Manuel Bosteels and Nora Berisha recognized as Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2024 graduating class.
Nora Berisha and Manuel Bosteels, two outstanding students from the Bronx High School of Science, are preparing to take the next step in their academic journeys. Berisha, who has a passion for mathematics, will be heading to Princeton University this fall, while Bosteels will be attending Yale University to study physics and philosophy.
Berisha, who earned a GPA of 98.95 at Bronx Science, finds mathematics fascinating for its ability to expand and cancel out, and for its role in depicting the world around us. She has been an active member of Senior Council and also spends her time tutoring outside of school. Berisha appreciates Bronx Science for teaching her to be a driven student and a compassionate community member.
Bosteels, who boasts a remarkable GPA of 99, fondly remembers Dr. Todd Davis' Advanced Placement United States History class and credits the school for helping him understand his interests and skills. Besides being co-leader of the Mock Trial, Moot Court Teams, and the Science Theory Club, Bosteels has also been involved in the Big Sibs program, mentoring incoming ninth graders. His interest in physics was sparked by reading Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson and his first physics class last year.
Berisha and Bosteels both found the Senior Council beneficial for forming friendships with peers they hadn't met before. They participated in numerous Advanced Placement courses and expressed a bittersweet feeling about graduating, comparing it to the sun coming out after a storm.
Hallel Abrams Gerber, a Staff Reporter for student news articles, has been identified as a key figure in the school's journalism community. However, there is no additional publicly listed information about other specific clubs or extracurriculars in which she participated.
As they prepare to deliver their speeches at the Class of 2024's 96th Commencement Ceremony on June 26, 2024, at The United Palace Theater, Berisha and Bosteels plan to celebrate and spend time with friends before moving into their respective universities in August. Bosteels also emphasized the importance of prioritizing self over perfection and stopping work when it gets late. Both students expressed gratitude towards Bronx Science for the opportunities and friendships they've gained during their time there.
- Nora Berisha, with a passion for mathematics, will utilize her education-and-self-development at Princeton University this fall, aiming to expand her learning and contribute to personal-growth.
- Manuel Bosteels, despite his rigorous studies in physics and philosophy at Yale University, also values the role of psychology in understanding societal issues, drawing inspiration from his experiences at the Bronx High School of Science.
- In their upcoming speeches at the Class of 2024's 96th Commencement Ceremony, both Berisha and Bosteels will highlight the significant role of social issues in shaping their perspectives and express gratitude towards Bronx Science for spotlighting these issues through various learning opportunities.
- Hallel Abrams Gerber's impact on the Bronx Science journalism community extends beyond just spotlighting school news, as she leverages the power of photography and video to captivate audiences and promote education and self-development.
- As they prepare for the next phase of their academic journeys, Berisha and Bosteels acknowledge the importance of balancing their ambitions with their opinions concerning personal-growth and the importance of mental health, emphasizing the need to prioritize oneself over perfection.
