movie.
marauders of the week: friday, february 2nd, 2024
stephen hong
1. favorite school subject:
music
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap physics with mr. loosman, wind ensemble with ms. lacasse, ms. mastalong, mr. bruce, dr. molk
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
playing the clarinet and rugby, which i both picked up in high school, made me come across different, amazing individuals.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm proud of joining belmont's music program as a senior. what may seem like an unusual move opened up another lifelong interest i will pursue.
5. what are you passionate about?
my passion is resource efficiency, whether human, environmental, or time. i aspire to master the skill and help others/communities utilize what they have to the maximum.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
be yourself. do what you want to do! you have just enough time to be great at what you love.
lucy kabrhel
1. favorite school subject:
social studies and science
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap econ with mr. streit, ap psych with ms. snow, apush with ms. white
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
rugby and soccer have been super meaningful to me and i've made so many friends through them! also, i have loved being on the student senate and volunteering with my community.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of pursuing my interest in spanish through studying abroad in madrid. also, this summer i interned with greater boston legal services, interpreting and aiding spanish-speaking immigrants.
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about speaking spanish, playing soccer and rugby, and woodworking.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
build strong relationships with teachers because they can help you in the future!
gavin tieken-zidel
1. favorite school subject:
acting, civics, and computer science
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
advanced acting with mr. flam and ap calc with ms. harper
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the pac, student government, and all the political campaigns i've been a part of.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i’m most proud of being a member of the pac and all the performances i've worked on and been in.
5. what are you passionate about?
making the world a better place through politics and public policy.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
say a prayer but let the good times roll.
marauders of the week: friday, january 26th, 2024
henry tournet
1. favorite school subject:
photography, french, and english
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
photography with mr. roy, french with ms. el-gamel, and english with ms. santiago
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
frisbee and the humanitarian research club
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of my time coaching youth basketball and soccer, and also being a club leader at bhs
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about movies, sports, and sports card collecting
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
follow your dreams, you can reach your goals, i'm living proof!
adrien gurung
1. favorite school subject:
econ
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
biology with ms. lewis
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
playing football
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
being the captain of the bhs football team and winning the middlesex
5. what are you passionate about?
spending time with my friends and family.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
find something to smile about everyday
meredith mackinnon
1. favorite school subject:
biology & psychology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
biology with mrs. lewis and econ with mr. goldfine
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
field hockey and cards 4 kids
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
coaching in-town basketball and being a part of the field hockey team
5. what are you passionate about?
spending time with my family & friends
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
enjoy the time you have here, it flies by
marauders of the week: friday, january 19th, 2024
donovan holway
1. favorite school subject:
math
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
algebra 2 with ms. harper
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
playing basketball and football and being a part of the unified basketball team here at the high school
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
participating in a 24 hour basketball event to raise money for cancer
5. what are you passionate about?
spending time with friends and family
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
it’s not that deep
charlie simmons
1. favorite school subject:
social studies
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ms white (apush), ms. harper, economics (mr. z)
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
chess club, rugby, armenian club
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of my service trip to armenia.
5. what are you passionate about?
learning about random topics.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
parkinson's law states if you wait until the last minute, then it only takes a minute
sophia jensen
1. favorite school subject:
social studies and french
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap world history with ms. mastalong, ap us history with ms. white, ap econ with mr. zilcoski
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
arlington-belmont crew!! nsli-y arabic study abroad in jordan, ciee french study abroad, playing bassoon with the school band
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of being a member of the arlington-belmont crew team as a co-captain this year. as part of my time on the team i've been able to row in head of the charles two years in a row.
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about travel and cultural immersion while learning new languages
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
go where you are not just tolerated, but celebrated
marauder of the week: friday, january 12th, 2024
lena malfa
1. favorite school subject:
apes and 3d art
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
stats with ms. berens, english with ms. bloom, apes with mr. kavountzis, and modern world history with ms. shea
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
basketball, softball, hand in hand mission club
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of being apart of the hand in hand mission club at bhs. this club is very meaningful to me and i enjoy getting to help people and brighten their days.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about working with kids and pursuing a career around them.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
enjoy every moment of high school because it will be over before you know it :).
luke wilgren
1. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
drawing and painting 1 with milo
2. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
rugby
3. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
being a part of two state championship winning rugby teams
4. what are you passionate about?
hydration and fortnite battle royale
tim wong
1. favorite school subject:
physics and chem
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
chem w dr. molk, modern world history w ms. pasternak, bio w ms. saxena
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
rock climbing, coaching, robotics
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of my time coaching youth competitive climbing teams, as well as my own competition climbing.
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about trying new things
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
there's always next year
marauder of the week: friday, january 5th, 2024
cindy wei
1. favorite school subject:
biology, math
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
biology with ms. saxena, english with mr. markley, chinese with ms. chung swallom
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
science+math team, cheer, dance
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
working on math and science learning initiatives with the amazing community here.
5. what are you passionate about?
engaging with new things and leaving them better than i found them.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
find meaning in the moment.
emi graf
1. favorite school subject:
ap psychology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
psych with ms. snow and calc with mr. moresco
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
one extracurricular that is meaningful to me is being a competitive equestrian and being the captain of my equestrian team. i have been riding for over a decade and i can't imagine my life without it. being a captain has taught me so much about leadership and my team has been such an influential part of my life for so many years.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of volunteering for the wellington afterschool enrichment program and being a part of the bhs climate action club for the last 4 years.
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm super passionate about developmental psychology and working with kids!
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
i promise that you are not peaking in high school, life will 100% get better :)
michael pomer
1. favorite school subject:
math
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
chemistry with dr. molk
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
hockey, golf, and lacrosse
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i enjoy playing golf, hockey, and lacrosse for belmont high school. i am also proud of being president for the students for soldiers club.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about my family and spending time with friends.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don't stress out about the little things.
marauder of the week: friday, december 22nd, 2023
tess desantis
1. favorite school subject:
anatomy and physiology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
biology with dr. molk, ap world with ms. mastalong, and anatomy with ms. chen
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
being on the lacrosse and field hockey team and coaching youth lacrosse clinics.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of being one of the captains of the field hockey team this year and having a really successful season. i look forward to being a captain of the lacrosse team this spring as well.
5. what are you passionate about?
summertime, being able to spend time traveling, at the beach and with my friends, family and my dog, frannie.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don't wish away your time in high school, it goes by really fast!
akshaya vadivel
1. favorite school subject:
anatomy and physiology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
advanced acting and directing with mr. flam, ap chemistry with dr. molk, and ap biology with mrs. saxena
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the performing art company and student mental health advocates club
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of being a part of the pilot program and helping to shape the peer counseling program, branch out, at bhs.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about using my current and future knowledge about the physiology of the mind and body to help others.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
no assignment, class, or grade defines you or your worth.
marauder of the week: friday, december 15th, 2023
jonathan rochelin
1. favorite school subject:
personal finance
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ms. baker, ms. aller
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
playing the drums and attending boys volleyball meets have been really nice
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i was really happy to be a part of the conversation that happened between a few of the students here at belmont and some representatives from chicago.
5. what are you passionate about?
i’m passionate about spending time with friends and family, as well as making sure the relationships you have are healthy.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
make sure you work on you builds because it’s getting rough out here in fortnite
lewis tu
1. favorite school subject:
ap econ
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
apush with ms. white, ap econ with mr. streit, and ap calc bc with mr. delorio
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
chess, math, teaching, and baseball
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of expanding access to educational opportunities through running organizations like the massachusetts high school chess league, belmont free lessons, and belmont math hunt.
5. what are you passionate about?
learning new things
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
life never stops teaching.
owen johnson
1. favorite school subject:
statistics and english
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
mr. z, ms. bloom
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
playing rugby, saxophone
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i’m proud of being a part of the music community at bhs, it's very important to me and has influenced me a lot
5. what are you passionate about?
playing music, being outside, swimming, hiking
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
keep a positive attitude!
marauder of the week: friday, december 8th, 2023
keira madison healey
1. favorite school subject:
ap computer science a with ms. mcleod!
system.out.print("hi ms. mcleod");
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
for sure my english 11 and ap lit classes with ms. santiago. i've developed my critical thinking skills so much in that class, and i know i'll take those lessons with me for the rest of my life. also, science ethics with ms. baker! so many important ethical discussions and debates happen in that class, and i've learned a lot about how to see all sides of an issue and work with people with differing viewpoints from that class.
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
cross country! such a good bonding experience, the close-knit team vibes are the best and i love running with a crew like that. also, color guard! what's not to like about a super tight-knit group of flag-spinning people who make marching band look awesome?
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm proud about working for the it department here at bhs (seniors, please remove your stickers from your chromebooks before you turn them in at the end of the year, it is literally my job to take them off <3) and for my involvement in social justice initiatives through first church belmont uu (down the street from bhs!) and the organization uu mass action.
5. what are you passionate about?
ethical innovation, social justice, community, friendship, and camp unirondack :]
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
do not take an ap class unless you are seriously devoted to the subject matter and actually think the massive amount of energy you will be required to put into that ap class will be worth it for you. do not let other people taking harder classes than you scare you into taking harder classes than you think you can handle. some better-looking numbers and letters on a transcript in a few years isn't worth sacrificing your health for the sake of academics. speaking from experience, there's more to life than the schoolwork grind.
jacob lubetsky
1. favorite school subject:
modern world history and econ
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
mr. moresco, mr. streit, ms. mastalong
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
lacrosse, track, marching band
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i’m proud of the work i’ve done with the climate action club to help the environment.
5. what are you passionate about?
i love being a part of the lacrosse team at bhs.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don’t waste time!
alida smith
1. favorite school subject:
ap psychology and english
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
all my english teachers - ms. block, ms. pleat, mr. markley, and ms. masterson
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the pac (especially set crew!)
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am the most proud of being a part of set crew in the pac and getting to build the sets for all the shows!
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about my family. i have always been a very family oriented person and i love spending time with my immediate and extended family.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don’t put too much pressure on yourself. you should push yourself to do well but make sure you are still focusing on you and your mental health.
marauder of the week: friday, december 1st, 2023
chrystalbella rudder
1. favorite school subject:
english honors
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
my most influential classes as a bhs student are anatomy because of the field i would love to partake in as well as english because i love to write poems. poems are a big passion of mine.
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
varsity cheerleader
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of my commitment towards being a cheerleader and commuting to this school as a metco student. living in boston and coming to belmont has been a challenge but i love that i committed to it.
5. what are you passionate about?
i’m passionate about writing as well as music. being a writer has helped me a lot in life with thinking clearly and focusing more. that’s why creative expression is my topic for my capstone.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
no matter how hard the challenge, remember that there is always something greater in return.
julia hospodar
1. favorite school subject:
ap psychology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap psych with ms. snow and stats and prob with mrs. berens
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
i love being able to volunteer for special olympics
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
participating in the pac
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about helping members of my community
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
try your best
meredith knauff
1. favorite school subject:
anatomy & physiology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
apush with ms. white, english with ms. santiago, and ap chemistry with dr. molk
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
musical extracurriculars have been the most meaningful to me. i play cello in and out of school, and love to give back through mentoring middle school orchestra players. i also enjoy performing and being part of the pac!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i’m most proud of being a club officer for two bhs clubs, amnesty international and relay for life! both are great service organizations that help educate and connect me to the global community.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about taylor swift! i’ve been a swiftie for as long as i can remember and love to find ways to make references in conversation.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don’t be afraid to try new things and reach out to new people!
marauder of the week: thursday, november 16th, 2023
kai nakano
1. favorite school subject:
economics
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
mr. streit and mr. zilcoski
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the lacrosse program
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of integrating into the bhs community and joining the lacrosse program.
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about working hard and perseverance.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
always keep the lessons you learn.
michele choy
1. favorite school subject:
my favorite school subject is zoology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
my most influential teacher is mr. bruno. i want to thank him for all of these 4 years of help and for always making sure that if i need anything he will always be a resource of help.
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
some extracurriculars that have been super meaningful to me are going to the gym and small hangouts with friends outside of school.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of completing my 3 years of education while being one of the role models of a club in school during freshman year. i love being social so any opportunity i get to be social i will make the best time of it.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about a million things but most importantly i am very passionate about work. i am passionate about work because i like the idea that it prepares you for the real world.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
i would say that sometimes it’s good to take a risk. i mean this as in class or in school in general because sometimes this small risk can come a long way.
nihara thomas
1. favorite school subject:
psychology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap world history with ms. mastalong, pre-calculus with ms. rafia, science ethics with ms. baker, and mr. flam!
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the pac is the most meaningful extracurricular to me, because it has given me amazing opportunities to do what i love, and it has helped me grow as a performer and as a person.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of being a part of make a statement day, because this event has been a staple at bhs for over 20 years, and i love being able to spread the message of inclusivity and acceptance within the bhs community.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about music. it has given me a way to express myself, and i love listening to music whenever i can!
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don't be afraid to try something new!
marauder of the week: thursday, november 9th, 2023
christina xi
1. favorite school subject:
biology + orchestra
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ms. saxena, ms. mastalong, ms. carp, dr. molk
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
playing violin + piano, cross country, asian american club, kpop dance
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
performing + doing tech crew for asian american night!
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about expressing myself through music and performances.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
sometimes, all you need is to step back and breathe. don't wear yourself out and keep powering through once you're ready!
danny flaherty
1. favorite school subject:
english and art
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
english with ms. bloom, ap modern world with ms. mastalong, pre-calc with ms. rafia, art with milo and ms. remick!
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
some of the extracurriculars that have been meaningful to me are unicef club, special olympics, music & media club, library volunteering, pac, and student senate
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of trying a lot of different activities and pursuing many things that i am interested in!
5. what are you passionate about?
i am super passionate about all kinds of art and creativity.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
go out of your comfort zone, keep an open mind, and try to focus on kindness in your day-to-day life! :)
owen mica
1. favorite school subject:
math!
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
statistics with mr. olowinski and pre-calc/game theory with ms. carlivati
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the pac is the greatest club to have ever existed in the history of the high school. everyone should come try it out! the climbing club is also a pretty awesome club, so keep an eye out!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
all of the shows the pac has put on are at the top of my list when it comes to things that i am most proud of at bhs.
5. what are you passionate about?
breakfast. i am super passionate about breakfast, it is the best and most important meal of the day, so make sure you always eat something every morning!
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
find a working sleep schedule and stick to it no matter what. even if that means sending emails to teachers saying you can't complete work, you are more important than any homework or grade.
marauder of the week: friday, november 3rd, 2023
aj sweet
1. favorite school subject:
science and math classes
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
neurobiology and psychology because i love the brain
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
boxing, wrestling, jiu jitsu, and mma
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
being captain of the wrestling team for the past 3 years
5. what are you passionate about?
cooking some good food
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
just be yourself
carolina brandão
1. favorite school subject:
3d art
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
my most influential class was definitely 3d art because i ended up loving it so much i am considering pursuing ceramics and sculptural art in my future. ms. english also gives a lot of creative freedom, and is always helpful and great.
3. what are you passionate about?
i'm very passionate about the people i spend time with because i love them so much and they are really great.
4. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
it's not that hard
zepure merdinian
1. favorite school subject:
history
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
global leadership with dr. shea and bio with ms. lewis
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
volunteering at a women's homeless shelter, and being a summer camp counselor!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
being president of the armenian club
5. what are you passionate about?
spreading kindness
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don't underestimate how much work you can get done in as little as 30 minutes!!
marauder of the week: friday, october 27th, 2023
asher kopperl
1. favorite school subject:
biology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ms. shea and ms. farkas
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
ski team, piano and vocal lessons
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
getting my college applications done
5. what are you passionate about?
animals, baking, and art
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don’t sweat it too much
rachel li
1. favorite school subject:
economics and english
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ap economics with mr. streit, precalculus with ms. carlivati, and english with ms. bloom
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
fencing, b-dandelions tutoring, and belmont highpoint!
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i continue with community service out of my tight athletic schedule. i also helped publish highpoint’s first ever print edition since 2009, which many students and staff loved!
5. what are you passionate about?
i’m passionate about fencing, community service, writing, and photography.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
remember that everyone has their own path, so just focus on improving yourself and being the best you can be! you don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. when life is stressful, don’t forget to take some time for yourself, even if it’s just 5 minutes!
shania sullivan
1. favorite school subject:
ap psychology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
one of my favorite classes last year was history of hip hop; i learned so much about different songs and some artists. we also learned how to make music taught by mr. z. another influential teacher was mr. streit; i had him for 2 years (10 & 11th grade). he made his class very fun and made you actually wanna learn.
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
cheerleading, never - fading poppy project.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
one thing that i am proud of in the community is i used to help at the senior center. i would help pass out meals, clean & organize things around the center, and have conversations with the seniors that would be there. a lot of them were residents of belmont for years and would tell me how belmont changed over the years. it was amazing to hear their experiences just a few hours a day to put a smile on their face.
5. what are you passionate about?
i’m always passionate about helping others, and giving people advice that can help whoever needs to hear it.
marauder of the week: friday, october 20th, 2023
gabriel goncalves
1. favorite school subject:
biology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
bio/ms. lewis
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
play soccer
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i’m proud of everyone at bhs for the community we have.
5. what are you passionate about?
i’m passionate about history. i like learning about the past because it shows us how to advance in the future.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
focus on the present, don’t worry about the future.
diana kalantar
1. favorite school subject:
calculus
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
apush and economics
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
teaching dance and math
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i’m helping organize dance performances to give disabled individuals a chance to showcase their talents
5. what are you passionate about?
music and traveling
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don’t overthink things you cannot control and never pass up a chipotle run
charlton larson
1. favorite school subject:
computer science a / game theory
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
computer science
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
the pac and rugby
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am most proud of the performances we do in the pac
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about telling stories and entertaining people, which is why i do what i do.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
get your homework done in time.
marauder of the week: friday, october 13th, 2023
raikha patel
1. favorite school subject:
science & english classes
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
junior year biology, mr. kavountzis: thank you so much for inspiring me to explore the field of biology! i've always been interested in biological science, environmental science, public health (especially), but you helped me view myself as a motivated student who could accomplish so much. i don't always feel confident about my place in the world, and so that's why when i felt less than capable of studying stem, your class pulled me out of that negative feedback loop. i wish for all the best in your future classes!
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
colorguard/marching band, tedx club, volunteering at belmont public library, national history day (from two years ago), working with my foi's (aunt) photography business and learning what it takes to run a small business.
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm most proud of the bhs cultural exposition day from last year. we put a lot of effort into the presentation and sharing of what makes indian cultures meaningful to us as a group! being able to share pieces of my family's and my own culture with the school community was cathartic, and it also turned out to be a really important and beautiful experience for me.
5. what are you passionate about?
public health (mostly epidemiological studies), photography, poetry & songwriting, playing guitar, reading & public-speaking, and last but definitely not least: taking care of my sibling, grandparents, and little cousins.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
advice that i never seem to follow (but i try): it's ok to take breaks, to be vulnerable, and to enjoy the things that you care about. life can be difficult and the world is so loud and overwhelming sometimes, and that's why it is so incredible how you're existing each day!
sonya ivkovic
1. favorite school subject:
math
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
stats with mr o and chemistry with dr molk
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
coaching youth basketball at byba
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i'm proud to be a part of the bhs volleyball program!! we're doing great this year, but every season was super fun :)
5. what are you passionate about?
i'm passionate about traveling- i love vacations and visiting new countries!
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
don't be afraid to reach out to new students, they could be your future best friend !!
nikola stefanovic
1. favorite school subject:
psychology
2. most influential class(es) and/or teacher(s)
ms. shea, mr. streit & ms. saxena
3. extracurriculars that have been meaningful to you:
- soccer - coaching soccer and basketball leagues - working at a restaurant & a summer camp - basketball team manager
4. what are you most proud of doing or being part of, either at bhs or in the community?
i am proud of being captain of the soccer team, which has such an incredible camaraderie and great skill this year.
5. what are you passionate about?
i am passionate about soccer. it brings me extreme joy, both when i play and when i watch my favorite teams on tv. it helped me integrate myself in the us.
6. what words of wisdom would you like to leave for other bhs students?
stay true to your pinky promises
>>>>>>>>>>>>>