Top 10 students in Johnston High School's class of 2015

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1. Angela Gallucci

Class of 2015 valedictorian Angela Gallucci, 18, will be attending the University of Miami in the fall. She will major in biology, and plans to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist.

At Johnston High School, Gallucci took part in a range of activities, including the varsity volleyball and basketball teams; the Panther Cubs; SADD, or Students Against Dangerous Decisions; the Float Committee; the National Honor Society; and the Yearbook Committee. She served as a volunteer for Special Olympics Unified Bowling, and as a student representative to the Johnston Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.

In addition to being named valedictorian, Gallucci’s special awards and recognitions include 2014 All-Division first team and All-Tournament selections for volleyball; a 2013 Academic All-State Team selection for basketball; the Senior Scholar Athlete Award for volleyball and basketball; the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award; the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award; and being named 2014 Christmas Ball queen.

“I will remember most the experiences that I had playing volleyball and basketball in high school, especially my senior year when the volleyball team was undefeated and won the state championship,” she said. “Also, I will never forget all of the memories that I made during float and homecoming over the past four years.”

Gallucci said her “family, friends, teachers and coaches have contributed to my success and enjoyment of high school,” and she particularly credited her mother, father and brother “for supporting me and guiding me towards success over the past four years.”

“All of these people have given me the confidence that I need to succeed in both school and life,” she added.

Gallucci said her parents “instilled in me the value of a good education” from a young age, and that lesson has proven vital.

“I was always a heard working person that strove for perfection, but it was my parents who taught me that you had to do well in school to create opportunities for success,” she said.

2. Kalyn Ricciuti

Class of 2015 salutatorian Kalyn Ricciuti, 18, will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall, majoring in biomedical engineering.

While at Johnston High, Ricciuti was a captain for Academic Decathlon, vice president of Tri-M, and a member of the concert band, jazz band, newspaper and National Honor Society.

In addition to being named salutatorian, her special recognitions and awards include the Woody Herman Jazz Award; being named a Rhode Island Scholar for outstanding SAT achievement; an honorable mention for participation in the National Spanish Exam; the Excellence in Math award; and membership in the Rhode Island Honor Society. She additionally received the Rhode Island Red Sox Scholarship, the Johnston School Music Association Scholarship, the Honey Dew Donuts Scholarship, the Paul F. Ronci Memorial Scholarship, and the Entergy Scholarship.

“My most vivid memories of high school are those from extracurricular activities,” Ricciuti said. “No matter how stressed I was with school work, activities like band and Academic Decathlon were ways to have fun with my friends. Participating in such activities was like a reward for our hard work academically.”

Ricciuti said many teachers at Johnston High “fostered the love that I have for learning,” and “kept me engaged and excited to learn new material, which was a huge part of my success.” She said her parents “motivated me to excel and learn before I was old enough to start school,” and that “being surrounded by other intelligent individuals, like myself, also motivated me.”

“Many of these individuals were my friends and there has always been a friendly competition between us,” she added. “We have always pushed each other to reach our goals.”

3. Edward Esposito

Edward Esposito, 18, will attend Brown University in the fall to study pre-medical sciences.

While at Johnston High, Esposito served as president of the National Honor Society and Chemistry Club, and as vice president of Best Buddies. He participated in Academic Decathlon, the newspaper, and the concert, marching and jazz bands, and served as a catechism teacher.

In addition to ranking third in his class, Esposito’s special recognitions and honors include winning first grant in the State Science Fair; being named a Rhode Island Scholar for outstanding SAT achievement; the Excellence in Science and Excellence in Spanish awards; the U.S. Marine Crops Scholastic Excellence Award; the Gorbea Civic Leadership Award; the American Mathematical Society Book Award; the U.S. Air Force Math and Science Award; membership in the Rhode Island National Honor Society; the Dr. Anthony DeLuise Scholarship; and an honorable mention on the National Spanish Exam.

Esposito said from his high school years, he will most remember “being surrounded by an atmosphere encouraging social and intellectual development through extracurricular involvement and challenging academics.”

He credited the teachers who “love to learn and who love knowledge” for their role in his success, adding: “Some do not stop at just their subject; they give all that they have learned.”

Of his motivation to excel, Esposito said Johnston High’s class of 2013 “inspired me to achieve my potential, truly excel, and strive for both success and perfection.”

4. Matthew Merolla

Matthew Merolla, 18, will attend Bryant University in the fall to study actuarial mathematics.

During his time at Johnston High, Merolla took part in various activities, including the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the school newspaper, the School Float Committee, and the tech crew for Johnston Dance and Performing Arts. A member of Boy Scout Troop 20 in Johnston, he was recently elevated to the rank of Eagle.

Merolla said the most memorable aspect of his high school experience was participating in the music program. He spent two years in the Rhode Island Senior All-State Band playing tuba, serving as the principal tubist in 2015. He was the lower brass section leader of the school band – playing tuba, trombone and baritone – and was the electric and upright bassist in the high school band.

Merolla credited his parents, scoutmasters David Curtin and Steve Pagliarini, and music educators Ron Lamoureux and Oliver Reid for their support and inspiration. His motivation to excel, he said, stems from his “desire to fulfill my greatest potential in all aspects of life.”

5. Tiana D’Acchioli

Tiana D’Acchioli, 17, plans to attend Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga., in the fall to pursue a degree in psychology.

While at Johnston High, D’Acchioli partipated in the Photography Club, Float Committee, chorus, track and field, and National Honor Society, and served as editor of the school newspaper.

In addition to ranking fifth in the class of 2015, D’Acchioli’s special honors and recognitions include the Excellence in English award, the Pell Medal for U.S. History, the U.R.I. Book Award, the Outstanding Merit Award from the Order of the Sons of Italy, and being named a Scholar Athlete.

“I’ll remember the laughs I’ve shared with fellow athletes and Float Committee members, as well as our amazing class advisor that made every event fun and welcoming,” D’Acchioli said.

She credited Mr. DiMaio, Mrs. Denham, and her friends Mackenzie, Jenna, Natalie, Kathenne and Nick for contributing to her success.

Regarding her motivation to excel, D’Acchioli said: “I consider myself a forward thinker and someone that always considers the consequences of my actions, so my hope for the future fuels the decisions I make now.”

6. Tori Silva

Tori Silva, 18, will attend Suffolk University in Boston in the fall, majoring in corporate finance and global business.

While at Johnston High, Silva served as class treasurer and Student Council representative, and was a member of the Float Committee, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), the Panther Cubs, and the Junior and National Honor societies.

In addition to ranking sixth in her class, Silva’s special recognitions and accomplishments include receiving the Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement and Social Conscience during his junior year; receiving an award for attendance at Providence College’s Junior Leadership Conference; and being selected for the Timothy Westell Memorial Scholarship.

“I will always remember the lessons learned, the relationships created, and the memories made over the past four years with all of my friends and teachers,” she said. I will especially treasure the relationships made with the teachers who have allowed me to succeed. Although it would be too hard to list all of the great memories I have made with all of my friends, float season will definitely be the saddest memory to leave behind.”

Asked who most contributed to her success, and her enjoyment of high school, Silva said: “It goes without saying that I owe the majority of my success and enjoyment of high school to my wonderful parents. I couldn’t have excelled without their constant love and support. As for my class advisor, Mr. DiMaio, I’m sure that I am speaking on behalf of the entire class when I say that there are no words to express my gratitude for everything you have done these last four years. Your jokes will be missed tremendously. I’d also like to thank Ms. Picano and Ms. Ruggiero for being such inspirational eductors; you are truly an asset to the faculty. Mrs. Fagundes, I definitely couldn’t have survived senior year without you. Finally, thank you to all of my friends who have made these high school years enjoyable and unforgettable. May the memories of our time here last a lifetime.”

Regarding her motivation to excel, Silva said: “I have always been self-motivated to excel academically and obtain good grades in school, and for that, I am thankful for my parents for encouraging me to work hard and focus on my studies. I believe that this motivation stems from my desire to be proud of the work that I produce.”

7. Aaron Perfetto

Aaron Perfetto, 18, will attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall to study pharmacy.

At Johnston High, Perfetto served as class vice president, and was a member of the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, Panther Cubs, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), the football, basketball and baseball teams, and Float Committee. In addition to ranking seventh in the class of 2015, his special recognitions and honors include being named a Scholar Athlete, receiving the “Golden Dozen” award, and being named to the football All-League All-Academic team.

“I will forever remember and cherish the memories I made throughout high school through my involvement in sports and extracurricular activities,” Perfetto said. “The friendships I have made from Johnston High School, inside and outside the classroom, will last a lifetime.”

Perfetto said his parents, Steven and Dawn; brother, Steven; teacher and class advisor, Lou DiMaio; coaches Joe Acciardo and Steve DeMeo; and close friends contributed most to his success and enjoyment of high school.

Regarding his motivation to excel, Perfetto said: “My success throughout high school was motivated by the reward and recognition of hard work upon completing or being involved in something. After four years, my dedication and desire for everything I do had paid off.”

8. Mackenzie Carroll

Mackenzie Carroll, 18, plans to attend Hostra University in Hempstead, N.Y., in the fall. She is undecided on a major, but is interested in writing.

At Johnston High, Carroll served as an Academic Decathlon captain and secretary of Best Buddies, and was a member of the cross country team, school newspaper and National Honor Society. She also played baritone in the band, and this year had joined the jazz band.

In addition to ranking eighth in the class of 2015, Carroll’s special honors and recognitions include willing three medals in Academic Decathlon, including a gold medal at this year’s competition. She also participated in the PC Honors Band.

Carroll said she will most remember “playing in the band with all of my friends and the many hours spent with my Decathlon team.” She credits her family – “especially my mom, who has always supported me” – and friends “who have pushed me to do my best” with contributing most to her success and enjoyment of the last four years.

Regarding her motivation to excel, Carroll said: “I have been lucky enough to have really intelligent friends who have motivated me to do well in school.”

9. Katherine L. Rocha

Katherine L. Rocha, 18, will attend Rhode Island College in the fall to study criminal justice.

At Johnston High School, Rocha was a captain of the volleyball team and a member of the track team, Police Explorers, Mock Trial and National Honor Society.

In addition to ranking ninth in the class of 2015, Rocha’s special honors and recognitions include being named Outstanding Italian Student and receiving the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award.

“I would hope to remember the friendships I have made, the success of the JHS volleyball team and the advice I received from my teachers,” she said.

Rocha credited her teachers, family and friends with contributing most to her success and enjoyment of high school. Regarding her motivation to excel, she said: “My younger sister, Amanda, pushed me to do my best.”

10. Ashley Gallante

Ashley Gallante, 18, will attend Rhode Island College in the fall to study nursing.

During her time at Johnston High, Gallante was a singer in the Select Chorus and a journalist with the school newspaper.

In addition to ranking 10th in the class of 2015, Gallante’s special honors and recognitions include a certificate of achievement in Algebra II; Outstanding Effort in Career and Consumer Awareness; Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Architectural Design; Outstanding Effort in Spanish; Outstanding Effort in Geometry; Outstanding Effort in Honors Biology; Outstanding Effort in American History II Honors; Outstanding Achievement in British Literature; and Outstanding Effort in Spanish III Honors.

From her high school years, Gallante said she will most remember “my academic experiences along with the great times I spent with my friends and my teachers who were influential to me.”

Gallante credited her friends and family, as well as guidance counselor Ms. Mallari and many of her teachers, with most contributing to her success and enjoyment of high school. She said the “encouragement from my family and teachers” motivated her to excel.

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