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

 

Andrew Kwong - Valedictorian

 

Andrew’s activities include Scholastic Bowl, Model UN, varsity soccer, mentorship at Hampton University, and Youth Volunteer Corps.

 

He was accepted to the University of Lynchburg, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and Georgia Tech. Andrew will attend the University of Virginia where he plans to major in Earth and atmospheric sciences/meteorology. After college he plans to pursue higher education and possibly obtain a research position.

 

Fondest high school memory:

“(My fondest high school memory so far is) hanging out with senior students in math during my lunch block as a freshman right before winter break.”

 

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“(I will miss) morning announcements.”

 

An achievement you are most proud of:

“(I am most proud of) finishing my research project for my mentorship with Dr. William Moore at Hampton University and being the second valedictorian in my family.”

 

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud of the lack of toxicity among Hampton students when it comes to academics. We try to pull ourselves together to succeed.”

 

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

“I would thank Mr. Kidd for his guidance and excellent teaching, especially for me as a freshman and sophomore who was accelerated in math.”

 

Jessica Phan – Salutatorian

 

Jessica’s activities include Scholastic Bowl, Hampton Youth Commission, volunteering for Williams O Delicious (bakery), and a mentorship on Underrepresentation of Women in STEM.

 

She was accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Virginia. She will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall and majoring in biology. She hopes to become a physician’s assistant after completing college.

 

Fondest high school memory:

“My fondest memory is being able to play Mario Kart at the end of sophomore year with my anatomy classmates.”

 

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“My favorite tradition is the morning announcements. Without failure Mr. Saunders would always mention the phrase ‘the home of academic excellence’.”

 

An achievement you are most proud of:

“(I am most proud of) becoming the salutatorian. Quarantine was a hard time for me mentally where I lost a lot of motivation. By becoming the salutatorian, I am thankful that all my struggles did not go to waste.”

 

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because my parents didn’t graduate from high school. HCS gave me the opportunity to make my parents proud of me for graduating and going off to college.”

 

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. Kidd, my sophomore math teacher. Even though I only had his class for one year, he has been a prominent figure in my high school career. I especially appreciate his guidance during quarantine when I couldn’t understand a topic. He would take the time out of his day to explain it to me until I understood. As a teacher, Mr. Kidd is one of the kindest and most helpful teachers I’ve ever had.”