By Mary Thurwachter
Among the county’s top high school graduates this year were two familiar faces — Alex Nusbickel, valedictorian of Boca Raton High School, and Christine Lauren Sullivan, salutatorian of Pope John Paul II High School.
Nusbickel, who plans to become a doctor, said one of his greatest accomplishments was helping an ESOL student graduate from high school.
“I tutored an ESOL class in FCAT, SAT and ACT math during my junior and senior years,” Nusbickel said. “Few spoke English, so the tutoring was almost entirely in Spanish. I worked with the students every week, teaching algebra and geometry, and translating word problems. One of my students used these skills to score high enough on the ACT, largely due to the math section, for the school to waive the graduation requirements.”
Sullivan isn’t sure about what career she will choose after college, but said it’s likely that whatever she does will be connected to her love of the sea.
“I want to do things with the ocean to help preserve it and keep it safe for future generations to enjoy the way we do,” Sullivan said.
She said winning one of the FHSAA Academic All-State Team scholarships was a high school highlight for her.
Here's a little more of what the top grads had to say about themselves:
Alex Nusbickel
18, valedictorian of Boca Raton High School
Parents: John and Wendi Nusbickel
Hometown: Boca Raton
What I’m doing this summer: I just got back from a mission trip to Haiti, and was able to speak Creole well enough to work in a health center where no English was spoken. I am volunteering at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and will be traveling to North Dakota at the end of the month. I also would like the opportunity to shadow a doctor.
What I’ll miss most about high school: The diversity and being able to speak with people from so many places in different languages.
What clubs/sports/charities I was involved with in high school: Basketball, volleyball, Portuguese Club president, teaching assistant for English Spoken as Other Language (ESOL) math, sea tank guide at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, studying languages (I speak five), kayaker, family farm hand in North Dakota.
College plans: I will attend UNC at Chapel Hill and study pre-med and languages. I plan to pursue a career as a physician because I feel I could use my science and language abilities to make a true difference in the lives of others.
Someone who has inspired me: Arnold Schwarzenegger has inspired me due to his rise from humble beginnings and his success in so many different areas. I also admire his positive outlook and sense of humor.
What I’m listening to lately: Wyclef Jean because I am learning Haitian Creole.
Something many people don’t know about me: I have a talent for impressions.
Christine Lauren Sullivan
18, salutatorian of Pope John Paul II High School
Parents: Gregory Michael Sullivan and Mary Jane Sullivan
Hometown: Boca Raton
What I’m doing this summer: My family and I are going to Chicago for a week, and I am going to the Keys with some friends toward the end of the summer.
What I’ll miss most about high school: My friends, the teachers and the close family atmosphere. What clubs/sports/charities I was involved with in high school: I ran varsity cross-country and track and field all four years, Science Club/Doctors of Tomorrow, French Club, and Leadership Council. I volunteered at the Nail Depot annual breast cancer fundraiser, Boca Raton Museum of Art summer camp, and First United Methodist Church Vacation Bible school summer camp. College plans: I will be attending the University of Miami to major in environmental engineering and marine science.
Someone who has inspired me: Harry Truman because he was forced to make the critical decision to bomb Japan during World War II in order to save the nation after Pearl Harbor attacks.
What I’m listening to lately: Everything from country to hip-hop and alternative. I especially enjoy Jason Aldean, Of Monsters and Men, Luke Bryan and Ed Sheeran.
Something many people don’t know about me: I have a twin sister, Danielle, (who graduated in the top 10 percent of her class). She will be attending Loyola University. We have never lived apart for more than a few days. It’s going to be incredibly different without her the next few years.
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