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