Newman Senior Spotlight 2024: Extracurricular Activities
BOSTON, MASS - As the year is coming to an end, seniors are still working on their extracurricular activities. Their activities are in a variety of subjects such as art, languages, math, music, science, sport, volunteer work, and work experience. They also reflected on their favorite and least favorite activities and have advice for 9th grade.
Art
Art is a very creative process under which many activities fall. Many seniors this year participated in a variety of events that can be considered art.
Caroline Burke ’24 explains, “I’ve gained a lot of experience in the arts, which is something I intend to pursue in college!” She further mentions that she has made films.
Alikhan Kaukenayev ’24 says, “I am apart of Newman Theater Company as an actor last year and as a sound person this year. That would be my artistic aspect of the application.”
Similarly to Kaukenayev, Maraki Tesfaye ’24 mentions “I've also had experience with theater which could fall under art.”
Laura Lopes ’24 describes, “I have partaken in Newman art classes since ninth grade and have been building up my skills ever since. I am currently taking HL Art and am looking to apply into architecture for college.”
Isabella Siciliano ’24 adds, “I'm now leading my own photography club”.
“I also danced Ballet for about 12 years,” explains Angelina Panepucci ’24.
Another senior adds, “I have always done art as a hobby and submitted anonymous writing pieces to literary organizations over the years.”
A lot of seniors enjoy arts in their free time whether that is dancing, theater, photography, creative writing, or something else entirely. Some are even considering going to art school.
Languages
Language is a way to communicate and express thoughts. This can be a very creative process. Seniors enjoy taking classes involving languages, speak different languages at home, or join language related clubs.
Kaukenayev explains, “Because of my background, I was able to cover most of the languages. I am from Kazakhstan, therefore I grew up speaking Kazakh and Russian before learning English and moving to the United States. I'm now studying French.” He also takes HL English.
Panepucci describes a similar situation, “I am very privileged to have grown up in a bilingual home, specifically Portuguese and English. However, I was raised in Switzerland, so I speak both German and Swiss German as well.”
Bruke mentions, “[I’ve] written and performed poetry slams.”
Quynh Ahn Tran ‘24 says, “I recently gained a 50% scholarship worth $3000 to participate in a Cambridge and Oxford summer program this upcoming summer 2024 because I was one of the winning runners up for the Immerse essay competition.”
A lot of seniors learn languages due to their background. Some participate in creative writing such as poetry. A few even get scholarships due to their excellence in writing.
Mathematics
Mathematics allows students to explore a world of numbers. Surprisingly to many, math can be used to explain most of the world such as patterns in nature. Seniors learn math in many different ways.
Kaukenayev says, “In terms of math and science, I am able to say that I take all of my STEM classes as HL”
Panepucci describes, “Over the summer I was in a program where I worked one-on-one with a Ph.D. student at MIT. Through this program I learned more about calculus, which ultimately solidified my plan to major in mathematics in college (along with biochemistry).”
While some seniors take math classes, others have done math related summer programs. They really upped their math skills knowing how important it can be in future studies.
Music
Music is a very creative and emotional way to express yourself. A lot of the seniors play instruments, sing, or participate in other musical activities. They may do so in recitals, with bands, or out of pleasure at home.
Bruke describes, “Throughout high school, I’ve served as lead singer of Newman House Band [and] acted in many musicals.”
Panepucci explains, “I have experience in music and dance as I grew up playing the violin, piano, and viola. I played these instruments since I was 5, and still take classes for violin.”
Transays, “I am also a co-leader of Newman House Band with Caroline, I play the piano & made all the practice schedules, event organizations, and advertising (I made the posters that you see around the school).”
Kaukenayev mentions, “I don't play any instruments, and that's fine with me.”
Some seniors participate in musical clubs at school, while others play instruments at home. There are also seniors who don’t do any music at all.
Science
Science explains the world in different ways. It is constantly developing as we find out more and there are many different fields of sciences. A lot of seniors learn about sciences in school, summer programs or in other ways.
He further explains, “I do work in a lab at MGH Hospital. I am currently studying basic lab skills in this laboratory, such as micro pipetting, preparing a medium for the cells, labeling and counting the cells, and so on.” He is also “a member of the environmental club.”
Panepucci says, “The sciences are also my passion, specifically biology; it is my favorite class. I was raised in a family filled with scientists, so I'm not surprised to find both excitement and comfort in the subject.”
Tran mentions, “I was a part of a psychology and neuroscience summer program with NSLC at American University in Washington DC (that was in 10th grade).”
“I have been a member of the Junior Academy and 1000 girls 1000 futures of the New York Academy of Sciences for two years now, which according to google, has a 6-10% acceptance rate. I am also leading my own New York Academy of Sciences team to build a website/algorithm for my Period AI project,” she adds.
While some seniors are part of science classes, others gain experiences in sciences through work or programs. Newman seniors are interested in a variety of sciences.
Sport
Sport is a good way to relax and helps you get away from things. It is also good for your health. A lot of seniors this year participate in sports whether that is with the school or outside of school.
Kaukenayev describes, “I participated in crew last year and PE my sophomore and freshman years. I enjoyed crew because it was a team sport in which if one person is out of balance, the entire boat is out of balance.”
Siciliano explains, “[ I ] am the Girl's Captain of the cross-country team.”
Khalil Badru ’24 says, “My favorite activities would have to be basketball for me.”
Similarly KeSean Shillingford ’24, mentions, “I enjoy playing basketball.”
Among the seniors, basketball seems to be one of their favorite sports. Despite that, there are still other sports seniors participate in such as cross country and crew.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer work is a great way to show that you want to be a valued member of the community and be part of the solution for issues that the entire society needs to resolve. Seniors partake in many different volunteer opportunities.
Kaukenayev says, “I've been volunteering every Saturday since February 2022. I organize and speak to beginner-level English learners for the Sarah Komek charity in Kazakhstan. My favorite aspect of the experience has been being a welcoming and supportive individual to those learning a brand new language.”
Lopes describes, “For the past three years, we have worked on volunteer/charity work. During 10th grade, I led the team to fundraise for the WISER charity where we successfully raised more than $800. The charity helps prevent child marriage and educate young women in Africa. During 11th grade, I co-led a donation drive for The Women’s Lunch Place, a local shelter in Boston, and gathered $500 worth of supplies for the shelter.”
Sicilliano mentions, “I also have gained experience in volunteer work within Newman by being an ambassador and outside of Newman with an organization called Boston Cares serving food to those in need.”
Another senior explains, “I've dabbled in volunteer work over the past two years, such as tutoring elementary kids.”
Many of the seniors have done a variety of volunteer work, which covers different topics. While some of them are a one time thing, other volunteer activities are regular.
Work Experience
One can learn a lot from work experiences. They give a glimpse into the work life and allow you to understand which jobs you would be interested in. The seniors have participated in a variety of jobs.
Kaukenayev explains, “I haven't worked in any of the restaurants, stores, or other jobs that the majority of my peers have, but I do work in a lab at MGH Hospital.”
Will Larson ’24 says, “While on my own I have worked on my own as both a golf caddy and an intern.”
There is a surprising variety in the jobs the seniors work. While some select something specific they are interested in, others just pick a more regular job.
Other Activities
There is a variety of extracurriculars. Some of them can not be put into one of the categories above. Some seniors have participated in some of those activities.
Kaukenayev says, “I am a member of the environmental club, peer tutoring, and the yearbook. All of these activities are things I wanted to do during and after school. I enjoy teaching others, being involved in the community, and being around people in general.”
Burke explains, “[ I’ve ] organized the Arts Cafes at the Boston Public Library!”
Lopes mentions, “I am the co-president of the Gender Equity Club.”
Some seniors do more activities that do not fall into the categories. Most of the activities they chose are chosen out of interest. Even if they are all chosen out of personal interest, there are always favorite activities.
Kaukenayev describes, “Without a doubt, my medical lab. I enjoy going there after school to speak with my lab mentor about what we will learn today. I appreciate how she teaches every element of the subject while still giving me practice. My favorite school club, however, is the yearbook. I'm biased since all of my friends are in it, so it's just another excuse to hang out after school. I also find it fascinating to create a completely new book from scratch, loaded with happy recollections of the academic year.”
Sicilliano says, “I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities I've done throughout my time at Newman, however, my favorite has for sure been being the leader of the photography club. When you're the leader of a club, you become more connected to everyone in it on a different level, and being able to organize activities and related events for the students in the club has been my favorite thing.”
Eoin Pedreschi ’24 explains, “My favorite activities that I have done are sport, and work experience. I feel like both of these activities taught me the most about myself and lessons about the world. Experiencing adversity, whether that is on a busy Saturday night at work, or an important game, puts me in a position to adapt under pressure and learn.”
Ashley Gillespie ’24 mentions, “My favorite is the combination of art, leadership and work because that, for me, is LARP (Live Action Role Play) and I love to share my passion with as many people as I can.”
Badru states, “My favorite activities would have to be basketball for me. I've been able to go far with it and go to college for free and have the opportunities to play pro after.”
Shillingford adds, “Sports and volunteer work are definitely my favorites because I enjoy playing basketball and also helping people out and building communities.”
Another senior says, “My favorite will always be volunteering as a tutor because of how much my students have taught me (mind you these are tiny 4th graders with ample personality). It brought me joy and helped me figure out what I might want to do later in life.”
Tesfaye describes, “I enjoyed basketball because it’s a fun sport and you are able to connect with a bunch of new students from Newman. You get to have fun on the court with your friends along with playing a fun sport. ... I also enjoyed volunteering for GLAM because I helped younger girls learn math and enjoy a subject that I love. Being a person who loves math and seeing others develop their strength for math because of my help brings me joy because I have helped them enjoy a subject they may have at once not enjoyed.”
Larson explains, “My favorite activities are first sports, playing AAA basketball is very fun and teaches me more than I could have ever imagined as not only an athlete but as a student and person. I also have enjoyed my work experiences and enjoy all my classes but I am a math and science person.”
There is a diversity in the favorite activities of the seniors. Surprisingly very little seniors have least favorite activities.
“In fact, none. I signed up for things that I knew I'd enjoy. Although having so much going on after school can be bothersome at times, at the end of the day, I don't regret anything,” Kaukenayev says.
Lopes adds, “I really don't think I have any, I am passionate about everything I do and work to accomplish.”
Similarly Shillingford states, “I don't really have a least favorite; I enjoyed them all.”
Pedreschi describes, “Activities surrounding math and science are definitely my least favorite. I struggle to stay engaged, unless I am invested in something my mind tends to wander. Math and science have never been my strengths, so investing my time and effort into them is difficult.”
Similarly Badru mentions, “My least favorite activities would probably be science because I wouldn't say I'm the best at it.”
Gillespie explains, “My personal least favorite is languages purely because I am bad at learning new languages and don't have any direct motivation to do so.”
Tesfaye says, “I wouldn't say I had a least favorite activity but rather activities that were challenging. Theater at first was a challenging activity for me because I was an introverted person and it forced me to step outside of my comfort zone which has allowed me to develop for the better as a person.”
Larson explains, “I really dislike my online Chinese language course and nearly all language courses I have taken.”
Tran describes, “My least favorite ones are probably the New York Academy of Sciences one because I don't know much about STEM related subjects. The reason I applied to the programs in the first place was because I just thought it'd be cool to join and I didn't expect to get in (somehow they accepted me).”
A lot of seniors dislike the activities that are related to subjects they dislike or aren’t very good at. The seniors also have advise for 9th graders.
Kaukenayev says, “I wish someone had told me to start thinking about colleges in 9th grade, to sign up for summer courses, and to simply live life by doing things I enjoy. Also, find an extracurricular activity that excites you; otherwise, you will burn out and despise it.”
Bruke explains, “As a freshman, I wish I’d known not to take everything so seriously - that there’d be lots of ups and downs, some days would be harder and more stressful than others, and some would be great… But at the end of the day, it’s literally just high school. We’re all young and still figuring ourselves out, even as seniors. We should not hold each other, nor ourselves to a standard of perfection.”
Lopes describes to never drop your favorite activities. “This is more of a tenth grade wish, but I wish I wouldn't have dropped swimming. Swimming was one of my deepest passions. It just couldn't work out with my schedule and would have taken over my whole life, but I do miss it and wish I had the support to give it a shot.”
Siciliano states, “The one thing I wished I would've known in ninth grade would be that connections and friendships will always be changing and as your time progresses you'll learn more about yourself as a person, also that the diploma program is extremely challenging.”
Pedreschi mentions, “Don’t be afraid to talk to new people, impressions matter.”
Gillespie adds, “I wish I had the confidence I have now and the knowledge that as long as I give it my all the results don't matter because there was nothing more I could give.”
Badru says, “In ninth grade I wish I would've known that you don't have to be someone you aren't to fit in.”
Shillingford explains, “In ninth grade, I wish I would've known how to enjoy the moment and to come out of my comfort zone.”
Panepucci describes, “I think the one thing I wish someone had told me in 9th grade was that it was okay to not do great at something, and that highschool is about growing as a person, while also learning.”
Another senior mentions, “Be in your own lane and do not get caught up in the desire to "fit in." The term is loosely used nowadays but if you have a goal in mind — regardless of how minute or grand it is— attack it at full force. You control your own narrative, so make decisions wisely in your younger years. It is better to relish your solitude rather than feel lonely in a friend group, so do what you will with that info.”
Similarly Tesfaye says, “In ninth grade, I wish I would have known to not let other people affect my life, live it the way I want to. Also just to have fun and hangout with friends more often.”
Sophie Van Riel ‘26 mentions, “Do not be scared to try new things (join new activities, try new classes, do new sports).”
Larson describes, “That school needs to be taken very seriously from day one, there is no time for adjustment and you need to dive in head first so that it becomes second nature. It took me too long to adapt and harmed my progressions of studies.”
Tran explains, “9th grade advice? Join as many clubs as you can to explore which activities interest you the most & try to do more activities that are related to the field that you're interested in to build a strong profile for college. Try to make friends and connect with your teachers as much as you can. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, ask for help. Be cringey, be outspoken and weird. To quote from the movie ‘the Imitation Game’: ‘Sometimes it’s the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.’”
Overall, the seniors have participated in many different extracurricular activities in various subjects such as art, languages, math, music, science, sport, volunteer work, and work experience. Their advice for 9th grade is to be yourself, to not drop your favorite activities, and to try new things.
Available in the Winter 2024 Print Edition
