Top 2 BHS grads recognized
Dedication and hard work led Kathleen Hartono to be chosen valedictorian for Bearden High School Class of 2023, while close behind was Nathan Brusseau, chosen as salutatorian.
“There are several other qualified Bearden students who have also dedicated their time and efforts to change their community, to achieve great accomplishments in their lives,” Hartono said.
Among her many BHS extracurricular activities, “the ones most significant to me are: Science Olympiad, Environmental Club and Science Bowl,” she said.
About her time at BHS, “I made memories and learned lessons,” Hartono said. “Personally, I most enjoyed the course material that I have encountered. However, I believe that Bearden should promote their advanced STEM classes more frequently, especially to women.
“I encourage those who are in need of help to reach out to their grade counselors, teachers and friends, she added.
After graduation, Hartono plans to attend college but has not decided on which college.
However, “my declared major is chemical engineering,” she said. “STEM has been a constant throughout my high school career and life since a young age.
Brusseau said being salutatorian “represents the consistent effort and dedication to academics. It is an honor to hold this title.”
At BHS, Brusseau was a member of HOSA, American Red Cross, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society and the varsity golf team.
“The teachers are passionate about what they teach and encourage us to challenge ourselves,” he said. “The rest of the faculty did an amazing job making school a safe and fun place for learning.”
Looking back, though, “I’d say my mom inspired me the most,” Brusseau said about Carrie Brussard. “From the beginning, she instilled the importance of academics.
“She embodied that message as well, he added. “Any event or ceremony that involved my name, she was there. She works so hard at everything that she does and that inspired me to work harder.”
Brusseau plans to attend the University of Florida.
“The major I have been set on for awhile is neuroscience with a minor in psychology or mathematics,” he said. “However, I have a very analytical and logical mind and my interests change like the weather, so areas like engineering or chemistry always remain in the picture.”
As a career, “I am thinking about anesthesiology or surgery,” Brusseau said.
“… This is important, as a hope of mine is to not get stuck going to a job that I dread every day,” he added.
