The 2024-2025 school year is officially coming to an end. Our seniors had their last day on May 30th and are now going on with their future plans. The Class of 2025 is a class that brought so much energy and memories and that is something that Somerset Berkley will always cherish. This year the top two students from the graduating class are Jasper Troutman and Allison Kettle. They are two extremely talented students who have worked very hard throughout their high school career in order to make it to this point. The Valedictorian has not been announced yet between Jasper and Allison which is something exciting to forward to. Jasper has been nominated Valedictorian at other events but Allison is super close behind. Graduation will take place on June 6th this year and we look forward to hearing the speech from the Valedictorian. Both of them express the characteristics of a raider and are role models for the school. Next year Jasper plans on attending Northeastern University in Massachusetts and Allison plans on attending Vassar College in New York. I thought it would be nice to interview the top two seniors and hear about their journey.
How does it feel to be ranked one of the top students in your grade?
Jasper: I feel both proud of myself and honored to be at the top, especially considering how talented, hardworking, and creative my class is as a whole.
Allison: I am proud of myself and the hard work I’ve put in during high school, and grateful for the teachers, friends, and family who have encouraged and supported me along the way. In particular, I am grateful for my mom who has always prioritized education and making an impact on those around me. By reading to me and my siblings since we were young and reading every book assigned in my English classes alongside me, she has inspired my love for learning and school.
What are some extracurricular activities that you participated in throughout high school?
Jasper: I was involved in DECA, HOSA, student council, the student advisory committee, and National Honor Society within school. Outside of school, I worked at the YMCA as a lifeguard and played tennis, golf, and ran.
Allison: In school, I have been a member of HOSA, Big Buddy, Girl Up, Model UN, student council, the yearbook club, and the school committee. Outside of school, I have participated in research and shadowing with doctors in the neuropsychology field, tutored middle school students, and volunteered at Charlton Memorial Hospital.
What was the best part of high school and what was the worst?
Jasper: The best part of high school is easily the time spent with friends and loved ones. High school is absolutely a time that comes and goes a lot faster than you’d expect so put extra emphasis on spending time with your friends and family when you can. The worst part of high school was definitely all the nights staying up until past midnight doing homework. Was it worth it? I don’t really know.
Allison: The best part of high school has been making new friends and having the opportunity to work with them in school. I really enjoyed doing group projects and studying together. Traveling to Dallas, Texas for the International Leadership HOSA conference and working together with other HOSA members was also a highlight. The worst part of high school was the disappointment that came with college decisions and feeling as though my hard work had not been worth it.
What is something that high school has taught you?
Jasper: High school has taught me the value of making genuine and real connections with people, whether it be with teachers, bosses, coworkers, or putting time into your friendships to strengthen them or meet new people. It genuinely makes life so much easier to have people going through the same things you are going through and being able to reach out to someone when you might need help.
Allison: I have learned that I should recognize my own worth instead of relying on validation from teachers, peers, or grades to feel good about myself. There is more to high school than grades and I wish I realized that sooner.
What was your favorite memory at SBRHS over the past four years?
Jasper: My favorite memory at SBRHS over the past couple years is definitely Mr Loper’s class. If you have him or have had him, you know how he can really keep you on your toes and not know what to expect next.
Allison: My favorite memory was winning first place at the Academic WorldQuest competition and being able to visit Washington, D.C. with some of my best friends.
What was your favorite year of high school and why?
Jasper: Senior year. While for me it was the most work, I definitely got to see my friends the most and had the most freedom. I also think I grew a lot as a person and understood a lot more about myself than I did during any other year.
Allison: My favorite year of high school was my junior year. Although my classes and extracurriculars were stressful, I still enjoyed myself without the stress of college applications and decisions.
If you could describe your high school experience using a song, what song would it be?
Jasper: Someday by The Strokes
Allison: “Ooh La La” by Faces
What is one thing that you want others to remember about you?
Jasper: I hope that people remember me as kind. I know that I might not have seemed like the most approachable or easy person to talk to, but I was and am always willing to help someone out whether it comes to advice, a favor, or even just needing someone to talk to.
Allison: I hope that others remember me as someone who truly loved to learn and as someone to look up to in their high school pursuits.
