Congratulations to the Nottingham Class of 2023 Valedictorian & Salutatorian!
We're so proud of our soon-to-be Class of 2023 #SCSDGraduates! This week, we're excited to share more about each of our high school Valedictorians and Salutatorians. Today, learn about Nottingham's top two scholars - and stay tuned as we feature the Valedictorian and Salutatorian from Corcoran, PSLA at Fowler, and Henninger later this week.Nottingham Valedictorian – Maya Montena
What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?I will be attending SUNY Albany, where I plan to study Public Health. I hope to pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist. My mom is a nurse and my aunt is an Occupational Therapist. It seems like a rewarding career and it would be great to help people.
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
Girl Up, Theater (techie), National Honor Society
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
The best part of my high school experience was all of theater combined! There were lots of ups and downs, but being able to come out of my shell in theater really helped me. I owe a lot to the people I met there – I made what I hope are lifelong friendships.
What was your proudest moment in high school?
My proudest moment was when I received a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art Awards for a photo that I took. I was proud of the photo itself, but it was extra cool to have it recognized!
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m most looking forward to being on my own and being able to find myself outside of the expectations that are set out for me. I’m looking forward to trying to hone my experience as my own.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD?
The best thing I’ve learned is how to be independent. I’ve learned to go with my own flow instead of following the crowd. It’s a hard thing to learn in a big school, but I’ve really found my place – my niche.
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
Don’t pressure yourself too much. There can be so much competition fostered in the school environment, but it won’t benefit you. Focus on your own progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
What is something major you hope to achieve in life?
I hope to be able to significantly help someone and change their life in a positive way.
Nottingham Salutatorian – Benjamin Tobin
What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?I will be attending Williams College. I enjoy Physics, Political Science, and Math — I‘ll see where that takes me!
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
This year I am an exchange student in Düsseldorf, Germany through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship program (CBYX). At Nottingham, I was an avid “attorney” on the Mock Trial Team and a member of the Film Society and Math Club. I’ve also enjoyed playing the violin solo and in many ensembles, including in the “pit” of last year’s school musical. On Saturdays, I wrote in the Young Author’s Academy at the downtown YMCA.
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
The relationships I built with my peers as well as with several very dedicated teachers.
What was your proudest moment in high school?
My proudest moment in high school was competing in the NYS High School Mock Trial Semi-Finals! It was the culmination of 3 years of challenging litigation practice. Our team’s competition that day was thrilling and validating.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m looking forward to having more agency in what and how I study — and how I spend my time more generally.
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD?
Stamina!
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
Ask for help. Usually people are not only willing to share information, re-explain things, or lend a hand, they are eager to.
