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

Ayat Boumahdi – Co-Valedictorian

Ayat’s activities include tutoring, teaching immigrants reading comprehension, working with Habitat for Humanity power washing homes, PHS mentor, academy ambassador, National Honor Society, and SCA.

She was accepted to Old Dominion University, College of William & Mary, University of Virginia, and George Washington University. She will attend University of Virginia in the fall and major in psychology. After college graduation she plans to attend law school.

Fondest high school memory:

“(My fondest high school memory is) freshman year gym class and when Mrs. Williams informed me I was co-valedictorian.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“(I will miss) competing against the Hampton Crabbers during football season.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“(I am most proud of) finding out I was co-valedictorian and receiving full rides from every university I applied to. It made me feel like all of my hard work paid off.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“(I am proud to be an HCS graduate because) I met and got to know so many people who have pushed me and made me proud of who I am and where I come from. The Phoebus High

School environment feels like a family with my peers, teachers, and administration.”

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. Richardson and Ms. Layeni a thousand times. They both saw my potential and went out of their way to remind me of who I was and not to sell myself short. They’ve introduced me to many opportunities and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Arianna Rose – Co-Valedictorian

Arianna’s activities include Girl Scouts, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and volunteering at the Virginia Living Museum.

She was accepted to Old Dominion University, George Mason University, University of Oregon, Florida International University, College of William & Mary, Eckerd College, Florida State University, and University of South Carolina. Arianna will attend the College of William & Mary and double major in environmental science and biology. After college she plans to pursue a career in environmental science and wildlife conservation.

Fondest high school memory:

“(My fondest high school memory is) working on Adrian’s Story Adventures and Adrian’s Bright Future story books and being a member of the Phoebus High School flag line.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“(I will miss) the Black History Month program hosted annually during the month of February.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am most proud of being able to break out of my shell and make new friends even though I was unsure of myself at times.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“(I am proud to be an HCS graduate because) I was able to accomplish so much before graduating and form connections with my teachers and classmates.”

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

“I would like to thank Dr. Lovedahl-Steele because she is willing to answer any questions I may have and provide guidance for after high school.”

Phillip Mason – Salutatorian

Phillip’s activities include Robotics Team and Key Club.

He was accepted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cornell University, Cal Tech, Worcester Polytechnic, Johns Hopkins University, Florida A & M University, New York University, Virginia Tech, Northwestern University, Oregon State University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Illinois-Urbana, and University of Washington-Seattle. Phillip will be attending MIT in the fall and plans to major in electrical/mechanical engineering. After college he hopes to work in the robotics industry (like Amazon robotics).

Fondest high school memory:

“(My fondest high school memory is) getting to the FRC2023 district championships.”

A tradition at your school you will miss:

“(I will miss) FRC kickoffs, pep rallies, dances, and community events.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“(The achievement I am most proud of) is maintaining straight A’s and earning a 1520 SAT score.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“(I am proud to be an HCS graduate because) the sense of pride and community is so strong in Hampton.”

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

“(I would thank) Mr. Veator. He got me into engineering and CAD in middle school,

and I can never be grateful enough for him.”