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06/27/2017 12:00 AMWestbrook High School (WHS) has announced the 10 top-ranked members of its Class of 2017.
Jason Kyle Matunas, the son of Eric and Andrea Matunas, is class valedictorian. Jason Matunas is a member of the National Honor Society, acted as treasurer of his class, and is a member of the Math and Physics Clubs. Matunas was a four-year member of the baseball team and acted as a captain this past season. He received 17 academic awards during his four years at WHS, one of which was the Harvard Book Award given during his Junior Year. Matunas will attend King’s College in Pennsylvania where he will study to become a physician’s assistant.
Zachary Jacobs, son of Ken and Andrea Jacobs, is the president of the National Honor Society for WHS, the student ambassador for the UConn Early College Experience program, a Top RYLA (Rotary Club) student, The Gettysburg Junior Book Award recipient, and the WHS recipient of the Superintendent Award. Athletically, Zachary Jacobs is a versatile athlete participating in soccer, baseball, indoor track, as well as an accomplished student in the martial arts. In addition to his athletics and high academic achievement, Jacobs is the first chair trumpet since the 10th grade, known as the backbone of the band. Jacobs just received the music department’s highest honor: Excellence in Music, the top senior music award. This fall Jacobs will attend Bentley University majoring in economics.
Madison Beebe, daughter of Michael and Lisa Beebe, is an exceptional student who has been a member of the National Honor Society, the High School Bowl Team, SADD Chapter, Art Club, and the WHS literary magazine. Academically she earned the highest average in UConn Physics, the highest average in UConn English, outstanding achievement in AP Calculus, the Senior English Award (Top English Department Award), the female choice for the Superintendent Award, and the St. Lawrence Book Award. Madison Beebe attended Brown University last summer for a five-week course in molecular biology in which she earned a 97 percent, and she is a camp counselor in the summer on Shelter Island, New York. This fall she will attend the University of Connecticut majoring in molecular and cellular biology.
Victoria (Tori) Holton, daughter of Richard and Doreen Holton, is a talented young woman who has impressive accomplishments in her academics as well as in dance performance. She is a member of the WHS National Honor Society and a recent award recipient for Outstanding Achievement in AP Calculus, and received the Quinnipiac Book Award for demonstrated ability and strong aspirations to work in the medical field. Tori Holton is very involved in the Peer Counseling Program (president), Kina Mama Choir (president), and her commitment to dance. She is a member of a competitive team that competes in jazz, lyrical, tap, and contemporary dance; additionally Holton is a finalist in the World Dance Championship grades 10-12. This fall, Holton will attend Hofstra University majoring in biology on a pre-medical track.
Keysi Jara Calle, daughter of Olga Calle, is both a leader and a role model at WHS. She is Student Council president, WHS National Honor Society inductee, RYLA (Rotary Club) student director, Interact Club member in grades 9-12, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) member, Kina Mama Choir member, theater member, award recipient: Outstanding Performance in Footloose 2017, highest average in UConn Spanish 5, The Smith College Book Award, and many other academic awards over her past four years. Additionally, Keysi Calle is a four-year member of the girl’s tennis team, an active member of the School Climate Committee, and was chosen to represent WHS at the LEAD conference with the school’s peer counseling program. This fal, Calle will attend Southern Connecticut State University.
Frank (Gus) Marx, the son of Martin and Mary Jo Marx, has distinguished himself as one of WHS’s most outstanding math and science students having received academic awards in chemistry, STEM, precalculus, and AP calculus. Gus has achieved All-State status in tennis having recently won the Class S Doubles Championship. Gus Marx has participated in numerous community service opportunities and will bring this dedication to service with him next year when he attends the University of Connecticut as a computer science major.
Sabrina Souza Martins, the daughter of Marco and Marlene Souza, is a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Counseling Club, and Yearbook Committee. Martins has volunteered many hours in the school system working at both Daisy Ingraham Elementary School and Westbrook Middle School. Martins has brought her spirit of service to her church, St. Mary’s in Clinton, and has helped with babysitting, children’s Bible study, and the Christmas bazaar. Martins has received several academic awards during her high school career, recently receiving the Senior Social Studies Department Award for all-around excellence. Martins will attend Eastern Connecticut State University majoring in education.
Kevin Morrissey, the son of Michael and Kelly Morrissey, is a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Counseling Club, and the Westbrook Athletic Boosters Work Force. Kevin Morrissey has been a standout football player for the coop football team with Old Saybrook High School. Morrissey received All-Conference recognition during his junior and senior years. Within the WHS community, Morrissey is looked upon as a terrific role model for younger students to emulate. Morrissey has worked as a camp counselor and coach for the Westbrook Parks & Recreation Department and enjoys giving back to his community. Morrissey is proud to be attending Florida State University, where he will major in accounting.
Zoe Ehlert, daughter of Chris and Melissa Ehlert, is a top scholar/athlete at WHS, accomplished both in the classroom and on the field. Zoe Ehlert leads by example as captain of the 2016 State Championship field hockey team, and on the court as captain of the girls’ basketball team. During her junior year, she was chosen to attend the CIAC Sportsman Leadership Conference and the Scholar Athlete conference in New Haven for area youth. Additionally, Ehlert is a member of the National Honor Society, SADD Chapter, and Peer Counseling, and recently earned the award of earning the highest average in AP psychology. Last summer, Ehlert attended the Future Medical Leaders program at UMass, and this fall, Ehlert is attending the University of New England, majoring in its physician assistant degree program.
Adara Bochanis, daughter of Dean and Shirlee Bochanis, has been an outgoing and active leader in the Class of 2017. Adara Bochanis is a scholar/athlete who was named captain of both the soccer and basketball teams. In addition, Bochanis is a member of the National Honor Society, the Interact Club, and the Math Team at WHS. Bochanis was also chosen as the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship recipient and recognized as having the outstanding attributes of a good citizen (dependability, leadership, and patriotism). This fall, Bochanis will attend the University of Connecticut and major in pharmaceutical science.