These Cherry Hill Students Are Among County's Best In Class

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Students who attend public schools in Cherry Hill are among 234 senior students countywide who were honored as the “Best of Class 2021” award recipients.

The Camden County Commissioner Board’s “Best of Class” awards honor students in seven categories: most courageous, community service, leadership, performing arts, most improved, school spirit and best overall.

“We are proud to recognize seniors from every high school in Camden County who have demonstrated pride in academic achievement and strive to improve themselves while helping others in their communities,” Camden County Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell said. “Unfortunately, we were not able to gather in-person to celebrate these incredible students, but we remain extremely excited to honor them virtually and provide other ways that they can share their accomplishments with friends, family, and our community.”

Each student will receive a Best of Class medal and certificate, which they can proudly display to signify their accomplishments.

The following students who attend public schools in Cherry Hill were honored by county commissioners this week:

Leadership Award

Mia Angelucci
Cherry Hill High School West
Attending University of Southern California
Favorite High School Memory: All of my years playing on the West Girls Soccer team, as well as every song I got to perform with the West Choir Department.

Anthony Fuscellaro
Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill
Attending Camden County College

Machayla Randall
Cherry Hill High School East
Attending Georgia Tech
Favorite High School Memory: My favorite high school memory was definitely being involved with the school. For example with the African American Culture Club and East Volleyball Club, I was able to become a part of a family that supported me throughout my entire high school experience, and will be there for me even after I graduate.

Community Service Award

Seth Hvizdos
Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill
Favorite High School Memory: I have a lot of great memories with my friends and teachers over the past 4 years. If I had to pick a favorite high school memory, it would be when my class voted for me to be on the Y.A.L.E. money.

Anica Lafosse
Cherry Hill High School West
Attending Messiah University
Favorite High School Memory: It is so hard to only pick one! One of my favorite memories I made at West was on my birthday. My twin brother and I, along with my peers, represented the African American Culture Club on the News! It was such a thrilling experience and really helped motivate me to want to make a difference in my school. This memory pushed me to apply for the club’s presidency and I have no regrets!

Maxwell Lee
Cherry Hill High School East
Most Improved Student

Katherine Gallagher
Cherry Hill High School West

Danielle Maddred
Cherry Hill High School East
Attending Thomas Jefferson University
Favorite High School Memory: Sophomore year multi culture day. Performing the dance with all of my friends.

Mercedes Perry
Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill
Meeting friends.
Performing Arts Award

Caitlin Cepeda
Cherry Hill High School East
Attending Northeastern University
Favorite High School Memory: My best high school memory was playing Sidney in “Our Place” during the 2019 One Act Play and Film Festival. I fell off a dock, dunked my head in a bucket of water, completely doused myself, and was dragged back out. My character had drowned and as I died, I could actually hear audible crying from the audience. It was my most absurd and moving performance. We worked incredibly hard on that show, and it payed off. My cast won the award for “Best One Act Play” and I received “Best Supporting Actress in a One Act Play’. However, the greatest part of the night was not the accolades won, but the camaraderie created. The One Acts Festival is a a huge celebration of the entire year of theatre and it felt amazing to spend that night with my closest friends.

Brandon Fields
Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill
Favorite High School Memory: Fun times with my friends and teachers as well as having fun in the studio room.

Brianna Johnson
Cherry Hill High School West
Attending Columbia College Chicago
Favorite High School Memory: Being apart of the West production of Matilda in Fall 2019. I got close so many sweet and talented individuals. It was also a ton of fun!

Most Courageous Student

Rebecca Allen
Cherry Hill High School East
Attending King’s College
Favorite High School Memory: Senior day for field hockey and hanging out with my principal, Ms Metzger.

Odesco Baillie
Cherry Hill High School West

School Spirit Award

Jordan Grossman
Cherry Hill High School East
Attending The Ohio State University
Favorite High School Memory: Beating Rancocas Valley in the first round of the soccer playoffs during PKs.

Gavin Huston
YALE School Cherry Hill
Attending YALE Standard 9 Program
Favorite High School Memory: My best High School memory is really how many friends I made at school and having so many great teachers.

Jonathan Smith
Cherry Hill High School West
Attending Rowan University
Favorite High School Memory: My favorite high school memory is at the end of my Sophomore year seeing my name on the sheet that I got into Men of Note.

Best Overall Student

Casey Erickson
Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill
Attending Y.A.L.E. S9 Program at Camden County College
Favorite High School Memory: My best high school memory is starting high school for the first time and meeting new people.

Raphael Littwin
Cherry Hill High School West
Attending Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Favorite High School Memory: My favorite high school memory was being a member of DECA, specifically competing at the State Career Development Conference and serving as a chapter officer. It was a lot of fun and I gained many leadership skills.

Daniel Pipersburgh
Cherry Hill High School East