Hampton City Schools announces top students in the Class of 2025 at Bethel High School

Isabella Mendez – Valedictorian

Isabella is graduating with a 4.55 grade point average. Her activities include Key Club secretary, National Honor Society, Multi Language Club, Governor’s School, Yearbook, and a year-long mentorship analyzing emergency department models implemented to reduce overcrowding. Her volunteer experiences include working at Sentara Careplex and the SPCA.

Isabella was accepted to nine colleges including, but not limited to, the University of Virginia, North Carolina State University, Villanova University, Franklin University of Switzerland, University of Washington, and Hobart William Smith Colleges. She has decided to attend the University of Virginia in the fall and major in biology and environmental science. She plans to go into research medicine and environmental medicine after graduation and live in New York.

Fondest high school memory:

“My fondest high school memory is getting accepted into my dream college and celebrating with my friends – realizing that all of the hard work meant something and paid off.”

A tradition at school you will miss:

“I will miss bringing in donuts to share in the cafeteria every year on my best friend’s birthday.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am most proud of getting out of my comfort zone and saying yes to living in Atlanta last summer as a student in a public health program.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“The academies provided by HCS are truly a unique and beneficial experience that helped me feel confident when deciding on a career path.”

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

“I would thank Ms. Cornell, who taught me anatomy through the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy during my junior year. She sent me so many opportunities and pushed me to grow as a student. I was so lucky to have been taught in her class as well as receive her help when applying for mentorship programs last summer.”

Jamya Ribbon – Salutatorian

Jamya has a grade point average of 4.48. Her activities include serving on Bethel Bear Facts, (the Bethel newspaper), Hampton Youth Commission, where she was chair of Youth Voice, Model UN, and Speech Club. She also served as historian of the class of 2025 for four years, SCA historian, secretary of the National Honor Society and African Student Association, and Key Club president.

Jamya was accepted to nine colleges including, but not limited to, Old Dominion University, Johnson and Wales University, Washington and Lee, Hampton University, James Madison University, and the University of Missouri. She plans to attend James Madison University and major in media arts and design. After graduation she hopes to do some internships and pursue a career in broadcast/investigative journalism.

Fondest high school memory:

“My fondest high school memory is the William & Mary Model UN Conference weekend in 2024. I had so much fun with my other Bethel delegates.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“I will miss rocking the green and gold at pep rallies.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am really proud of being editor in chief my senior year, as I put a lot of work into the newspaper. It was an honor to be put in such a high role.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because the skills I have gained from my academy have confirmed my passion for my future career, which I feel more prepared for because of my classes.”

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

“Teachers like Mrs. Boudet and Mr. Monahan, and all the others who have given me the confidence in my goals and inspire me to work harder.”