Toll Gate top 10 cite contributions of others for their achievement
Elizabeth Carcieri
In addition to graduating number one in her class, Elizabeth Carcieri was a leader and active participant in her school community throughout her four years.
Carcieri served in the Student Government as treasurer, was the lead lawyer in Mock Trial, the president of Concert Band, while also participating in Symphonic Band, Yearbook Club, and Figure Skating. She was the president of National Honor Society, and a member of Italian Honor Society, and Rhode Island Honor Society.
Carcieri was recognized with many awards, including the 2016 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award, Harvard University Book Award, Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, and more.
“I would not have been able to accomplish as much as I did in high school without the overwhelming love and support from my family, teachers, and friends,” said Carcieri, “My mother specifically has been there for me the most over these past four years.”
When asked what motivated her to excel, Carcieri wrote, “Ever since I was little I’ve been driven in everything I did, however my parents motivated me to excel.”
Carcieri will be attending Boston College in the fall; she plans to major in nursing.
Madeline Axtmann
Madeline Axtmann ranked second in her class, while still managing to immerse herself in many clubs and activities throughout her four years of high school.
Axtmann played field hockey for four years, and was the captain her senior year. She was the vice president of her sophomore class, and then the president of her junior class. She was a member of the Math League, a writer for the school newspaper, and a volunteer at her church.
In addition to being a member of National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, and French Honor Society, Axtmann won the Harvard Book Award, the RISD Book Award, the Humanities Award, and more.
“My teachers have played a huge role in my success, it was their confidence that really motivated me,” said Axtmann, adding that her parents and friends were also great supporters of hers.
“My dream of being an architect is the primary reason why I pushed myself so hard, I wanted to enter college knowing I’ve done everything I could to excel,” said Axtmann.
Axtmann will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall; she plans to major in architecture.
Thao Pham
Thao Pham graduated number 3 in her class, while also participating in Math League, Cross Country, Band/Orchestra, and Film Club.
Pham won the Society of Women’s Engineering Award, and the U.S. History Award.
“I feel that my teachers have helped me to succeed, and my parents also motivate me to excel not just in my studies, but in all aspects of life,” said Pham, adding that her mother who grew up in poverty in particular is an inspiration to her, because she was unable to get the education that Pham now has the opportunity to get.
Pham will be attending Providence College in the fall; she plans to major in biology.
Ethan Golditch
In addition to ranking fourth in his class, Ethan Golditch enjoyed running, participating in cross country, indoor and outdoor track.
Golditch received the Brown Book Award and the Civic Leadership Award.
“Principal Chrabaszcz contributed to my overall enjoyment of high school,” said Golditch, “I attribute my success to my parents and teachers.”
When asked what motivated him to excel, Golditch wrote, “The drive to be better, failure was to bitter a pill to swallow, as was the hypothetical fear of knowing I could’ve done more.”
Golditch will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall; he plans to major in biology.
Makenna Dacey
Makenna Dacey ranked number 5 in her class, in addition to being a three-sport athlete participating in soccer, track and field, and lacrosse. She was the captain of her Lacrosse Team her junior year.
Dacey was a member of National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, and the Foreign Language Honor Society. Additionally, Dacey was the recipient of the Yale Book Award, and the Presidential Education Award.
“All of my teachers have supported me, helping me to reach my full potential,” said Dacey, “in particular, Mr. Politelli and Mr. Vadney.”
“My parents and friends always support me, but my parents in particular have supported me in all of my endeavors, so I have been able to reach my goals,” said Dacey.
Dacey will be attending URI in the fall; she plans to complete the honors program for nursing.
Gwendolyn Kalian
Gwendolyn Kalian graduated as number 6 in her class. Throughout high school she participated in volleyball, basketball, and dance. Her senior year she was the assistant coach of unified volleyball. In addition, Kalian was voted “Most Friendly” for Senior Superlatives.
“I have worked very hard to earn my place, but my parents have contributed most to my success,” said Kalian, “My enjoyment of high school revolved around my friends and classmates.”
“I was motivated to work hard because I knew it would provide me with more opportunities in my college search,” added Kalian.
Kalian will be attending Curry College in the fall; she plans on majoring in elementary special education.
Jonathan Sundstrom
Jonathan Sundstrom ranked number 7 in his class, while being an enthusiastic supporter of band, participating in Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Stage Band.
In addition, Sundstrom was a member of National Honor Society and Rhode Island Honor Society. He was also the recipient of the Military Music Award, and the Senior French Award.
“My friends have contributed the most to my success and enjoyment of high school, because no matter what struggles I faced they were always there to keep my spirits up,” said Sundstrom, “I’ve been mostly self-motivated to excel, I’d be overcome with regret if I didn’t work my hardest, however I have also been pushed by the expectations of my parents and teachers.”
Sundstrom will attend URI in the fall; he plans to major in biotechnology.
Kate Symon
Kate Symon ranked number 8 in her class, and spent her four years of high school participating in tennis and Concert/Symphonic Band.
Symon was the recipient of the RPI Award for Math and Science, and the URI Book Award.
“The teachers are very motivating and passionate, especially Mrs. Rauch, Mr. Vadney, and Mr. Kennedy,” said Symon.
When asked what motivated her to excel, Symon wrote, “Seeing my immigrant parents work hard to establish themselves in this country inspires me to work my hardest, I don’t want to take for granted all of the opportunities they have provided me.”
Symon will attend the University of Vermont in the fall; she plans to major in molecular genetics.
Emily Langevin
Not only did Emily Langevin graduate ninth in her class, she was also an active member of her school community, participating in many extracurricular activities.
She was on the Swim Team and the Unified Volleyball and Cheer Teams. She participated in orchestra and band, in addition to becoming a peer tutor, and joining Student Council. She was Secretary of both the Junior Class and the Student Senate.
Langevin was a member of National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society. She was the recipient of the Holy Cross Book Award, and the Presidential Education Award. She was also the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship, and the Kent County Chorus Scholarship.
“My family, friends, and teachers have contributed most to my success and enjoyment of high school, my parents were my biggest motivators,” said Langevin, “My teachers, coaches, and teammates pushed me to my academic and athletic limits.”
Langevin will attend Salve Regina University in the fall; she plans to major in nursing and minor in Spanish.
Elissa Pierce
In addition to ranking number 10 in her class, Elissa Pierce was a member of the Yearbook Club, Ping Pong Club, Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams.
Pierce was the recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence.
“My amazing teachers, Mrs. Franco, Mr. Vadney, Mr. Politelli, Mrs. Biafore, and Ms. Netcoh truly helped guide me and prepare me for success,” said Pierce, “I was motivated to excel so that I would get into a good college and make my family proud.”
Pierce will attend Northeastern University in the fall; she is undecided on her major.
This year’s graduating class at Toll Gate High School achieved many things, both inside and outside of the classroom.
“I feel strongly that the Class of 2017 has the gifts and tools to move forward,” Principal Candace Caluori said at graduation ceremonies.
The top ten students in the graduating class were especially noteworthy, using their gifts to contribute to countless school clubs and community activities, and receiving many awards.
A common theme among the students was how greatly the people they surrounded themselves with – friends, family, teachers – really made each of their high school experiences memorable, and enabled them to be such high achievers.
