Meet Bishop Stang High School’s Top 10 graduates of 2023

Originally published on www.southcoasttoday.com

DARTMOUTH — The following students were named to the Top 10 of Bishop Stang High School’s class of 2023.

Julia Downey

Kevin Santiago

Christopher Pacheco

Rebecca Antonio

Marcus Mourato

Alisha Nagpal

Luca Cincotta

Taylor Oliveira

Ella Pacheco

Sophie Caldwell

1. Julia Downey, of Mattapoisett, is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023, and the daughter of Greg and Jeanne Downey. Julia served as Treasurer on the Student Council and was Vice President of the National Honor Society for her junior and senior years. She was a Debate team member, Captain as a junior and senior, and served as a Peer Mentor. In the community, Julia volunteered at My Brother’s Keeper, the Buttonwood Park Zoo, and Mattapoisett Library. In addition, Julia played soccer, track, and lacrosse. As a senior, she was a captain and MVP on the track team. Julia will attend Harvard College.

2. Kevin Santiago, of New Bedford, is the Salutatorian of the Class of 2023, and the son of Andre Santiago and Auzenda Goncalves. Kevin was a member of the Math Team, Robotics Club, Student Council, and President of the Student Ambassadors. In the community, he volunteered at My Brothers Keeper and Camp Invention and was a part of the NB Votes project for the City of New Bedford. Kevin was a swim team member all four years, captain as a junior and senior, and MVP his senior year. In addition, he was a National Merit Commended Student in his Junior year. Kevin will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

3. Christopher Pacheco, of Westport, is the son of Paulo and Diane Pacheco. Chris was in the National Honor Society and was President of NHS in his senior year. He was an active leader in Campus Ministry, a Peer Mentor, and often called upon as a student speaker. In the community, he was a student coordinator for My Brother’s Keeper and a tutor to other students. Chris was awarded the St Julie Billiart Medal for his community service. He played Soccer, track, and Tennis and served as Captain of the Tennis Team as a senior. Chris will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

4. Rebecca Antonio, of New Bedford, is the daughter of Heath and Raquel Antonio. Rebecca was active in Campus Ministry, was a member of the A Capella and Select Choirs, and participated in the theater program at Stang. Additionally, she was selected and participated in the Massachusetts District Chorus as a Junior and a Senior. In the community, Rebecca volunteered at the Buttonwood Park Zoo and at Gifts to Give. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. Rebecca will attend Stonehill College.

5. Marcus Mourato, of Dartmouth, is the son of Jose and Paula Mourato. Marcus was a member of the Math Team and played the violin in the Instrumental Ensemble. In addition, he played violin in Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestra and was selected three times for the Massachusetts Junior District Chorus. Marcus was inducted into the National Honor Society and was National Merit Commended Student in his junior year. In the community, he volunteered at My Brother’s Keeper and served as an altar server at Espirito Santo in Fall River. Marcus will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

6. Alisha Nagpal, of Fall River, is the daughter of Anupam and Manju Nagpal. Alisha is a member of the National Honor Society. On the Diversity Council, she helped launch a widely successful Cultural Fair. Alisha also ran cross country while at Stang. In the community, Alisha was an extraordinary volunteer who received the St Julie Billiart Medal for volunteering more than 150 hours. During high school, Alisha interned at a local law office, was a member of the Southcoast Youth Court, participated in the “NB Votes” program, and served in a local election as a poll worker. Alisha will attend New York University.

7. Luca Cincotta, of Tiverton, is the son of Anthony Cincotta and Jennifer Joslin. Luca was the Vice President of his class, and he was inducted into the National Honor Society. Luca was a passionate and talented football player for Bishop Stang, playing all four years, leading the team as a quarterback, Captain, and League All-Star. He also played basketball for four years. In the community, Luca volunteered at My Brother’s Keeper and carried several jobs throughout high school. He will attend the University of Maryland Honors College.

8. Taylor Oliveira, of Dartmouth, is the daughter of Roger and Christine Oliveira. Taylor was inducted into the National Honor Society. In addition, she works at a local farm. Taylor also served as a Bishop Stang Peer Mentor. She played soccer all four years at Bishop Stang, was a multi-year All-Star, and was a captain in her senior year. She is also a member of the highly competitive Scorpions SC ECNL National Soccer League. In the community, Taylor served as a volunteer coach in local youth sports. She will attend the University of South Carolina.

9. Ella Pacheco, of Dartmouth, is the daughter of Peter and Susana Pacheco. Ella was inducted into the National Honor Society and Peer Mentor, was on the Student Council, Math Team, and Campus Ministry, and was a member of the Mock Trial Club, the Coding Club, and the Knitting Club. In addition, Ella played soccer and was a referee and assistant coach for her town’s soccer league. In the community, she participated in many service opportunities, including My Brother’s Keeper. Ella will attend Northeastern University.

10. Sophie Caldwell, of Dartmouth, is the daughter of Kevin and Beth Caldwell. Sophie was inducted into the National Honor Society and member of the Student Council, Student Ambassadors, the Trivia Club, and Retreat Teams. She served as Class President for three years. She was an All-Star athlete, playing all four years on varsity soccer, and was Captain senior year. The same goes for basketball, an All-Star with a four-year varsity career; she was captain junior and senior years. Sophie also ran track in the spring. In the community, she gave her time to the United Way’s “Mobile Market,” helping to package and distribute food boxes. Sophie will attend Boston College.