Senior Spotlight: Seniors EmBARKing On New Paths

Asher Greenbaum is definitely a senior who is going to do great things in the future. He has an amazing set of interests, and his passion for each of them is unmatched. Something that Asher Greenbaum spends an especially large amount of time doing is participating in both the track and cross country teams at Metuchen High School. A top runner on the team, Asher has been running and participating in competitions for the school for all four years of his high school career. Despite devoting multiple hours each day to these interests, Asher is still an amazing student who takes courses that are as complicated and time-consuming as Calculus 3. His math teacher, Mr. Stevens, says that “Asher is the rare student who will build a large ant out of straws and tape in class, while listening to a discussion of multi-variable Calculus.” Math is something that he enjoys and has spent much time focusing on at MHS. On top of all of this, Asher is vice president at MHS and plays a crucial part in the student council on a weekly basis. According to Jayden Medina, Asher is “the best friend a guy can ask for,” proving his dedication to both being a great student and being there for his friends. His intellect, athleticism, and leadership skills are not his only talents. Asher also likes to sing. He takes part in the Choral Club at MHS and is also in the Chamber Chorus. In addition to all of this, Asher is, of course, a member of Bulldog’s Bark, where he has heavily contributed to the success of the club over the past few years. One of Asher’s teachers, Mr. Giddes, says that "It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know Asher over the last few years. While it was great to have him as a student in AP US History, my fondest memories of him will be from the time we spent together outside of the classroom. Asher was a two-time delegate for Harvard Model Congress, representing MHS and his assigned Senators extremely well. Asher is very in tune with current events and politics, and it was a joy to see him thrive at the conferences. In addition, it was awesome to share our school's recent tour of Peru with Asher. Our group needed to persevere through a variety of traveling challenges to make our way to see and enjoy the beautiful sites, and through it all, Asher had a smile on his face and had something meaningful to share about the history, geography, and culture of Peru. One of the things I remember laughing with him and other members of our group about was that, no matter how warm it gets, Asher always wears long sleeves. One warm day on tour, when we were laughing about it, he even showed off that his 'undershirt', under his long-sleeve tee, was also, in fact, a long-sleeved shirt. MHS will miss Asher. I wish him the best!" Next year, he will be attending Rutgers, where he will no doubt once again play a crucial role within the school community just as he has done over the past four years here at Metuchen High School.

Katelyn Chonka has played a critical role within the school community in many ways. She has left a lasting impact on the school primarily through placing emphasis on the importance of communication, support, and unity. Through being a part of several honors societies, student council, and varsity cheerleading, she has made clear the importance of togetherness and following through with your goals. She uses her creativity and passion to bring her ideas to life and bring people together at the same time, making the entire school community a better place. Katelyn also spends her time taking part in dance competitions outside of school. Katelyn’s friend, Olivia, says, “Katelyn and I have been friends since second grade. We have been through everything together, and there is no one who makes me smile and laugh more than she does!” Her friend Mallory says, “Katelyn is such a good friend and has been by my side since the second grade. I'm so grateful for all of the memories we have together and can't wait to make more. I'm so happy for her recent commitment to ECU and know she will be extraordinary there. She's an excellent student, friend, dancer, and cheerleader, and I know MHS will not be the same without her! I'm so glad to have her as one of my best friends!” Through these experiences alongside others, Katelyn says that she has learned, “how to work with other people and how to collaborate and be a team player.” She strongly believes in the importance of community and building an environment where everyone can thrive in, no matter who they are or what clubs and activities they take part in. Katelyn especially enjoys taking part in Bulldog’s Bark because of how it allows for so much creativity and because it allows for a truly “collaborative environment.” After High School, Katelyn wants to pursue dance throughout college. Overall, her dedication and creativity have left a lasting impact on this community and will most definitely pay off in the future. Mr. Murray, Katelyn’s math teacher, says that, “Katelyn has definitely left a deep impression on me...specifically my retinas, which might be permanently damaged from staring at the blinding neon pink ink she uses in class.  Who does math tests in pen??  What an incorrigible rebel.  In all seriousness, Katelyn is a wonderfully bright, dedicated, and humble student who always treats others with kindness and empathy.  No matter how busy or tired she might be, she always makes it a point to say 'hi' as she passes my door, as well as keeping me apprised of her caffeinated beverage of choice for the day.  I have taught Katelyn for the last two years, and I will miss her funny (sometimes off-topic) anecdotes (although going off on a tangent is technically Calculus), as well as her 'Chonka chicken' doodles, which adorn most of her papers.  She's definitely an original, and what finer compliment can be given? Good luck in the future, Katelyn - you'll be missed next year!”

Katy Donohue is an incredibly devoted person, especially in terms of the musical programs at Metuchen High School. As part of the marching band, the chamber orchestra, and the jazz ensemble, Katy is an extremely talented musician who plays several instruments at the school. She is a true leader in all of these programs and has spent countless hours helping others while at the same time practicing her own skills in order to become a better musician. Over the years, through “practice and commitment” and “learning from mistakes,” she has become a great viola and jazz guitar player at the school. She strongly believes that in order to be a better musician, a person needs to “respond to the others” while playing. She believes that music truly is all about community and being in tune with the playing of both oneself and the playing of others at the same time. In all of these musical programs that she takes part in, she is a leader to others. She is both a section leader in the marching band and a part of the jazz ensemble, which is the most competitive jazz program at the school. In addition to all of this, Katy is the co-editor of the newspaper. She truly likes “to give a voice to other stories that might not be heard if she did not otherwise report on them.” Her friend, Lindsay Kang, says, “Katy is the type of friend who truly leaves a lasting impact on your life. She is one of the most driven and hardworking people I have ever met; it seems like the things she does are endless, her days constantly filled with extracurriculars and responsibilities. Still, she always gives it her all no matter what. Even while being so busy, Katy always radiates positivity and kindness that spreads to the people around her: she offers rides to whoever needs it after late performances, makes sure no one is left out on the funny Instagram reels she encounters, cheers up the front ensemble during long practices, and never fails to make the people around her smile. She is always making new friends, bringing people together to create a sense of community wherever she goes. As our friendship grows stronger, her unstoppable drive and ability to impact others in such a positive way will always inspire me. I do not doubt that Katy will succeed in whatever she chooses to do and keep making a positive impact on the people around her, as she has on me. I'm excited to see what she achieves in the future, and I'll be rooting for her no matter what!” Outside of school, Katy is also highly dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Metuchen. Through being a part of the Metuchen Historical Society, she has helped protect an area of Metuchen from having its buildings demolished by making it regarded as historically significant. Through this project, she has helped to spread the word about the importance of preserving the historical buildings of this town that make it so great. In addition to this, she is the secretary of her class's student council board. She specifically enjoys being class secretary because she likes to “advocate for what [her] class wants.” Katy is currently going to Hamilton College in order to major in government. When in college, she does not plan to stop playing music. She wants to continue playing as much as possible, just as she has done throughout her very successful four years at MHS. Mr. Messenger, who Katy has played music with for many years now, says that “Katy is a dedicated, talented, and motivated member of all of our performing groups. Seeing her grow as a jazz musician has been one of the most rewarding things I have done as a teacher! Can't wait to see what she does in the future.”