The Class of 2023 Top 10 was announced last week, so in honor of them, the Red and Black asked them 10 questions to get to know them more. Let’s see what our Top 10 had to say! 

QUESTION 1: What was your initial reaction when finding out you made Top 10? Who did you tell first? 

Ohm Patel: I felt good. It felt like my 4 years were finally rewarded. I told my dad over the phone after Dr. R announced it. 

Luca Capuano: I was pleasantly surprised to have made the Top 10. I am happy to have learned about my placement alongside my mother when we first checked my transcript together at the start of senior year. 

Harry Lian: I was very excited to find out about my placement!! I get to do the tassel flip! I actually did not tell anyone since instead, people came to me! It was a very gratifying experience filled with excitement amongst school friends and family. 

Mahirah Morshed: I was really happy and honestly relieved; it felt like all my hard work truly paid off. It’s pretty cool since we have such a big school. I told my family first and then all of my friends. 

Ashley Schreck: I didn’t know I was there until the beginning of this year; it was pretty shocking I only told my parents though. 

Sarah Wetzel: Though I was aware of my ranking for the entirety of my high school experience, I felt proud of myself when it was officially announced as it was nice to be acknowledged for all my hard work. I told my mom first. 

Olina Zheng: I opened my email from Ms. Space in my computer science class and when I saw my rank on the transcript, I was surprised and told Harry and Mahirah who were next to me! 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: I was very ecstatic when I found out I made Top 10! The first person I told was my mom. 

Jake Havel: I was surprised, and I told my family. 

Sarah Terletsky: My initial reaction was “Is this real?” I felt like I was having an amazing dream and I was afraid I would wake up at any moment. I wanted to tell my mom first, but she found out through a notification on Student Square before I could even text her. She was just as excited as I was! 

QUESTION 2: What is your go-to study snack? 

Ohm Patel: Raw Ramen with the seasoning packet. 

Luca Capuano: My go-to study snacks are pretzels. 

Harry Lian: Usually, I have some kind of chocolate. Whether through a cookie, granola bar, etc., chocolate is a must! I love a good caffeine boost. 🙂 

Mahirah Morshed: I can’t really eat when I study. When I eat a snack I have this need to watch Netflix so the whole eating during studying thing doesn’t necessarily work out. But, if I ever do, I love blueberries. 

Ashley Schreck: Ice cream. 

Sarah Wetzel: Technically it is a beverage, but I would not survive without my Starbucks double shot energy. I don’t even like the taste of coffee, but those things keep me awake. 

Olina Zheng: Definitely Cheez-Its, especially the white cheddar. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: My go-to study snack is any type of fruit. My favorites are strawberries, oranges, and kiwis. 

Jake Havel: Eating distracts me too much, so I take breaks to eat. 

Sarah Terletsky: I love all kinds of snacks, but I tend to lean towards granny smith apple slices with peanut butter.  

QUESTION 3: What was the lowest grade you’ve ever received? Describe what the experience was like. 

Ohm Patel: Lowest grade that counted towards my average was probably an 80 in 9th grade English. I got a 4/5 and to be honest, I was disappointed, but I got over it. 

Luca Capuano: The lowest grade I’ve ever received was a 56 on an AP World History Imperialism unit exam in tenth grade. Initially, I felt wholly defeated but when I realized the sentiment was shared throughout most of the class, I was slightly relieved. 

Harry Lian: The lowest grade I have ever received is a 0 back in middle school. Coming into a new place with different expectations, I was very naïve and irresponsible when it came to submitting my work on time. Humbling most definitely, but I have grown from those times 

Mahirah Morshed: I don’t really remember a specific grade but it was probably in AP Chemistry. It sucked but it only motivated me to do better next time. Plus, Mr. D was my biggest cheerleader so he didn’t let it bring me down. 

Ashley Schreck: In high school, I think my lowest grade that wasn’t dropped was a 75. I don’t really remember though I was sad, but I got over it. 

Sarah Wetzel: If I am honest my lowest grade was on an AP Physics test and it was a 69 with the curve, which translates to a raw score of 48. The experience was very frustrating because it is difficult to put in so much time into studying and not get a grade that you’re proud of. I cried a little and then laughed about it. It didn’t kill my average like I thought it would. 

Olina Zheng: If we’re going back to fifth grade, a 0 (hey it was a 4-question quiz), but in high school would be 46 on my AP Chemistry test! It just made me more determined to score better on the next one. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: The lowest grade I’ve ever received was in the 60s. At first, I was disappointed, but afterwards I realized that the grade wouldn’t be a defining moment in my life and wouldn’t affect me. 

Jake Havel: The lowest grade I received was a 64. It was honestly devastating, but then I realized that the teacher dropped the lowest quiz grade, so I was fine. 

Sarah Terletsky: I don’t remember what my lowest grade was, but I do remember the first time I received a 60 on a quiz in middle school. I was hysterical because I had never received such a low grade before, but my mother reminded me that it’s fine to get bad grades once in a while, as long as you always try your best.  

QUESTION 4: If you could thank one person who helped you throughout your high school journey, who would it be and why? 

Ohm Patel: As bad as this may sound, myself. I set my own personal expectations and pushed myself to be better more than others pushed me. 

Luca Capuano: If I could only pick one person to thank it would be my mother. Although she never pressured me to reach the Top 10, she has always encouraged me to keep my grades up and give school my all, and she always made herself available to provide help when I needed it. Whether it be a chemistry question or simple words of encouragement, she was always there for me. 

Harry Lian: I would thank a close family-friend of mine, who helped me learn the importance of hard work and how to be successful. Her name is April, and she left a huge impact on me during my elementary/middle school days. I was never the brightest student, but she saw something in me. Spending hours working with me and never giving up, she is the main reason why I am who I am today. I take her lessons with me every day, as I give the same opportunity to those in need of guidance. I thank her for the time and energy that she invested in me; I hope I have made her proud. 

Mahirah Morshed: I really can’t pick a single person, but I will say all my family, friends, and teachers. My family has always supported me constantly. A few special shout-outs: my mom and dad (for being my ultimate best friends who I can always count on), my sister (for bullying me and loving me), my grandparents (for being so sweet and loving me infinitely), and my countless cousins (who never fail to make me laugh). My friends are always there to cheer me up and make me laugh. I definitely would not have been able to achieve this without the help and emotional support from my friends. Some notable mentions: Temilade (for being the love of my life and my role model), Olina (for always making me giggle and feel loved), Harry (for all the wheezing laughs and keeping me stable), Kayra (for being the literal best person ever and my twin soul), John (for being weird and having a big heart), Justin (for humbling me and giving the best hugs ever), Nicole (the cutest person ever that fills my heart and makes me cry laugh in band everyday), Sophia (my inspirational queen since literally 1st grade), Malina (my crazy laughing and reading buddy), Devani (my ranting buddy who I can always trust), Elizabeth, Lizbeth, and Grace (for being my #1 supporters and forever friends), and Nusrat (my angel constant in life). I am honestly so blessed to have met such amazing and beautiful people in my life. I don’t know what I would do without any of them. My teachers are to thank especially; they made learning a beautiful experience and made me excited to come to school every day. A few extra special people: Mr. Rudnicki (my middle school band teacher who is my favorite person ever that I still think about everyday), Mrs. Thoden (for always giving the best advice), Mrs. Olin (for always supporting me and listening to me), Mrs. Sacco (for always being there for me), Mrs. Vollaro (the most adorable person ever who I love laughing with), Mrs. Dailey (for allowing me to laugh at her), Mr. D (for being the sweetest human being alive), and all of my teachers that have taught me so much. I LOVE YOU GUYS ALL SO SO SO MUCH. YOU WILL FOREVER HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART <3 

Ashley Schreck: Myself, not for self-absorbed reasons I just think for things like this you can only really rely on yourself and what you do to get the best grade you can. 

Sarah Wetzel: Without a doubt I would have to thank my mother because she relentlessly supports me. She would constantly wake me up in the middle of the night when I would fall asleep doing homework. 

Olina Zheng: Picking one person is too hard, shoutout to Kayra for being my biggest motivator though. She always pushes me out of my procrastination state. I like to quickly thank my family and teachers too, especially Mr. D, even though his class tanked my average, but nonetheless, my favorite go to person. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: I would thank my older sister, Yetunde. She has always encouraged me to take the hard classes and would always help me with concepts I didn’t understand. 

Jake Havel: I would thank John Castillo and Justin Fraser because they always helped me out with concepts that I didn’t understand 

Sarah Terletsky: I would thank my mother because she has been my biggest supporter since elementary school. She has always encouraged me to dedicate myself to my education, while still reminding me that I’m human and it’s normal to make mistakes and get tired. Because of her, I was able to reach my academic potential while still focusing on myself. Her guidance has shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m so grateful for everything she has done for me.  

QUESTION 5: What’s the latest you’ve ever stayed awake to study or do homework? Have you ever pulled an all-nighter? If so, was it worth it the next day or do you wish you got in those extra hours of sleep? 

Ohm Patel: The latest I’ve stayed awake to study was probably 1 am if I had sports and clubs after school and had tests the next day. I believe it’s mostly not worth it. The sleep will help you do better than any last-minute studying. 

Luca Capuano: The latest I’ve ever stayed up without pulling an all-nighter was 5:54 AM (I wake up at 6:30). Unfortunately, I have pulled a few all-nighters due to poor time management and each time I felt horrendous the next day in school. 

Harry Lian: I have gone a few days with little to no sleep! Many all-nighters have been pulled in my high school career… but it was all worth it in the end! Sometimes, you got to do what you got to do. I do not ever want to stay up so late, but if I have to, I will. 

Mahirah Morshed: I’ve pulled a few all-nighters during high school and I stay up late pretty often. I would say it was worth it because if I hadn’t stayed up to study or do my homework I’d be pretty upset the next day. I always catch up on sleep on the weekends so it works out.  

Ashley Schreck: Probably 12 AM max, I get too tired to stay up any later at least to study. I can safely say I have never pulled an all-nighter to study, and I never want to.  

Sarah Wetzel: There have been weeks throughout my high school experience where I have slept for a cumulative of 5 hours in the school week. I don’t know if it was necessarily worth it in terms of my health (and my love of sleep), but it wasn’t awful if I had enough caffeine to pump into my body. 

Olina Zheng: The latest I’ve stayed would be around 12:00, and I’ve never pulled an all nighter for school before. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth it to be tired the next day but if you need tips on how to pull an all nighter ask Harry! 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: The latest I’ve ever stayed awake doing homework was 10:30 pm. I have never pulled an all-nighter before. 

Jake Havel: The latest I ever stayed awake to do homework and study was 11 a clock. I have never pulled an all nighter because I always tried to manage my time well 

Sarah Terletsky: The latest I’ve ever stayed up was a little after 3:00 am, and I wake up at 5:00 am every morning. I’m not sure if that counts as an all-nighter, but whether it was worth it depends on the homework. When I stayed up to complete an important assignment that was due the next day, it was worth it. However, I don’t think that staying up that late just to study for a test is helpful because sleep is extremely important for recalling information and mental efficiency during exams. 

QUESTION 6: What advice do you have for students working towards Top 10? 

Ohm Patel: It’s rewarding but not enough to stress yourself over. The goal should be the best you can be, not beating your peers. 

Luca Capuano: My advice to students working towards to Top 10 is to not deliberately seek out a position in the Top 10. Instead, remind yourself to continually produce your best work, challenge yourself with rigorous (but not overwhelming) coursework, and devote considerable time to studies and assignments. Treat placement in Top 10 as a happy byproduct, not a central goal. 

Harry Lian: Stay strong and work on yourself – do not worry about what others may be doing and instead, hone your craft and be the best that you aim to achieve. And most importantly, be humble and stay grounded. 

Mahirah Morshed: Try the best that you can do. Don’t compare yourself to others and be proud of the work you have put in. Also, make sure you sleep. Even if you aren’t in the Top 10 it’s not the end of the world. You’ll be okay, I promise. Also don’t make it your whole personality-that’s weird. 

Ashley Schreck: It’s not worth the hype, doesn’t guarantee anything. Focus on doing things you love. 

Sarah Wetzel: Please don’t take classes just because you want ones with a higher weighting, it isn’t worth it. Stay in music and art classes and try to take fun electives if your schedule allows. I was in orchestra all four years of high school and I took both forensics classes my sophomore year and I don’t regret it at all. 

Olina Zheng: Top 10 is a great accomplishment, I wouldn’t make it your priority, but I encourage you to always speak to teachers about any extra credit opportunities. Teachers can be understanding when you speak to them about missing work, but of course don’t let top 10 hinder your greatness! Taking AP classes is another great way to do well and boost your chances. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: My advice would be to develop good study habits that work for you. Make sure to manage your time wisely. If you know you will have a busy week coming up, sit down on Sunday night and plan your schedule for the week ahead of time.  

Jake Havel: Stop procrastinating work and take health the second semester of senior year. 

Sarah Terletsky: I would advise students to always try their hardest and be honest with yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself for every little mistake because that will lead to unnecessary stress. However, know the difference between your best work and your mediocre work so you know what to improve. Plus, try not to lose sight of the joy and value of learning. I personally found it easier to work harder when I enjoyed the process of learning rather than just chasing a number. 

QUESTION 7: Do you prefer listening to music or no music when studying/doing homework? If so, what music/artist? 

Ohm Patel: I don’t listen to music when I do work. The lyrics and beat can be distracting when I’m trying to enter a flow state. 

Luca Capuano: I prefer listening to orchestral music when studying. I have found that listening to music with lyrics will distract me and just entice me to sing along. Some of my favorites include Danzón No.2, Moonlight Sonata, and Clair de Lune. 

Harry Lian: It mostly depends! If the work was easy that required little to no brain power, some Lofi music is great. However, if the work is tedious, even painful, I usually have no music in the background to distract me so I can fully concentrate. 

Mahirah Morshed: I love listening to music when I study and do my homework. I listen to a LOT of Bollywood music, One Direction, and Zayn. #Directioner 

Ashley Schreck: I do both but when I do listen to music its usually Lofi or calm songs. 

Sarah Wetzel: I tend to always listen to music while doing homework unless it is straight reading. I love Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey so I am always listening to them, but I will also listen to classical music as well. 

Olina Zheng: I prefer listening to music when doing homework but not when studying though. Depends on the day but SZA and Frank Ocean most of the time. Sometimes Lofi. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: I prefer to listen to music while doing regular homework but while studying, I tend to not listen to any music. I love pop music and hip hop. 

Jake Havel: I can’t focus well enough when I listen to music. 

Sarah Terletsky: I don’t think I’m capable of doing work without music, or some other audio in the background. I listen to a wide variety of music, including everything from heavy metal to classical music; it depends on my mood. As I’m responding to these questions I’m listening to The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns.  

QUESTION 8: If there was one thing you could go and tell your 9th grade self, what would it be? 

Ohm Patel: It’s okay to be independent. The greatest of paths are often walked alone. 

Luca Capuano: If I could go back, I would tell my ninth-grade self to devote myself to my interests more rather than involve myself in numerous extracurricular activities just for the sake of doing them. 

Harry Lian: Enjoy high school for what it is! Stop stressing about the small details and be more open about yourself. Also, GET SOME SLEEP – the fatigue builds up after some time, so make sure you take care of yourself and relax. 

Mahirah Morshed: Not to take things so seriously and have fun. Everything will work out like it’s meant to be so it’s not worth stressing excessively. 

Ashley Schreck: Start looking at what your interests are, get ahead of the game and decide what you want your future to be and work to develop skills for it. 

Sarah Wetzel: I would tell her to cut herself some slack and that it is going to be okay. (Also, to listen if someone warns her not to take a class – the horror stories are probably true) 

Olina Zheng: I would tell myself to not slack off and to take on every opportunity because there will be regrets in the future. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: I would tell my 9th grade self to not be shy to try new things. 

Jake Havel: Do more extra curriculars. 

Sarah Terletsky: I would tell her not to worry so much about the future because everything turns out more than alright. I used to have bad anxiety when it came to my grades and my future after high school, but I’ve learned to better handle stress and to let go a little. (I would probably also warn her about the pandemic.)  

QUESTION 9: What are your plans after high school? What are you most looking forward to? 

Ohm Patel: After high school I plan to study biochemistry and technology to enter into Biotechnology. I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and having new, independent experiences. 

Luca Capuano: After high school, I will attend Stony Brook University to study Computer Science. Although I will certainly miss my friends and teachers, I will appreciate to new level of freedom in regard to handling my education. I am also looking forward to the advanced learning facilities that universities are able to provide. 

Harry Lian: I hope to concentrate in biology, possibly specializing in microbiology! The end goal is for me is to become a doctor, so I will be on the pre-med track. I am looking forward to new opportunities, places, and people to start from the ground up. I love the community here, but it is time for me to move on and explore more amazing opportunities outside of my comfort zone! 

Mahirah Morshed: I plan on studying Biology on a pre-med track in college. I am excited to be independent, enjoy the college experience, be an academic weapon, and make new friends. 

Ashley Schreck: I don’t know what college I’m going to yet, but I plan on studying neuroscience. I’m looking forward to moving past high school and getting to experience new things in new places and meeting new people. 

Sarah Wetzel: I plan to study to be a Biomedical Engineer after high school. I am most looking forward to creating my own schedule for school and the greater freedom that college will bring me. 

Olina Zheng: College! I look forward to going far away and having fun. I haven’t decided where yet, but I think I’ll be happy wherever I go. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: After high school, I plan to go to college and major in Biology. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and being introduced into a new environment. 

Jake Havel: My plans are to study computer science at Stony Brook. I am looking forward to meeting new people and furthering my knowledge 

Sarah Terletsky: I will be attending Long Island University after high school, and I will be majoring in Biology. I am looking forward to a fresh new routine, new people to meet, and more learning opportunities. Although I have enjoyed my four years of high school, I’m craving a change of scenery.  

QUESTION 10: Lastly, as you near the end of your senior year, what advice do you have for incoming seniors? 

Ohm Patel: Get ahead on your college applications but take more of a part in your class. Go to the events and make memories you maybe wouldn’t have made. 

Luca Capuano: My biggest piece of advice to incoming seniors is to really devote much time and effort toward college applications. They will essentially serve as summaries of your high school career and although they may be bothersome, they may be the single most important component of your senior year. 

Harry Lian: Enjoy yourselves!! Spend the last year having fun and living life to the fullest. There is no time to think about the small stuff, it is irrelevant and you could do so much better. Obviously work hard on college applications and school, but know that things will work out in the end. 

Mahirah Morshed: Work on those college and scholarship applications early. Your senior year really does go faster than you think it will. Spend a lot of time with your friends and family, go to those school events, and cherish every single second. HAVE FUN AND LAUGH!!! 

Ashley Schreck: Get ahead of your common app early, make sure you are organized and start looking now at colleges and majors, get involved over the summer and don’t take too many hard courses. Enjoy your last year 🙂 

Sarah Wetzel: I highly advise upcoming seniors to find a balance between schoolwork and social needs. It is so important to have fun in your last year of high school, so you don’t want to be bogged down by assignments you procrastinated on, but you also don’t want to be irresponsible to where you aren’t completing your work. You must find a balance. 

Olina Zheng: Senior year goes by in a blink, get an early start on college applications! You’re going to be constantly waiting for decisions and every week will go by so fast. So have lots of fun, hang out with friends, and don’t underestimate yourself. Apply to places you dream of because you never know. 

Temilade Olateru-Olagbegi: My advice for incoming seniors is to enjoy your senior year by doing things that make you happy. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. 

Jake Havel: Have fun and take risks. 

Sarah Terletsky: I would advise incoming seniors to beware of the infamous “senior-itus,” because it happens to most of us, whether we like it or not. You might have trouble getting work done or coming to school on time but try to remember how close you are to the finish line. I have personally struggled recently with low energy and motivation, but I’m still trying my best. Also, make sure you take advantage of all the senior activities like senior prom, senior day, and other activities because you deserve to make some blissful, long-lasting memories before you say goodbye to your childhood.