By Abby Patkin and Brian Yoffe
Each year, seniors compete for the Senior Cup awards presented at graduation. Typically, the female Senior Cup is awarded to one student and the male Senior Cup to one student. Here are this year’s finalists:
Jason Chari
Accomplishments: Co-leader of Farming Club; leading member of boys’ track team
Why he might win: Jason has been a member of South’s track team since his freshman year, and has since dedicated himself to his scholarly and extracurricular pursuits. His favorite memory at South was the track team’s recent victory lap around the South stadium field after winning the Dual County League Championships. The most memorable quotation he will remember from his time at South comes from his track coach: “If you’re wearing flashy stuff, you’d better be running fast!” This dedicated senior is a well-matched pick for this year’s Senior Cup.
Yoonchan Choi
Accomplishments: Class leader; South Senator; editor at Leo magazine and the Roar; facilitates personalized apparel orders for school clubs
Why he might win: Yoonchan is known universally at South as a student who gets things done. Well regarded by peers and teachers alike, in his four years at South, Yoonchan has dedicated himself to helping his fellow students and organizing for class events, despite the fact that he was not a class officer this year. Orderly and helpful, this senior–whose favorite quotation is from the song “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk–is a fan-favorite in the race for the Senior Cup.
Mika Gross
Accomplishments: Founded South’s Habitat for Humanity chapter; is a competitive fencer
Why she might win: Mika started out as a new student in Newton during her freshman year, knowing only a small handful of people, but quickly rose to a leadership role by starting a chapter of Habitat for Humanity at South. This Humanitarian is motivated and friendly, giving her an excellent shot at being selected this year’s Senior Cup winner.
Emily Ho
Accomplishments: Class officer for four years, president for two; co-president of Water Aid International; Community section editor of The Lion’s Roar; active member of Athletes Serving the Community and South Stage.
Why she might win: Emily has been a class officer for four years, establishing herself as a student leader and kind person throughout the wide variety of activities in which she participates. Emily, who participates in a diverse array of activities and has a sunny disposition, is a perfect choice for the Senior Cup.
Joe Joseph
Accomplishments: Editor-in-Chief of The Lion’s Roar; Co-founder of South Asian Student Association; member of Newton South Symphony
Why he might win: Joe, who considers performing in Tertulia one of his best memories at South, has proven himself a leader of South’s musical and ethnic scenes. In his four years at South, Joe has proven himself dedicated to all his pursuits, earning him the respect of the South community. This studious senior, who considers Gandhi’s “Be the change you wish to see in the world” his favorite quotation, makes a popular choice for the Senior Cup.
Dipal Nagda
Accomplishments: Co-captain of the Speech and Debate team; senior centerfold editor of The Lion’s Roar; co-founder of South Asian Student Association; teaches classical Indian dance and attends Indian Sunday school
Why she might win: Dipal has established herself as a leader of the Speech and Debate community, winning her grade’s Sophomore Speech competition and leading the team as a senior. The kind and diligent hard worker has garnered the respect of her teachers and classmates during her years at South.
Josh Nislick
Accomplishments: Varsity soccer and volleyball player; Editor-in-Chief of Denebola
Why he might win: Josh, who said his favorite inspirational quotation is Dr. Seuss’s “Be who you are because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind,” has established himself as a hard and diligent worker throughout his time at South. This senior, whose favorite memory at South was the Sophomore Square-Off during which his team exceeded all expectations making it far into the competition, is a great pick for boys’ Senior Cup.
Rose Taylor
Accomplishments: Takes classes and performs in a circus for charity; stage managed and directed for South Stage; has won awards for her writing and poetry, including the Heintzelman competition; tutors students in chemistry and Spanish.
Why she might win: Rose has established herself as one of the leading creative minds at South, participating in theatre and writing programs in her spare time and deferring her college admission for a year to teach circus in St. Louis. The creative and funny senior has won multiple awards for her talents, and makes a strong competitor for this year’s Senior Cup.
