Hampton City Schools announces top students in the Class of 2023 at Bethel High School

Andrew Pexton - Valedictorian

Andrew’s activities include National Honor Society (president), Robotics Club, freshman school ambassador, and Hampton Youth Commission.

He was accepted to University of Virginia and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He plans to attend Embry-Riddle in the fall and major in aerospace engineering. Upon college graduation he hopes to return to NASA Langley for an aerospace internship.

Fondest high school memory:

“My fondest memory would have to be attending the senior prom in my junior year. It was a fantastic feeling seeing all of my friends dressed up and having a good time together. We spent the night dancing, laughing, and building bonds that would last a lifetime. That evening served as a wonderful conclusion to the last year I would spend with those friends as they left to pursue their own futures.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“I will most definitely miss the homecoming pep rallies every year. The whole school coming together to show our school spirit is always a great experience.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“One of the most challenging times in my life was when I had to undergo major back surgery at the beginning of my senior year. I’m very proud that during that absence from school, I was able to maintain my GPA and not fall behind in classwork, because of the tremendous support I had from my family and teachers.” Andrew has been on the All-A Honor Roll since seventh grade.

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“HCS represents not only knowledge and experience, it represents diversity. I am proud to be graduating from a school that has offered me diverse opportunities, experiences, and people to learn from.”

If you could thank a teacher who had the greatest impact on you, who would it be and why?

“Mr. Ochsenfeld in DE VA/US History had a massive impact on my perspective on history. While he outlined the history of our country in interesting ways, he also showed us examples of our culture shifting and transforming through various types of cinema and media. He also built a connection with all of his students so I felt comfortable talking to him. I’d like to thank him for making my junior year my favorite of all time by making that class unforgettable.”

Madison Veneris – Salutatorian

Madison’s activities include concert band (first chair), symphonic band (first chair), National Honor Society, Girl Scouts, World Language Club, and FFA.

She was accepted to Lees McRae College, University of Kentucky, and Virginia Tech. She plans to attend Virginia Tech and major in wildlife conservation. She hopes to attend veterinary school and work in general practice for a while. She also wants to spend some time working for wildlife rehabilitation for endangered animals and helping animals that need it.

Fondest high school memory:

“(My fondest memory is) the Greek meeting in January of my senior year. We learned a really cool Greek line dance, and the food was just amazing. It felt really good, laughing with my friends and showing them my culture, my life.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“I always loved the concerts that the concert and symphonic band put on every winter. It was always something I looked forward to.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“(I am most proud of) making it through high school. A lot of times it felt like I wasn’t going to pass, or the stress got to me. But I didn’t give up and I made it all this way. I’m truly proud of who I’ve become.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“(I am proud to be an HCS graduate because) the teachers I met along the way were able to push me to be the best I could be. Without them I don’t know if I would be where I am today.”

If you could thank a teacher who had the greatest impact on you, who would it be and why?

“I would like to thank Mr. Kidd. Mr. Kidd was one of my favorite math teachers. He helped me realize my love for calculus and helped me realize how strong my math skills are. He always supported my decisions, even if it was not doing calculus BC like he wanted. He had super fun stories too, and he was always very fun to talk to. His class always woke me up in the morning.”