1. Mathilda Corcoran

Mathilda Corcoran, Cranston High School East’s class of 2022 valedictorian, will attend Brown University in the fall where she plans to study biology.

Corcoran had success both on and off the field. Tennis captain and president of the National Art Honor Society, her extracurricular involvement included Science Club and the Bolts Broadcasting Corps; Corcoran was also the recipient of the WCFA Emerging Artist award, MIT NEST Science Award and Sons of Italy Award.

Of her four years in high school, Corcoran will remember being on the tennis team.

“All of my teammates were always very supportive. I met some of my best friends through the team. We planned team bonding activities and always had fun at practices. My coach was especially memorable and would push me to be better on both the court and in my classes,” said Corcoran.

She recognized her teachers for contributing to her success and enjoyment of high school.

“Even during online classes, they always put in the effort to make the class time enjoyable and challenging. My teachers have always wanted what's best for me and pushed me to be the best student I could be,” Corcoran said.

The pandemic also shaped Corcoran’s high school experience.

“To cope with the Covid pandemic, I put more effort into my hobbies. Because I wasn't able to go out, I had a lot more time to pursue other things I enjoy. To keep me busy and socially distant, I started reading more and playing the piano more often. The pandemic changed my outlook because I've become a lot more grateful for the people in my life. I've learned to focus on living in the moment,” Corcoran said.

2. Ghassan Jomaa

Ghassan Jomaa, salutatorian of Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend Brown University this fall. He plans to double major in economics and neuroscience.

“I am thankful for Brown’s Open Curriculum where, on top of my double concentration, I will also be able to tap into the dozens of other interests I am passionate about, like computer science, and continue to learn for the love of learning,” said Jomaa.

At East, Jomaa served as Class Council Treasurer, Class Council President, Student Council President and President of National Honor Society. He was also involved in the Random Acts of Kindness Club, German Club, Green Club, Volleyball Team, Brown Science Prep and Brown’s Pathways to Medicine Program.

“From being a leader at home serving as a role model for my younger and baby brothers to being a leader at school as Student Council President, leadership is a quality that embodies me – and I strive to be a leader every day,” Jomaa said.

In 2021, Jomaa received the Rhode Island Treasurer’s Young Leader Award for his outstanding achievement in math, economics, finance and business-related courses, along with his demonstrated leadership and activeness in the community; he was one of 50 students across the state to be recognized. He also received Cranston East’s Most Valuable Business Student award and was a Rhode Island State Tournament Volleyball champion in 2019.

“I will always remember our camaraderie and strong sense of community; we all felt like one huge family. We maintained a healthy environment and endured the challenges of high school whilst always prioritizing a fun experience,” Jomaa said.

Additionally, he will remember his friends, faculty and family for supporting him.

“Thank you to my mother who constantly encourages me to persevere through any obstacle thrown my way and who continuously motivates me to succeed in anything I do. Thank you to my father whose tremendous hard work, selfless nature, and strong work ethic influenced me to be a conscientious worker, giving everything my all,” Jomaa said.

As for what motivates him, Jomaa said: “An intrinsic desire to become a better version of myself and excel at anything I do. There is endless room for improvement and an everlasting opportunity to progress. There is always the next level, something to aspire to, or something to reach for. Knowing that there are no boundaries, I am fully capable of anything I set my mind to.”

The pandemic reaffirmed Jomaa’s long-term goal to ultimately serve his community as a healthcare professional and better the lives of others.

3. Rachel Cabral

Rachel Cabral, who ranks third in Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend Boston University in the fall. She plans to major in political science with either a minor in human rights studies or international relations. She also hopes to attend law school in the future.

While at East, Cabral was actively involved with Best Buddies (president), National Honor Society, two book clubs, Thunderbolt Sports Media (founding member), Yearbook Club, Class Council (ran largest fundraiser two years in a row), Green Club and was a greeter at PPAC.

“I loved all of my groups, but Thunderbolt Sports Media has a special place in my heart. It allowed me to break out of my shell and learn invaluable skills. If I was not behind the computer editing our website or posting on our Instagram, I was on the sidelines under the Friday night lights capturing shots of our football team,” said Cabral.

Outside of school, Cabral said she has been part of the Cranston Portuguese Folklore Dance Group since age three.

“It has become a cornerstone of who I am and has been so important in preserving Portuguese culture,” said Cabral, who now teaches dance students.

At graduation, she received several awards for her hard work as a student including Dedication to Language Learning, Dedication to History and Citizenship while at East. She was also awarded for her performance in the National Spanish Exam the past two years and received the 2021 Herbert and Claiborne Pell Medal while being one of two nominees for the Presidential Scholar Award from Cranston East.

And what will Cabral remember most?

“I have learned lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life about things like the value of hard work and how far a smile can go! I will also always remember the beautiful diversity that Cranston East had to offer. I cannot imagine living anywhere without it now, which is why I’m so excited to move to a city as diverse as Boston,” Cabral said.

She gave a special shout out to her family for their support throughout her educational journey.

“Between pulling all-nighters to study for an exam, writing a special speech or editing photos of the football team, they were there through it all,” Cabral said.

From getting to school early to go over an essay with me, to a simple ‘how are you?,’ Cabral said her teachers were the ones who made Cranston East so memorable.

“They have helped shape me into the hard worker that I am today and for that I am forever grateful….I also have to thank my closest friends who have been by my side these past few years, it is great to have a support system who always cheers you on,” Cabral said.

Cabral added that she comes from a family of immigrants and is her parents’ first daughter to make it to college.

“Seeing the sacrifices that my parents made to come to America, in itself, was enough motivation for me to give everything my 110%. Growing up, I would hear stories about how they came to the United States with not even as much as a toothbrush. This being my families’ story, I felt that I had to be the one to make all of their struggles worth it,” Cabral said. “There is an unstated pressure that comes with being a first generation student. In my conversations with the many first-gen students at East, I have found this commonality between us all. I chose to use their struggle as my motivation as have many other students. I just hope in the end, I can make them proud and prove to them that all of the pain and suffering was worth it!”

4. Maria Silva

Maria Silva, who ranks fourth in Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend Rhode Island College this fall where she plans to major in computer science.

During her time at East, Silva was a Crochet Club and Hip Hop Team member, Secretary of National Art Honors Society and part of the National Honor Society.

Silva’s awards are plentiful. She received an Honorable Mention in the Scholastics Art and Writing Awards sophomore year with her “Mushroom Nightmare” piece, and the Cranston Hall of Fame also recognized her with a scholarship; she also received a bronze medal in the National Spanish Exam in Junior year and an Honorable Mention in Senior Year

“At convocation I received the Excellence in Statistics Award, Seal of Biliteracy (Gold Portuguese), Alice Hall Allen Class of 1935 Scholarship, Ross Scholarship and Rhonda Beth Goldstien Scholarship.  I was also recognized as part of the Rhode Island Honor Society and received a certificate for Thunderbolt Honor Roll (Highest Honors),” said Silva.

As for what she will remember from high school, Silva said, prom.

“It was a night where I was able to hang out with all of my friend groups and enjoy good music with them,” Silva said.

Her teachers and friends contributed the most to Silva’s success and enjoyment of high school by reaching out to her when they realized she was struggling.

“What motivated me the most to excel was my goals for the future.  However, my friends constantly encouraged me to be the best version of myself,” Silva said.

She added that the pandemic changed her outlook on her social life and the need to experience a fulfilling youth.

5. Nathan Scarborough

Nathan Scarborough, who ranks fifth in Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend Brown University this fall for mathematics.

At East, Scarborough was involved with the Math Team, Theater Club, National Honor Society and was the founder of Chess Club. A member of the Marching Band/Winter Percussion, Scarborough served as the Front Ensemble Captain.

Scarborough said he will remember his teachers and how supportive they all were of his success.

“Mr. Rodolewicz inspired me to pursue math, Ms. Hitchings brought back my passion for musical theater and my close friends made the whole four years a blast,” said Scarborough.

His motivation comes from his teachers and parents reminding him that hard work pays off.

As for Covid, Scarborough said he coped with the pandemic by remaining in touch with friends and taking up new hobbies, like biking and chess.

“The pandemic has made me more prepared by teaching me how quickly everything can change in ways we could never imagine,” Scarborough said.

6. Michael Gonzalez

Michael Gonzalez, who ranks sixth in Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend Columbia University this fall where he plans to study computer science and economics.

For the last three years, Gonzalez was part of Class Council where, this year, he served as treasurer. A member of the Science Club, he competed in the Science Olympiad and on the field was a member of the Boys’ Indoor Track and Tennis teams. Additionally, beginning sophomore year, he attended weekly lessons taught by Brown students through the Brown Science Prep program.

Gonzalez’s academic achievements earned him many recognitions including the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, National Hispanic Recognition Award, American Mathematical Society Award, Paul Reed Scholarship, Alice Hall Allen Scholarship and Ross Scholarship. He received highest honors in school, was inducted into the National Honor Society and the Rhode Island Honor Society, and a candidate for the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

“I'll definitely remember my interactions with my friends and classmates the most. Whether we were sending memes in a group chat, hanging out at our after school clubs or joking around at practice, my friends gave me a reason to get up every day. Every class or club brought a different combination of my friends, and it was always fun to see how crazy we could get with our group projects or assignments,” said Gonzalez.

He added that friends were the biggest factor in him wanting to be in school every day.

“We pushed each other to take challenging, but fun classes and to compete in sports for the school, where we grew closer and made even more friends,” Gonzalez said. “I've been lucky enough to have built new and lasting friendships every year, while also keeping the people who have been there since day one close by.”

He credits his teachers for showing passion for the subjects they taught and keeping students engaged while showing a genuine concern for their lives and wellbeing.

As for Gonzalez’s motivation, he said: “I've always considered myself a sore loser and a hater, so seeing people do better than I am has always fueled me to come back better every year. I didn't want to be just another student and I needed something to be proud of myself for. More than anything, however, I wanted to break out on my own and take control of my life, so when I became an adult, I would not be reliant on others to get by.”

Gonzalez said the pandemic helped him in many ways.

“I got a chance to focus on myself, spend the summer studying for the SAT and get ahead of the college application process. While online school could get very stressful, especially with the dozens of distractions at home, I could always look forward to late-night Discord calls and gaming sessions with the fellas, or texting about school and life while sharing funny TikToks and memes,” Gonzalez said. “When we began our return to ‘normal,’ I signed up for more clubs and sports and began spending more time with my friends. Persevering through a time like this taught me that you can achieve any goal if you're willing and able to accept the cost.”

7. Amy Fang

Amy Fang, who ranks seventh in Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend Holy Cross this fall. She is looking to either major in environmental studies/science or computer science.

At East, Fang played viola in the East Orchestra, served as editor for the Reflections Literary Magazine and was a College Crusader and member of the Green Club and National Honor Society. Her honors and recognition include the Excellence in English Book Award, Ross Scholarship, Vincent D. Morgera Memorial Scholarship and Agnes Meade Tramonti Memorial Scholarship.

Of all her high school experiences, Fang said she’ll remember the East Orchestra concerts and field trips.

“Nothing else was like the unique experience of getting dressed in all black and stressing about going up on stage under the spotlight, feeling the performance itself go by like a blur and then sitting afterward in the taped-off section of the audience watching others perform,” said Fang.

She added that she will also remember walking through East’s hallways and wings, especially the fourth and first floors and the library, with its artwork and mix of the older and modern architecture.

Fang said her family, teachers and friends added to her enjoyment of high school – especially her orchestra teacher, Mrs. Lowell, Green Club advisor, Mrs. Campbell, and English/URI and Creative Writing teacher Mrs. Maker. She said it was reassuring to have constant and enjoyable activities throughout her four years at East.

“For orchestra, it was being able to see my friends, know what to expect from classes, and events like our concerts to look forward to each year. Green Club was another area of stability. After joining the club in my freshman year, I continually obtained enough community service hours through participating in the club alone. Additionally, it gave me a place where I could contribute to my school's well-being and an area where I regularly took pride in accomplishing my work,” Fang said.

She gave Maker a shout out, saying her positive and flexible personality made for fun class settings where Fang felt relaxed and accomplished unique projects such as a sewing tutorial, short story and teach-in.

“The desire to get into a good college and obtain a well-paying career to support my family motivated me to excel,” Fang said.

She said the pandemic has added more incentive for her to get a well-paying career and have money prepared for potential hospital bills or periods of economic trouble.

“Prices rising and people losing their jobs further reminded me of the need to be prepared and have money for groceries and gas,” Fang said. 

8. Susanna Ovsepian

Susanna Ovsepian, who ranks eighth in Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend Northeastern University this fall where she plans to study Biology/pre-med.

Within the school community, Ovsepian was secretary for the Class of 2022 Council and secretary for the National Honor Society. She participated in the Science Club, Build a Better Future Club, Crochet Club, Yearbook, National Art Honors Society and was a Girls’ Tennis Team member.

Ovsepian’s other special recognitions include receiving the Picerne Scholarship, Woman's Club scholarship and Bernard McLaughlin scholarship.

“I will remember all the amazing memories I made with my friends, especially laughing in class when we were supposed to be quiet (sorry Mr. Smith),” said Ovsepian. “All of my close friends and teachers encouraged me everyday to try my best and made it enjoyable to come to class. They always motivated me to do my best, and I appreciate them.”

Ovsepian credited her parents for motivating her to do her best – adding that they immigrated to the states to give her a better life.

“My dad had always motivated me to do my best in school, and even inspired me to become a doctor as he was a biomedical engineer himself. My mom has shown me that hard work can lead you to your dreams,” Ovsepian said.

She added that Covid taught her that life can bring surprising challenges but “it is always important to look on the bright side and keep moving forward with good thoughts, good words and good deeds.”

9. Trinity Saab

Trinity Saab, who ranks ninth in Cranston High School East’s class of 2022, will attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall where she plans to major in Civil Engineering and possibly Spanish.

During her time at East, Saab was a member of the Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams and served as varsity captain for volleyball. She also participated in tennis and the Crochet Club; Saab was a member of the National Honor Society both junior and senior year.

This year, Saab was nominated for student athlete of the year by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. She has also achieved either high honors or highest honors during all four years at Cranston East.

Saab said she will remember the people she’s met thanks to being part of the Cranston community. She added that people who contributed most to the success and enjoyment of the past four years were classmates and teammates.

“Knowing that there were constantly people by my side, at times struggling and having a hard time just like me was constantly comforting and made falling down a little less hurtful,” said Sabb. “Spending almost everyday with them for long periods of time made the boring things less boring and the hard things easier.”

What motivated her to excel?

Saab said it was the  knowledge that she was doing everything for a reason.

“I was waking up at 6:30, staying up late to do homework, going to the library to study and working my butt off after coming home from practices and games everyday for more than half of the year for a reason,” Saab said. 

Saab added that coping with the pandemic hasn't been easy.

“For the longest time I had this mindset that I was okay and my family was okay, so nothing bad could really happen that would ruin that. In December of this school year, I was proved wrong as our Coach McGonagle passed away due to Covid. Since then, I've now realized that unexpected things happen and that when they do, the best things we can do are 1.) find alone time to reflect and think about what is happening in the moment, and 2.) surround yourself with people who get it and are there to support and comfort you. Being around people whether it's been family or friends has helped with getting through the pandemic.”

10. Maral Zobian

ty this fall. She plans to major in interior design with a minor in real estate.

Zobian served as the Vice President of the Yearbook Club and is a member of the Random Acts of Kindness Club, Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian Scouts, Nazeli Dance Group, and was on the Cranston East basketball and volleyball team in ninth and tenth grade. She is also a skillful piano player who has taken piano lessons and performed at local and regional events. Additionally she is a graduate of Mourad Armenian School, certified helper of children ages 4 and 8.

For awards, Zobian received the Peter Doc. Bedrossian Athletic Achievement Award from Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, the Seal of Biliteracy (Silver in Spanish), the Vincent D. Morgera Scholarship and the Ross Scholarship.

“I will remember creating strong bonds and friendships through similar interests,” said Zobian. “My friends and I share the same drive and passion to succeed, and we motivate each other. Although the end of high school is bittersweet, I know I have the everlasting friendships I have made at Cranston East as a reminder of my time spent there.”

She was also thankful for her friends and the memories they made together and said she pushed herself in order to succeed through high school.

“While sometimes I honestly did not feel like doing my work, or studying for hours on end, it was me who reminded myself of the ultimate finish line,” Zobian said. “The goal to succeed academically motivated me throughout high school to excel. I knew that I wanted to be able to look back on my high school years and be proud of what I accomplished. This helpful look into the future helped present-time me stay motivated to get my work done and stay on track.”

During the pandemic, Zobian said her mental health was affected.

“Although I am very independent and love doing things alone, I find comfort in the company of others …. I wasn’t allowed to see my friends, and it scared me how everyone seemed to be so frightened of their peers. My motivation and discipline in school definitely changed because everything felt like a choice, and it was not until this year that I noticed how much my scholarly tendencies had adjusted. However, I pushed myself through this adversity and noticed that I am stronger than I was before,” Zobian said.