Hampton City Schools announces top students in the Class of 2022 at Hampton High School

 

Emily Epstein - Valedictorian

 

Emily’s activities include serving as junior ambassador and volunteer at Riverside Regional Medical Center, volunteer with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg, president of the Science National Honor Society, member of the French National Honor Society, and student group member at Waters Edge Church.

 

She was accepted to Virginia Tech, George Mason University, the College of William & Mary, and the University of Virginia. Emily has decided to attend the University of Virginia to major in psychology. She hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist or obtaining a similar career in the field.

 

Fondest high school memory:

“One of my fondest memories is the field trip the pre-IB students took to Washington, D.C. as freshmen. It was an incredibly fun trip between all of the amazing museums, pretty scenery, and the Potomac Mills visit. I’m really glad I had the opportunity to travel with and share new experiences with so many of my peers and teachers.”

 

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“I will definitely miss our school’s tradition of holding several different spirit weeks throughout the year. I have especially enjoyed the weeks specific to each class as we were able to share and carry out our own fun ideas such as meme or celebrity day. The competition and detail among costumes was especially memorable and always boosted by school spirit.”

 

An achievement you are most proud of:

“The achievement I am most proud of is graduating as a valedictorian of the International Baccalaureate Program. The coursework and numerous internal and external assessments in the program have certainly been demanding. However, the material as well as my incredibly supportive teachers encouraged me to rise to the challenge and work on improving upon my knowledge and skills as well as teamwork with those around me. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to participate and grow in such a rigorous and strong learning community with so many unique and bright individuals by my side.”

 

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because of the vast amount and array of academic opportunities that have been made available to me over the years. From elementary to middle and high school, I have been able to take advantage of several different rigorous academic programs. These have allowed me to strengthen my knowledge and learning skills while also establishing a strong network of supportive and diverse peers that I have relied on throughout my schooling.”

 

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

“I would like to thank my IB psychology teacher, Dr. Kraus, for having such a great impact on me and my learning. The enthusiasm that he approaches teaching with is genuinely inspiring as a student. It is his passion and commitment to students’ learning and the material he teaches that has motivated me to pursue a career in psychology. Moreover, in addition to fostering my knowledge of psychology, Dr. Kraus has also taught me a great deal about myself in regard to my academic strengths and weaknesses and how these are reflected in how I carry myself as an individual. I am truly grateful to have received his guidance and encouragement throughout my high school journey as he has helped me embrace challenges and put forth my best work.”

 

Nasser Issa – Salutatorian

 

Nasser’s activities include president of Rho Kappa History Honor Society, vice-president of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, German Honor Society, varsity forensics team, varsity soccer team, and a volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum.

 

He was accepted to the University of Virginia, Rochester University, Vassar College, and Northwestern University. He has decided to attend Northwestern University and major in computer science. He hopes to work as a software developer/engineer after college.

 

Fondest high school memory:

“(My fondest high school memory is) being on the soccer team for the last four years. My teammates and I would bond during away games at far away schools.”

 

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“I will miss the pep rallies and overall school spirit regarding sports.”

 

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am most proud of being a QuestBridge National College Match finalist and being accepted to Northwestern University, a top 10 college in the United States, on a full academic scholarship.”

 

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because I am able to represent the best minds of Hampton through the International Baccalaureate Program.”

 

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

“I would thank Mr. Donald Horn, my IB English teacher. He and I developed a strong bond. Mr. Horn is always there for his students when they need help or just want to chat every morning for the past three years.”