The ‘Top 10 Mustangs of 2016’ is an all-girls squad. To learn more about these high achievers. we invited them to meet for photos and exchange emails with us. What we learned was that they were motivated and involved students, that went beyond the call of academic duty amongst their nearly 700 classmates. These students worked hard to earn their way into the top Universities in the US. Many are getting a bundle in academic scholarships. We are honored to have met our future leaders and to provide the following essays, which tells more about them.
Sharmitha Yerneni, #1
Outside of school, the three weeks I spent at the NJ Governor’s School in the Sciences has cemented my passion for a career in science. Upon graduation, I will be attending Tufts University in MA, where I’ll be pursuing a career as a surgeon, with a specialty in oncology.
Born and raised in Clifton, I truly consider myself a product of Clifton schools. Prior to attending CHS, I was a student at School 15 and WWMS. I have found my passion in science and mathematics, and am Desiree Agrinsoni, #2 grateful for my teachImmersed in a diverse ers who have instilled community of learners, I am an inextinguishable love proud to have gained an for learning I have appreciation for the differences today. among all of us, as they mark I would like to our individuality. It was importhank several teachers tant for me to explore my own in particular: Mr. interests, so I involved myself in Chilowicz for his genuine charas many clubs and commuacter, and for being the Valedictorian Sharmitha Yerneni with nities as I could. driving force to my career salutatorian Desiree Agrinsoni holding the violin. I was treasurer of Girls in science, Mr. Meck for Learn International, a his undeniable love for human-rights club, and participated in the Chemistry I biology and passion for teaching, Mrs. Slinger for her Team for the NJ Science League, which finished 13th in organized, efficient teaching method that was devoid of the state. I also was a volunteer in the Key Club. stress, and Mrs. Stagg for planting in me my fervor for the Throughout my four years, I played first violin in Spanish language and Hispanic culture. All of the teachhonors orchestra, and ultimately became a member of ers I met the past four years have taught me that there is the Tri-M Music Honor Society. I was also a chemistry much more to learning than what is apparent at first. tutor for the Science National Honor Society. Aside from my studies, my involvement in National During my junior year, I was honored to become the Science Honor Society, Key Club and being captain of Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipient and conferthe Academic Decathlon as a senior, shaped my CHS ence representative for my school. experience. Our Decathlon team, led by Mr. Orlovsky, As a senior, I joined Project Unify, whose goal is to excelled at the regional and state level the past two years. end separation between general and special education. I I am president of the National Science Honor Society, also joined the Special Olympics bowling team. It was which is run by Mr. Meck. The Key Club provided me undoubtedly the ultimate senior-year experience—for the opportunity to take a greater role in the community. 62 June 2016 • Clifton Merchant