It’s an exciting time for seniors. After all their hard work getting good grades, excelling in sports and extracurriculars, filling out applications, and waiting (and probably many sleepless nights!), our seniors are beginning to receive their college acceptances. These students have really impressed us, and we know they will do well in their continued studies after graduating from Saint Raphael Academy.
Sharbel Mikhail
Cumberland, RI
ACCEPTED: Harvard University
Intended major: Economics
A friend was so confident Sharbel would be accepted to Harvard that he bought him a branded sweater two months before he even found out the status of his application.
A natural school leader with an ever-present smile, Sharbel does not shy away from having the full high school experience. Saints offered many opportunities for Sharbel to shine. He is a founding member of the SRA Cultures Club and helped organize a school-wide celebratory event of the student body’s cultures. He also participates in Model Legislature, student government, football, swimming and admissions ambassadors, in addition to carrying an Intense schedule of AP classes. Sharbel also participates in the Moore Scholars program, an academic club for high-achieving students who are invited to go beyond the classroom to research issues, synthesize information and propose solutions.
But of all these experiences, here’s what he will miss the most after graduation:
“The community—that’s without a doubt! Especially after ECHO [retreat] and everything we experienced together—we’re really close. So, to go into a new environment where we’re not necessarily as tight anymore, it’s a little scary.”
Joining his friend Cooper (SRA Class of 2023) at Harvard will make it a little less scary, and he is also making some connections with other newly accepted students.
Siyu “Sam” Wang
Guangzhou, China
ACCEPTED: Rhode Island School of Design
Intended major: Architecture and Design
We are so excited for Sam’s acceptance to RISD, where he plans to study architecture and design! It has been his dream for the last three years, and Sam gives credit to his guidance counselor and his art teachers for helping him reach his goal. He hopes to become a third-generation architect and work in the United States. (His grandfather and father are both architects back home in China.)
Sam is one of Saint Raphael Academy’s international students. These students go out of their comfort zone for a uniquely American educational experience.
Sam is both passionate about everything he does and compassionate to others. He has been a wonderful, caring ambassador to our new students from China.
Sam has enjoyed his time in America, and especially at Saints. Sam started the Architecture Design Club—”I love this club!” he told us—and he is taking an impressive array of art and technology classes, some through Saint Raphael Academy’s partnership with VHS Learning, an online platform of additional AP and other intensive classes.
He is happy that he will be staying in Rhode Island, so there is no need to miss Saints. “I will stay here so I can come back, always,” he said, smiling.
Samantha Superczynski
North Providence, RI
ACCEPTED: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Intended major: Mechanical Engineering
Samantha is a super go-getter, not only taking AP and honors classes but also playing softball for Saints and on a travel team and participating in a number of extracurricular activities. Samantha enjoys being on the student council, Spikeball club, bowling club, and taking photos for newspaper and yearbook. She even has a side gig as a photographer, taking photos at many Saints’ athletic events.
She credits her teachers for helping her get accepted to WPI. “Mrs. Murphy introduced me to a bunch of creative ideas and possibilities. And my math teacher, Dr. Costanzo. He really introduced me to the ‘real world,’” she said, adding that he was not only her teacher, but also a resource for helping her and her classmates understand what to expect in college and with a job search.
When she graduates in June, Samantha will take with her values that the Academy has emphasized within its community.
“Saints has really taught me the value of friendship and family, and that the connections that you can build are so much more than what you can accomplish. Everyone thinks, ‘oh, I’m going to succeed in life.’ That’s great and all, but it’s really the hearts you touch and the difference you make in the world.”
