As this year’s val-edictorian, Brenna Traverso has demonstrated out-standing academic achieve-ment while remaining deeply involved in athletics, the arts and her school community.
This fall, she will attend The College of New Jersey, where she plans to major in mathematics and secondary education while continuing her cross country and track career at the NCAA Division III level.
Looking ahead, Trav-erso hopes to become a college professor. Through-out her high school journey, she credits her success not only to hard work in the classroom but also to staying involved in activities outside of academics.
She cites her family as her greatest source of support, encouraging her every step of the way, but several teachers have also helped shape Traverso into the student and person she is today.
Credit goes to Kimberly Volz as her most influential teacher during her early elementary school years, and art teacher Jennifer Monego was cited as the teacher who made the biggest impact on her during high school.
Some of her favorite memories include prom, followed by senior weekend, while the school moment she would most like to relive is her trip to Italy with the West Milford High School art program.
Traverso is especially proud of being named valedictorian, a recognition that reflects her years of dedication and perseverance.
Another accomplishment she treasures is completing her wall painting at the end of senior year, a project that allowed her “creativity to leave a lasting mark on the school.”
Outside the classroom, Traverso found a second home in cross country and track and field. She said the teams had the greatest impact on her because of the “friendships and experiences they provided.” She has also earned some hardware from those miles she put in, running a very competitive 5K and throwing down some excellent times in the 800, 1600 and 3200 races.
Academically, math-ematics – especially calculus – was her favorite subject because she enjoys “solving problems and working through challenges.” Art was a close second, serving as a valuable creative outlet.
To stay organized and motivated, Traverso made it
a priority to complete her studying and homework before other activities, such as working out or spending time with friends. One of the things she will miss most after graduation is “seeing her friends and teachers every day.”
WMHS will miss seeing Traverso as well. Her smile, friendly nature and willingness to lend a hand or go the extra mile was noted by faculty and fellow students alike.
When asked what advice she would give other students, Traverso emph-asized the importance of self-confidence. “Have con-fidence, not arrogance,” she said. If she could tell her freshman year self one thing, it would be, “Don’t let other people’s opinions change your own.”
The most important lesson she learned during high school was simple but powerful: “Believe in yourself.” This inner stre-ngth fuels her vibrant life outside of school, whether she is relaxing with the “Divergent” series, watching “The Greatest Showman,” or listening to “Live Your Life” by T.I. and Rihanna.
Whether she’s grabbing a meal from Playa Bowls or sipping a venti iced chai with almond milk and vanilla cold foam, Traverso approaches every moment with determination and positivity. This is evident by her ever present smile!
Her accomplishments, leadership and dedication have set an inspirational example for her classmates and we know Traverso’s future is undoubtedly bright. Congrats, Brenna, and good luck at TCNJ and beyond!