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

Bera Koklu - Valedictorian

Bera is graduating with a cumulative grade point average of 4.58. His activities include serving as president of the PMSA, Weekend School instructor, and a math tutor. He also participates in the KHS symphonic and marching band.

Bera was accepted to the University of Virginia, Georgia Tech, Washington University in St. Louis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, and Arizona State University. He plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis in the fall and major in neuroscience. After college graduation, he plans to attend the School of Medicine and Oncology.

Fondest high school memory:

“My fondest memory is meeting with my friends at senior sunrise.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“I will miss attending and helping out at the Warrior Classic Band Competition at Darling Stadium.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am proud of being able to complete 33 college applications on time.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because of the people I met and the connections I made.”

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

“I would thank Mr. Bane. He is incredibly knowledgeable from teaching classes from history to research, and always a friend I can talk to at any time.”

Anna Brady – Salutatorian

Anna has a grade point average of 4.52. Her many activities include Rho Kappa, French Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Youth in Government, Scholastic Bowl, as well as Student Ambassadors, Student Advisory Board, Biology Olympiad, Research Club, Roots for STEM, and Yearbook Club, all at the Governor’s School.

Anna was accepted to the University of Virginia, William & Mary, Christopher Newport University, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, James Madison University, NC State, and Virginia Commonwealth University. She plans to attend the University of Virginia to double major in mechanical and computer engineering and obtain a master's degree.

Fondest high school memory:

“My fondest high school memory is AP government.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“A tradition I will miss is at the Governor’s School - the holiday party before winter break, which I actually got to help plan as a member of the Student Advisory Board there.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am proud of getting a certificate of merit for the USA Biolympiad.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because I had the opportunity to go the Governor’s School, which allowed me to take advanced classes and meet interesting people from around the Peninsula.”

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

“I would like to thank Mr. Mingee and Ms. Hickman because they’re both wonderful teachers and make Youth in Government a great experience.”

Click the links below to see a short video about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJF_mXBiRGM    Bera Koklu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9LUm4m7K40  Anna Brady