Board of Education congratulates 2005 WCPSS Valedictorians
April 14, 2005 - The top students in Wake County high schools sat down with Board of Education members and school administrators to talk about their years in school and their futures at the annual Valedictorian Luncheon held April 13 at the N.C. State University Faculty Club.
 Patti Head, Board of Education vice-chair, talks with valedictorians Emily Leonard and Kenneth Coriale. |
2005 ValedictoriansFavorite teachersOffer adviceAccomplishmentsPhotographs |
The number of valedictorians increased to 19 this year with the addition of the first valedictorian from Middle Creek High. Cary High recognized three valedictorians with the highest grades. Fuquay-Varina High recognized two.
Ten of the students plan to attend North Carolina universities with five bound for Duke University and four to UNC-Chapel Hill. One student is considering UNC, Centre College, or Wesleyan University. A third is considering UNC, Yale or Rice. Another is making a decision between Duke and Pennsylvania. One student will attend NC State.
Five are headed out of state - to Columbia University, Baldwin-Wallace College, University of Maryland, Notre Dame University and Case Western Reserve University. Five indicated interest in law, four in medicine, and three in finance. One wants to anchor ESPN's Sports Center.
The students praised the school system and had glowing words for teachers. They praised teachers for caring about them and for challenging them.
Erin Sagester of Fuquay-Varina High said French teacher Beverley Stahl was her favorite.
"She has challenged me in various ways throughout my high school French career and utilizes every minute of the class period to incorporate lessons, exciting activities and thought provoking events," said Sagester. "She gave me the opportunity to take an independent study French course and has allowed me to explore various areas of learning."
Emily Leonard of Apex High remembered Mrs. Barrit, her Calculus teacher.
"She is someone who truly cares about and supports her students, both in the classroom and in their lives outside of school," said Leonard. "She is an amazing teacher and great role model for all of us."
Cari Cuffney of Athens Drive High thought of several teachers including her sophomore chemistry teacher, Mrs. Lisa Hibler.
"She was extremely knowledgeable and expected plenty from her students but also advocated for them on a regular basis to keep them informed and active in school processes and changes," Cuffney said. "Her class was very engaging with lots of fun experiments to demonstrate concepts and their real world applications."
Molly Tully earned a Park Scholarship, providing her a four-year full scholarship to NC State University. Jacob Weaver, an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme student, will be a John Jay Scholar at Columbia College.
Several pointed with pride to important activities in which they had been involved. Jacob Weaver is an Eagle Scout and played trumpet for two years in the NC State Jazz Band. Justin Sperlazza was most valuable player on his swim team, the Marlins of Raleigh. Hung-Enn Tan was the individual winner for NC State University's Todd Fuller Math Competition. Anastasia Caton is senior class president. Ya Li was voted by her senior class as 'Most Likely to Succeed.' Matthew Cohen earned an 'A' this fall in his first college math class, Multi-Variable Calculus III at NC State University. Cari Cuffney was co-captain of the cross-country team.
The students had advice for high school students seeking to excel academically. They said be organized, be dedicated and take challenging courses.
"School agendas are issued for a reason," said Erin Sagester. "Time management is key to being an organized student. Set priorities and keep your goals in mind when times get hectic and never doubt yourself. You are the only one that can push you to succeed."
"You have to be willing to put forth a little extra effort in order to have an edge," said Justin Sperlazza. "Keep your priorities straight."
"Take challenging classes in subjects you enjoy," said Alana Sealy."It is easier and more pleasurable to succeed in an advanced class when the subject matter interests or even excites you."
All of the students were excited about preparing for college and becoming more independent. Matthew Owens said they will graduate into an increasingly competitive global world marketplace.
"A premium will be placed on flexibility, and it will become even more rare for an individual to stay in a single job or career," noted Owens. "The international political situation has grown more complex, and we should be prepared for an extended campaign against terrorism. As a generation we should be prepared to answer new ethical questions regarding the application of new technology, and each individual will have even more diverse financial choices at a time when personal financial education could arguably be improved."
Logan Liles said the graduates will face a unique challenge.
"We are burdened with the responsibility of propelling a nation who has already experienced so many years of success into continued prosperity in a world that is significantly different today from the days before September 11, 2001," said Liles.
Board of Education Chair Susan Parry led a discussion with the students about their plans and congratulated them for their success. Several of the students thanked their parents, their family, their teachers, their school counselors and their church for the support they had received in reaching this milestone.
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Valedictorians
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School
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Valedictorian
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University they plan to attend
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Apex High
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Emily Leonard
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Baldwin-Wallace College
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Athens Drive High
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Cari Cuffney
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University of North Carolina, Centre College,
or Wesleyan University |
|
Broughton High
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Jacob Weaver
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Columbia University
|
|
Cary High
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Matthew Cohen
|
Duke University
|
|
Cary High
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Kenneth Coriale
|
University of Maryland
|
|
Cary High
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Pinar Gurel
|
University of North Carolina
|
|
East Wake High
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Logan Liles
|
University of North Carolina
|
|
Enloe High
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Hung-Enn Tan
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Duke University
|
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Fuquay Varina High
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Anastasia Caton
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Duke University
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Fuquay Varina High
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Erin Sagester
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University of North Carolina
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Garner High
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Mark Godfrey
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Undecided
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Green Hope High
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Victor Zhu
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Duke University
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Leesville Road High
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Jonathan Buttaci
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University of Notre Dame
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Middle Creek High*
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Justin Sperlazza
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University of North Carolina
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Millbrook High
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Matthew Owens
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Duke University or University of Pennsylvania
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Sanderson High
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Ya Li
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Duke University
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Southeast Raleigh High
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Alana Sealy
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Case Western Reserve University
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Wake Forest Rolesville High
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Molly Tully
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NC State University
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Wakefield High
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Emily Braid
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University of North Carolina, Yale, or Rice
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*first graduating class
Favorite teachers
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Ya Li |
My favorite teacher is Mr. Scot Naeser. He is very passionate about the subject he teaches and took the time to answer everyone's questions. He is concerned about his students and gives sound advice. |
|
Matthew Cohen |
I have been extremely fortunate over my scholastic career to have experienced many of Wake County's finest teachers. Of all of these, the one teacher that still stands out is Andy Zappia. Mr. Zappia taught me pre-calculus in 10th grade and is also my tennis coach and National Honor Society advisor. His penchant for always making time to listen to and give advice to students on a personal basis makes him as much a friend as a teacher. |
|
Kenneth Coriale |
Mrs. Joann Duncan was my favorite teacher because I learned so much about writing in her tenth and eleventh grade English classes. She also helped me so much as the sponsor of our school Interact Club. |
|
Erin Sagester |
My favorite teacher is Mrs. Beverley Stahl. She has challenged me in various ways throughout my high school French career and utilizes every minute of the class period to incorporate lessons, exciting activities and thought provoking events. She gave me the opportunity to take an independent study French course and has allowed me to explore various areas of learning. |
|
Anastasia Caton |
Bill Brown, social studies. He challenges students' opinions constantly and teaches not only history, but social compassion and awareness. His ideas are unique and he truly cares for his students. |
|
Emily Leonard |
My favorite teacher is Mrs. Barrit, my Calculus teacher. She is someone who truly cares about and supports her students, both in the classroom and in their lives outside of school. She is an amazing teacher and great role model for all of us. |
|
Logan Liles |
My favorite teacher has to be my seventh grade math teacher Mrs. Dewberry at Zebulon GT Magnet Middle School. Mrs. Dewberry not only gave me the basis to help excel in future math classes, but also taught me how to work hard. |
|
Justin Sperlazza |
Mr. Gene Osborne helped me with all of my college applications and has prepared me for my transition into college. He has taken an active role in the senior class and in my personal success. |
|
Pinar Gurel |
How can I name only one favorite teacher when so many have inspired me to become a better student? A few of my favorites are: Mrs. Hill, because she is a phenomenal Calculus teacher; Mrs. Cobb, for increasing my love of biology; Mr. Schafer, became he made me enjoy American History, a subject in which I lacked interest; Mr. Jessee, for allowing me to see the usefulness in English, teaching me to write a decent paper, and escalating my love of reading; Mr. Lapp, because he gave me the solid foundation of Algebra of which I was extremely grateful for in my subsequent math courses; Mrs. Jones, my fifth grade teacher who prepared me for life; and finally, the late Mrs. England because she showed me the fun in school. |
| Emily Braid | Mr. Chumley, AP English Literature. He's very laid back and always open to discussion in class of anything interesting regarding literature. He actually treats us like college students. He truly understands literature and writing, and has helped me out tremendously with my college applications. |
| Molly Tully | Mr. Geoff Belcher who has been my school newspaper advisor and who is currently my AP English teacher has been my favorite teacher. He has taught me a lot of wisdom about people that I could not have learned from a book. He continuously encourages me to challenge myself. He has been an invaluable part of my high school education, and I will never forget him. |
Advice
|
Alana Sealy |
Take challenging classes in subjects you enjoy. It is easier and more pleasurable to succeed in an advanced class when the subject matter interests or event excites you. |
|
Jacob Weaver |
Pursue the subjects that interest you most to the highest levels available. Always err on the side of challenging yourself too much rather than risk not living up to your potential. Get to know your teachers and be quick to ask them for clarification and further assistance. Ask as many questions as possible! |
|
Hung-Enn Tan |
Don't let stress wear you out. Remain clam and focused. |
|
Victor Zhu |
Many will not excel scholastically, not because they can't, but because they have another calling. Anyone who wants to excel can do it by working hard, each to his or her own degree of need. However, other important things such as extracurricular activities, community service, and employment are also important aspects of a student's life that may demand greater focus and attention, depending on the student's preference. |
|
Ya Li |
Balance out the hard studying sessions with trips to the mall. |
|
Matthew Owens |
I would encourage every student to make the most of time spent in the classroom. Scholastic performance is largely dependent upon dedication and the establishment of genuine interest. Give each subject matter a chance; it is very rare that a lesson will not be interesting from a certain perspective. Work with other sources to get a different outlook on a lesson. Often the school year does not provide enough time to present the full importance of a subject, and even a small amount of independent research can often give greater meaning to what has been taught in class. |
|
Erin Sagester |
School agendas are issued for a reason. Time management is key to being an organized student. Set priorities and keep your goals in mind when times get hectic and never doubt yourself. You are the only one that can push you to succeed. |
|
Mark Godfrey |
Take a variety of courses to give yourself a strong base of knowledge; push yourself the hardest in the courses that interest you the most. |
| Matthew Cohen | Excellence is not something to talk about but rather to do. To excel in any environment, especially scholastically, one must adopt the appropriate attitude and maintain his/her focus throughout all adversity. |
Accomplishments
|
Victor Zhu |
I am most proud of the friendships that I have made in school. They gave me long-lasting fulfillment that is absent from academic achievement. I believe friendships to be much more important in the real world than academic performance. |
|
Hung-Enn Tan |
Winning the Todd Fuller Math Contest for seniors at NC State University. This was the first high school math contest that I placed first in. |
|
Jacob Weaver |
I am proud of my ability to communicate in German. I think understanding of a foreign language will be a most useful skill later in life, and I have been able to greatly develop my fluency in German through 13 years of study in Wake County schools. |
|
Jonathan Buttaci |
My 9th grade Civics teacher gave me her character trait award for integrity. I value that honor above anything else. |
|
Alana Sealy |
Becoming so involved in my school and managing my time to do so. Between chorus concerts, theater musicals, honor societies, and regular schoolwork, it has been a challenge to juggle between all of them. |
|
Justin Sperlazza |
Being MVP on my swim team. The school has only had a swim team for two years and I was able to help bring the swing team to the high school state meet. |
|
Erin Sagester |
The creation and implementing of the Adopt-a-Freshman program. It was established to help incoming students become familiar with their new environment and peers. I am extremely proud that this program has grown and has set the foundation to continue into the future. |
| Matthew Owens | At school, I am most proud of the chances I have had to expand opportunities for other students and give back to the school. Specifically, I am proud of my role in founding a Model United nations chapter. This organization has expanded throughout the year and members participated in competitions at Duke and UNC. The club shows strong prospects for growth in the coming years, and it is nice to know that part of my work at the school will continue after I graduate. |
| Molly Tully | I am proud of my nomination as a Morehead Semi-Finalist and as a Park Scholarship recipient. These two distinctions made me feel like all my hard work and dedication to my school work had been recognized, which was a great feeling. |
2005 Valedictorians
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 Matthew Owens |
 Erin Sagester |
 Alana Sealy |
 Justin Sperlazza |
 Hung-Enn Tan |
 Molly Tully |
 Jacob Weaver |
 Victor Zhu |
Anastasia
Caton
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