Class of 2021 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Kenilworth Public Schools
Kenilworth Public Schools has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for David Brearley High School’s Class of 2021.
The valedictorian is Isabella Uschak and the salutatorian is Nicholas Borg. The two distinguished students were among 109 to graduate from Brearley on June 23, 2021.
Uschak consistently made high honors, receiving several scholastic awards and Student of the Semester recognition. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.
“Isabella is an intelligent, patient, respectful, disciplined, hardworking, proactive, inquisitive and determined individual,” said Brearley High School counselor Stephanie Scasso. “Her accomplishments stem from the ambitious goals she sets for herself; she’s a shining example of what David Brearley High School is all about.”
Uschak’s proudest academic accomplishments include earning the highest grades in all of her Advanced Placement (AP) classes both in her sophomore and junior years. She’s also a leader in extracurricular activities, including cheer. Her cheer team placed in the top three at the 2020 National “Reach the Beach” competition for the first time in years.
Community involvement has further developed her leadership qualities and self-discipline. She has volunteered her time at the local homeless shelter, a quadriplegic care center and nursing home throughout high school. Over the years Isabella has written presentations about her Catholic faith to address large groups of her peers and adults. This year, she was the recipient of the Catholic Youth Excellence Award.
“Isabella is not a follower,” said Scasso. “She listens to others and follows her values when making decisions, and demonstrates excellent leadership abilities.”
Borg has found similar success at Brearley after taking on the most rigorous course load offered by the district.
“Nicholas is a hard-working, committed and highly disciplined student,” said Brearley High School counselor Jamie Lugo. “His desire to think outside the box while always giving his best is admirable.”
A member of the varsity baseball team and the former Vice President of the National Honor Society, Borg worked hard to surpass a 4.0 GPA. He completed 11 AP classes and three Union County College courses through the Kenilworth Scholars Academy.
Borg’s impressive academic achievements are complemented by his vast community involvement, which includes training and coaching young baseball players, and fundraising for the BackPack Pals program and a local food pantry. At Brearley, Borg volunteered with the annual blood drive and helped raise funds for the Class of 2021.
Borg’s interests also include the stock market; he is a self-taught investor.
“Nicholas will only continue to find success,” said Lugo. “Working hard and raising the bar comes as second nature to him, and his impact on Brearley is just an indication of what he’ll do in the future.”
Uschak will continue her education at Boston College, Carroll School of Management, and Borg will pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Photos by Kenilworth Public Schools
