Hampton City Schools announces top students in the Class of 2024 at Hampton High School

Jaliyah Gary-Williams - Valedictorian

Jaliyah has a cumulative grade point average of 4.56. Her activities include serving as president of the Art Honor Society and secretary of the Science National Honor Society. She has been a member of the Key Club, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Forensics Club, Spanish Honor Society, Summer Business Institute Program, and the varsity softball team.

She was accepted to the following colleges and universities: the University of Virginia, William & Mary, North Carolina A&T, Wake Forest University, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Christopher Newport University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Elon University, Virginia State University, Old Dominion University, Wingate University, and Hampton University. 

She has decided to attend the University of Virginia where she will major in computer science. After college graduation, she plans to engage in the technological industry as a data scientist or software developer and/or obtain her master’s degree in software development or computer science.

Fondest high school memory:

“I will miss our 11th grade field day, for that was one of the last days all of my friends (as some graduated before me while others I never had a class with again) met up for an extended period. Not only that, while I did not realize it at the time, it was also one of the best days that gave us all a rest from our demanding assignments and outside life.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“While I only got to partake in this tradition twice (due to COVID-19), I will miss the Candy Crabber Crawl Hampton High hosts right before Halloween. I noticed a profound sense of purpose as I helped hand out bags of candy along with Key Club (alongside several other clubs) and watched children’s faces light up with excitement, reminding me of what it's like to be a part of the Hampton community and what it felt like when I was younger.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“Being an honoree at the Academic Excellence Banquet is an achievement I am most proud of, for it was one of the first prominent signs of the hard work I had put into my academics.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because of the multitude of diverse opportunities within my reach, the generous mentors and teachers who have guided and helped me in my education, and being a part of the IB program. Despite the challenges, it was one of the main catalysts that pushed me to try harder, to experiment more, to get out of my comfort zone a little bit, and led me to create such memorable memories and friendships that did nothing but inspire me even more.”

If you could thank a teacher who had the greatest impact on you, who would it be and why?

“All of my teachers have served as such a prominent rock for inspiring me to challenge myself, believing in me, helping me develop an effective work ethic, and helping me create habits that have helped me succeed. I especially owe my IB teachers who have made sure that I am prepared for almost anything that life throws at me. 

“If I had to choose a singular teacher who has had the greatest impact on me, it would be Mrs. Ault (or Mrs. Ault-Greene), whom I would like to apologize for not trying to pursue my art as my major (although, she supports the major I am going for). Mrs. Ault has been my motivator who has always had my back, guided me through my troubles, has made me smile when I am stressed with all the assignments I have, and always believes that I can do more than what I give myself credit for. So, I would like to thank you for all your support these past two years.” 

Amir Adam-Sharif Stanley – Salutatorian

Amir is graduating with a grade point average of 4.51. His activities include serving as an IB academy ambassador, a National Honor Society member, a Principal’s Advisory Council member, and the HHS varsity football team. 

He was accepted to Virginia State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Morehouse College, Howard University, North Carolina A&T, Norfolk State University, William & Mary, Old Dominion University, and Radford University. Amir has decided to attend Morehouse College in the fall and major in business administration with a finance concentration. Following college graduation, he plans to use his knowledge to build a stream of revenue through forms of entrepreneurship, taking advantage of the stock market, real estate, and creating various businesses. He also plans to help younger individuals with similar aspirations and collaborate with scholarship platforms to extend his reach. 

Fondest high school memory:

“Though not a singular memory, football as a whole is my fondest experience due to the bonds and personal development I’ve traversed through.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“A tradition I’ll miss is Hampton High School’s homecoming pep-rally, as the pure festive energy truly brings life to Hampton High.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I’m most proud of managing to upkeep my grades and relationships amidst the various events and difficulties faced throughout high school.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I’m proud to be an HCS graduate because HCS has given me the ambition and work-ethic required to pursue my goals, especially with the excellent teachers and faculty.”

If you could thank a teacher who had the greatest impact on you, who would it be and why?

“I don’t believe I would be able to give that to a specific teacher, as each and every teacher has contributed to my development in some significant way.”

Christine Dang – Salutatorian

Christine has a grade point average of 4.51 She is involved in many school activities including vice president of Rho Kappa, secretary and webmaster for Key Club, manager for Forensics Club, and treasurer for Science National Honor Society. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, and Eco Club. In addition, she engages with her local community by helping at church and volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank.

Christine was accepted to the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, Christopher Newport University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. She has decided to attend the University of Virginia and major in commerce. She has yet to completely decide what she wants to do after college but she knows she wants to pursue a career that incorporates aspects of design and demonstrates creativity.

Fondest high school memory:

“My fondest high school memory would be the science field trip we took over the summer before entering our senior year. We spent the entire day at Wachapreague doing hands-on activities, such as exploring the islands, learning about fishing techniques, and examining different organisms. It was truly one of the most engaging experiences I have ever partaken in, and doing it with my friends made it all the more entertaining.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“A tradition I will miss at Hampton High School is our pep rallies. It is one of the few times in the year when the entire school is able to get together and demonstrate our Crabber spirit as we cheer on the football team for the upcoming game. There is something gratifying about having a gymnasium full of students getting excited and showing collective support for a school-wide event.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am most proud of being part of the few applicants who were selected as an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia. This title and opportunity best display the immense effort I had put forth both into my education as well as my extracurricular activities, making it the most valuable merit I had achieved thus far.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I’m proud to be an HCS graduate mainly because of my teachers, as I was fortunate enough to have staff members who are passionate about their jobs. Coming into school every day and feeling the enthusiasm they have for what they are teaching was truly motivating for me, and being able to feel how much they cared for our education encouraged me to reciprocate that energy in my academics as well.”

If you could thank a teacher who had the greatest impact on you, who would it be and why?

“All of my educators played a crucial role in my academic journey and success, but if I had to choose just one teacher to thank, it would be Ms. Heather Main. Science has never been my strong suit, but Ms. Main made learning an enjoyable experience. I would look forward to coming to class and conversing with her; it would be the highlight of my day. She made me feel valued and would help me through all of my doubts. She was, and still is, my biggest motivator, supporter, and would consistently push me to work harder. For that, I thank you and am truly honored to be part of your first IB class.”

 

Click the links below to see a short video about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4UNqNwTQ44  Jaliyah Gary-Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_qCrs2bonA  Amir Stanley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mphFfN00EpA  Christine Dang