Manuel Bosteels and Nora Berisha have been recognized as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively, of the graduating Class of 2024.
In the heart of New York City, The Bronx Science High School bid farewell to its Class of 2024, with two exceptional students, Manuel Bosteels and Nora Berisha, leading the way. Both Bosteels and Berisha have distinguished themselves through their academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
Berisha, who will attend Princeton University to major in mathematics this fall, finds the subject fascinating for its ability to expand and cancel out, and its depiction of the world. She values extracurricular activities that allow her to help or connect with others, and as an active member of Senior Council and a tutor outside of school, she has certainly done so. Berisha also appreciates Dr. Davis for making learning history fun and interesting.
Bosteels, on the other hand, will head to Yale University to study physics and philosophy. His passion for these subjects was evident in his participation in numerous Advanced Placement courses. Bosteels is particularly interested in physics, having been inspired by reading "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" by Neil deGrasse Tyson and his first physics class. He co-leads the Mock Trial and Moot Court Teams, and the Science Theory Club, and also joined the ultimate frisbee team this spring.
Both students expressed mixed feelings about graduation. Berisha described it as bittersweet, using the analogy of the sun coming out after a storm. Bosteels felt a sense of readiness to graduate, celebrate, spend time with friends, and move into college, but also sadness about leaving Bronx Science. Both students expressed gratitude for their teachers and classmates, stating they helped them understand their interests, skills, and the kind of people they want to surround themselves with.
Both Bosteels and Berisha are involved in the Big Sibs program, with Bosteels serving as a director. They will deliver speeches at the Class of 2024's 96th Commencement Ceremony, which was held at The United Palace Theater on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. A video of the event, including their speeches, is available to watch.
Bosteels fondly remembers Dr. Todd Davis' Advanced Placement United States History class, while Berisha emphasized the importance of being a compassionate member of a community, learning from her experiences at Bronx Science.
Bosteels earned a GPA of 99 at Bronx Science, while Berisha earned a GPA of 98.95. Despite their academic achievements, both students remain grounded and humble, recognising the role their education has played in shaping their futures.
As they embark on their next chapter, Bosteels and Berisha leave behind a legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and community service that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Bronx Science students.
- Berisha, with an interest in mathematics that stems from its ability to depict the world, will find Princeton University an ideal place for further learning.
- The speeches of both Bosteels and Berisha at the Class of 2024's Commencement Ceremony, held at The United Palace Theater on June 26, 2024, can now be viewed in a video available online.
- Bosteels' passion for physics, sparked by reading "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" and his first physics class, led him to choose Yale University for his future studies.
- In line with her belief in being a compassionate member of a community, Berisha was actively involved in Senior Council and tutoring outside of school.
- Recognizing the role education plays in personal growth, career development, and job search, Bosteels and Berisha remain humble about their academic achievements at Bronx Science.
- Apart from their academic success, Bosteels and Berisha have also made significant strides in social issues, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, as demonstrated through their extracurricular activities and service in the Big Sibs program.
