9 Southampton Seniors Graduating Summa Cum Laude

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A total of nine Class of 2019 Southampton High School seniors will be graduating summa cum laude in June.

The accomplished students earned the prestigious distinction by maintaining an overall grade point average of 95 or above during their high school journeys, the Southampton Union Free School District said.

Charlotte Ferguson, Nicholas Ford, Thomas Gabriele, Caitlyn Kirsky, Riplee Mercer, Robert McKnight, Caroline Palumbo, Bhvvaneshar Ramkhelawan and Katherine Rus can now apply to represent the top of their class as speakers at graduation.

In addition, their senior portraits will be hung in the school’s “Summa Cum Laude” display, the district said.

“We are pleased to present these students to the community,” said Principal Brian Zahn. “They have etched themselves in the history of the school. They worked hard throughout their high school careers and are very deserving of this honor.”

In addition to maintaining a high GPA, the students have each displayed a commitment to their school and community and will be attending college after graduation.

A Look at the Top Nine

Charlotte Ferguson

Co-captain of the tennis team, she also was involved with track, was co-president of the National Honor Society, and gives back through EMS. She will be attending the University of San Diego with a major in English and a minor in French.

“Become involved in the community. It makes you feel like a part of something," she said.

Nicholas Ford

Nicholas was involved in competitive skiing and, while he is undecided on a final college choice, will be majoring in math or finance. His words of advice: “Find a balance between what you are passionate about and exploring other options.”

Thomas Gabriele

President of Student Council, Thomas was also a member of the Mariners Patriot Club, played baseball, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He will attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point with intentions of entering the infantry. “Have a plan and stick to it. Always keep things in perspective," he said.

Caitlyn Kirsky

Caitlyn was involved with track, giving back through EMS, the National Honor Society, and Best Buddies. She is undecided on a college but will major in behavioral neuroscience. “Don’t stress too much about the future; focus on today," she said.

Riplee Mercer

Riplee participated in rack and is a member of the Rotary Club. She will attend the University of New Hampshire and major in marine biology and oceanography. “Don’t ever give up; always try," she said.

Robert McKnight

Robert plays the violin and is a member of the Interact Club, Student Council, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He will attend Davidson College with a major in pre-law and a minor in international relations. His words of advice? “Focus on what success means to you and find a balance with that and what makes you happy.”

Caroline Palumbo

Caroline played soccer and track, was a member of Best Buddies and is involved with EMS. She will attend Occidental College with a major in Spanish and education. “Take classes that interest you and don’t worry about what others think about you," she said.

Bhvvaneshar Ramkhelawan

A member of the National Honor Society, Best Buddies, and the Key Club, community service was also a focus. While undecided on college, Bhvvaneshar will major in criminal justice. Words of advice include, “Aim high and live up to your full potential.”

Katherine Rus

Co-president of the National Honor Society, she has been involved in lacrosse, tennis, piano, and EMS. While undecided on a college she will major in marine biology. “Take care of yourself first," she said.