Soaring into the future

No. 9 - Jacob Meyerson Jacob Meyerson has always been driven by competition. It’s what helped make him a top-10 student, as he finished No. 9 in his class. “I’ve always been pushed by competition,” Meyerson said. “But not just competition against other people, competition against myself. Every time I do something, I always try to compete against myself to do an even better job, until I feel that I’ve put 100 percent effort into whatever it is I’m doing, from classwork to homework to sports, like tennis. I always push myself to strive to be the best that I can be.” That competition against himself and others has paid dividends. He was a gold medalist in mathematics at the Academic Decathlon and at the SkillsUSA Mobile Robotics state competition. He also took home first place at the Engineering Olympics Autonomous Robot Competition. He said that trip for the SkillsUSA competition will be perhaps his most significant high school memory. His gold medal at states took him to Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. “There, I met so many fantastic people from all over the country, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the Navajo Nations,” he said. “It was amazing to be surrounded by so much talent and skill, and to know that I was skilled enough to compete at the highest level.” Meyerson also honed his competitive nature during four years on the tennis and math teams. He will take all he’s learned to the Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall to study computer engineering. “I couldn’t have made it through high school without the support of my parents and brother, as well as the teacher who helped me through all the challenges that each class brought ever year,” Meyerson said. “But what really made high school that much more enjoyable were all of my friends who went through challenges with me, and who were always by my side, no matter what.”

No. 7 - Talia Spirito When it comes to appreciating the arts, Talia Spirito has run the gamut. Spirito, who finished No. 7 in the graduating class, was the second violin in the orchestra for two years. She was the recipient of not only the Harvard Book Award, but also the school’s English, Psychology and Italian awards. For now, she is majoring in English when she starts at Holy Cross this fall. She had to note that she would not be as successful as she is if not for the help from her teachers, parents and friends. “During my time at West, I not only met my closest friends, but I met truly fantastic teachers,” she said. “My friends were always there if I needed help and I have relied on them so much these past four years. My teachers are no exception.” She went on to say she was “so lucky” to work with her phenomenal teachers, including every subject from math to science to social studies. Her reasons for enjoying her time at West are no different. Those same teachers that were there along the way made the past four years fly by. “The teachers that saw me through my four years at West helped me so much,” she said. “They made sure that I knew I could rely on them and talk to them whenever I felt overwhelmed or just wanted to talk. I felt so comfortable going to them that I even went back to visit my teachers from previous years.” Spirito also noted how she had a reliable group of friends that made every moment one to remember. “From study groups to football games, my friends have been with me through it all. Some of the most fun I have had in high school has been with them and I know that I would not have enjoyed high school as much as I did without them.” She said she had a wide range of motivating factors, but when it came down to it she pushed herself more than anyone else. That’s sure to continue at Holy Cross this coming fall. “I think that that is the important part when it comes to excelling in anything: to want it above all for yourself. If I tried so hard to excel for everyone else, then the pressure would have been too much for me to handle. However, my motivation to get good grades came from the desire to prove to myself that I could be successful in high school.”

No. 7 – Noah Cohen Noah Cohen will have quite the resumé when he heads off to Boston University this fall to major in computer science. Cohen was a member of the math team and Academic Decathlon for four years, captaining the latter during his senior campaign. He also took part in Moody's Mega Math Challenge and the AMC Math Competition. He's musically inclined as well. He played cello in the Orchestra for three years and partook in jazz ensemble for two. He's got the accolades to show for it, too: RIMEA gave him the Solo and Ensemble Superior Award his first two years at West, and the Solo and Ensemble Excellent Award his junior year. Cohen never missed a day of school, and he has his teachers, family and friends to thank for enjoying every single one of them. "Other than my friends, my wonderful teachers helped me succeed in and enjoy high school," Cohen said. "In particular, I will always remember Mrs. Matson, Ms. Luther-Morris, Mrs. Feole and Mr. Krous. Some of these teachers I have known since i was a freshman and they have guided me throughout my days in high school and some I only met this year, but they have all impacted me in significant ways and have helped to shape the person I will eventually become. My parents also contributed to my success and enjoyment of high school by supporting me throughout my life and always pushing me to strive harder." He's been able to succeed at such a high level because he surrounded himself "with other people who are also extremely motivated to excel." He has those very same people to thank for the memories he will take with him. "What I will remember the most are the strong friendships I developed over four years," he said. "I'll never forget the good times we had both in and out of the classroom. The bonds we created together will last long beyond our high school days."

No. 6 - Lauren Knasin Despite all of the challenges high school presented, Lauren Knasin knew how to hold serve. Knasin, who was No. 6 in the Class of 2017, was a captain for the tennis team and received Second Team All-Division Doubles honors as well. She was also a member of the track squad, in between taking on the Model United Nations and Academic Decathlon. She also tutored in Spanish and mathematics. Though she said she will never forget those innumerable hours buried in books or working on assignments, she’s grateful for the people who helped her through it. “I will remember a few teachers that took a special interest in my success and the roles that they played in helping me get to where I am today,” Knasin, who heads to Boston University this fall to study marine science, said. “I will never forget the different types of people I have met over these past few years and the memories we have shared.” The future veterinarian said she had a wide network of positive influences that got her through high school. “High school has most definitely been stressful and challenging,” Knasin said. “Without the help and support from my parents, sister, some teachers, and friends, I’m not sure my high school experience would have been as successful and enjoyable as it was.” She also had one other person helping her succeed. “I have always wanted to be a veterinarian and in order to achieve that goal, I needed to be the best student I could possibly be,” she said. “The only way to do this was t push myself even further than I, or anyone else, thought possible. I needed to prove to myself and others that I could, in fact, succeed in high school.”

No. 5 - Alice Lim Alice Lim knows her high school years would never have been as memorable without two of her biggest passions: tennis and science. “My high school experience would not have been the same if I did not join the tennis team or enrolled in the Medical Pathways program,” Lim, No. 5 in her class, said. “I will always remember all of the fun moments my friends and I had throughout the season. Being in Medical Pathways gave me opportunities and an education that most high school students do not have the privilege of having and I will never forget my experiences in that class.” It’s with that knowledge that Lim will head to Boston College this fall to major in either biology or psychology, but either way she will be on the pre-med path. She’s already ahead of the pack, too. She was a member of the Advanced Teaching of Modern Science (A.T.O.M.S.) and Academic Decathlon, as well as the co-captain of the tennis team. She was also the recipient of the University of Rhode Island GRRL Tech Expo Essay Contest Scholarship, the Excellence in Psychology Award and a silver medal at the Skills USA Health Knowledge Bowl Competition. She attributed all of this success and fun to her teachers, family and friends, adding that they provided motivation along the way as well. “My friends and family motivated and pushed me to excel in high school and achieve my dream of becoming a doctor,” she said.

No. 4 - Shannon Feng It was a picture perfect senior year for Shannon Feng. Feng, a photography executive for the Yearbook Club, was the recipient of numerous accolades. She holds certificates from the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, and was selected as one of Cranston’s Best and Brightest students. She can also add the Outstanding Performance in Science and Excellence in Psychology awards, as well as the Picerne Family Scholarship, to her mantle. She also played for the tennis team. While “love and support” from her family pushed her to succeed, her loved ones, friends and teachers all contributed to make these four years fun. “Making lasting memories with my friends and learning unforgettable lessons from my teachers,” Feng, who will head to Boston College to study business, said of what she will remember most about her time at West.

No. 3 - Christopher Dodd If you do the math, Christopher Dodd was one of West’s best students this year. It’s simple: Just add together the fact he was a track captain, National Honor Society President, freshman mentor and Academic Decathlon leader and the sum is the future Bryant University finance major. The math team member also has numerous accolades in his trophy case. Dodd received the Carson, Michael J. Palmer and Cranston Rotary Club scholarships, and was an Academic All-Stater for indoor and outdoor track. He also owned membership in the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Dodd, No. 3 in his class, also won the Lieutenant Governor’s Award. Dodd was powered by faith in high school, between his family and his religion, to succeed at the highest level. “I owe much of my success and enjoyment that I experienced throughout my time at Cranston High School West to the many friends that I’ve made in my classes and through extracurriculars,” Dodd said. “These individuals, along with my parents and sibling, have helped me to maintain my focus and to enjoy my time at West.” His fondest memories are also those shared with his closest companions. “I will remember the many laughs and memories that I have shared with the friends I made, whether it was in the classroom, on the track, or at my church.”

No. 2 - Sophia Perrotta Cranston West’s salutatorian has a penchant for helping others and planning things out. Her future is already set: she’s off to Boston College to study biology. However, that was just one plan that she set in motion during her time as a Falcon. She was a staff member and executive for the Yearbook and helped plan Prom as a committee member. She was also responsible for hair and makeup for theater productions, as well as serving on the theater’s special events board. Perrotta also spent her free time mentoring freshman and teaching science to younger students as a member of Advanced Teaching of Modern Science (A.T.O.M.S.). Her science accomplishments are well noted, too. She received the Excellence in Science and Bausch & Lomb Science awards. In addition to being a National Honor Society member, Perrotta was the recipient of the Foreign Language Honors Award and the Scholastic Silver Key for Art. She was able to earn all of these awards with a solid support system backing her up. “My family and friends have always shown support for me and continue to contribute to my success,” Perrotta said. “I owe such a big thank-you to all of the teachers I have had who consistently go out of their way to help their students achieve.” She mentioned that the groups she joined throughout high school helped her “strive for excellence,” but they also helped her form friendships she will never forget. “I will remember all of the close friends that I have formed throughout these years and the memories we have shared in and out of the classroom as well as the dedicated teachers that have greatly influenced my success in high school.

No. 1 - Anita Fang Cranston West valedictorian Anita Fang was able to paint herself an extremely successful high school career. If you took a look at her pallet, it would include participation in the math team, peer tutoring, Science Olympiad and the Providence Rotary Street Painting Festival. Also included would be her first-place honors in Sen. Jack Reed’s High School Arts Competition. When she wasn’t creating backdrops for the Junior and Senior Proms, she was collecting art award after art award. She won Scholastic Gold and Silver Keys, as well as a General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Rhode Island honor. She also holds awards of excellence in mathematics, science and art, and the Rensselaer Medal. She said that she always felt motivated when she saw other talented artists and students. “When I see people who are talented, whether academically or artistically, it motivates me to push myself harder so that one day I will be able to match their level and stand alongside them,” Fang said. Though she heads off to Tufts University this fall to major in biochemistry, she won’t forget the times shared with friends, family and teachers that made Cranston West a superb experience. “I will remember the friends that have been by my side since elementary school and I will cherish the laughs we had in our classes,” Fang said. “My family, friends, teachers, and classmates have all contributed to my success and enjoyment of high school. However, I would like to thank my brother for always being the one to point out my flaws because it helps me to improve my work.”