FALL RIVER — The following students are graduating from Bishop Connolly High School at the academic top of the senior class.
1. Greta Bertha Costello
The daughter of Christopher and Audra Costello of Fall River is valedictorian for the class of 2022. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Société Honoraire de Français, and was named an AP Scholar with Honor by the College Board. A member of the Debate team for three years, Greta recently served as co-captain. Throughout her years at Bishop Connolly, Greta put her talents to good use on the cross country and tennis teams; she was also a student ambassador and a member of the recruiting team. This fall, Greta will attend Middlebury College, where she plans to pursue international and global studies.
2. Aidan Xu
A Salutatori of the Class of 2022, Aidan is the son of Aiyi Lu and Xuan Xu of Fall River. Aidan is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, and was named an AP Scholar by the College Board. Throughout his high school days, Aidan was a member of the cross country and tennis teams and the BCHS Robotics Club. Aidan plans to major in computer science at Boston University this fall.
3. Aubrey Rose Farias
Daughter of Joseph and Lori Ann Farias of Bristol, RI, Aubrey Rose is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Portuguese language). For the past four years, Aubrey has been a member of the track and cheer teams. She also contributed her talents to the Bishop Connolly Theater Company, served on student council, and served as a student ambassador. This fall, Aubrey will attend Emmanuel College, where she received the Dean’s Scholarship and the Catholic Graduate Award.
4. Edward R. Hernandez
Son of Bridget Hernandez of Taunton, Edwar is a Fellow of the National Honor Society and was named an AP Scholar by the College Board. Throughout his high school career, Edward devoted his time and talents to the swim and track teams. This fall, Edward will continue his studies in the honors program at Providence College, where he was awarded the Albertus Magnus Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
5. Rachel Marie Dias
The daughter of Brian and Susan Dias of Westport is the fifth student in the class of 2022. Rachel is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Throughout her years at Bishop Connolly, Rachel has donated her time and talents to the cheering squad and served as a student ambassador. Rachel will be attending Endicott College this fall, where she plans to study sports management and marketing.
6. Ashley Elizabeth Potvin
The daughter of Derek and Jackie Potvin of Westport, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Portuguese language). Throughout her high school career, Ashley brought her talents to the varsity volleyball team, most recently as captain, and the track team. Additionally, Ashley served as a student ambassador. Ashley plans to major in public relations at Quinnipiac University, where she received the Trustee Scholarship.
7. Maya Elizabeth Pontes
Daughter of John and Kristina Pontes of Fall River, Maya is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Throughout her high school career, Maya has dedicated her time and talents to the debate team, most recently as co-captain. Outside of the classroom, Maya has been on the tennis team and a student ambassador. Maya was accepted into the honors program at St. Anselm College this fall, where she received the Presidential Fellowship and the Abbot Dolan OSB HS Grant.
8. Alyssa Saint-Laurent
Daughter of Tania Pavao of Fall River, Alyssa is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Portuguese language). During her years at Connolly, Alyssa dedicated her time and talents to the basketball team; she was also a student ambassador and a member of the recruiting team. This fall, Alyssa plans to study biochemistry at Emmanuel College, where she received the Presidential Scholarship and the Catholic Graduate Award.
9. Kaleigh Elizabeth Rezendes
Daughter of Derrick and Kelly Rezendes of Fall River, Kaleigh is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. An athlete, Kaleigh was a four-year member and captain of the football team; she also devoted her time and talents to the athletics and cheering teams. Kaleigh was a student council member for four years, most recently serving as senior class president; she was also a student ambassador and a member of the recruiting team. This fall, Kaleigh will attend Assumption University, where she was accepted into the honors program and was offered the Presidential Scholarship and the Brother Gerard Brassard Award.
10. Ian John Rodrigues
Son of John Rodrigues and Kathleen Rodrigues of Swansea, Ian is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Throughout his high school career, Ian used his talents for the track and field and golf teams. This fall, Ian plans to study Respiratory Therapy at the New England Institute of Technology.
The following students are LEAP graduates who placed in the top 10% for their Class of 2022 and Class of 2023; they each receive their diplomas as 11th graders:
Sherley L. Ortiz
Daughter of Fausto Ortiz and Blanca Anguizaca of Fall River, Sherley will be graduating as a grade 11 student. Sherley is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Portuguese language) and has been awarded the distinction of AP Scholar by the College Board. Throughout her high school years, Sherley was a member of the debate team, most recently as co-captain, and the tennis team. Sherley has also served as a student ambassador and member of the recruiting team. This fall, Sherley will continue her studies in the honors program at Boston University, where she received a full four-year scholarship and is enrolled as a research fellow in the Linguistics and Speech Science program, language and hearing at the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Sophie Isabelle Garcia
Daughter of Glen Garcia and Kellie-Anne Frasier-Garcia of Fall River, Sophie will be graduating as a grade 11 student. Sophie is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Portuguese language) and was named an AP Scholar by the College Board. Throughout her high school days, Sophie was a member of the debate team, most recently as co-captain, and the tennis team. Sophie was also a student ambassador and a member of the recruiting team. This fall, Sophie will attend Stonehill College, where she received the Stonehill Fellowship and Diocesan Fellowship, and will study Criminology and Law through their Pathway program with Villanova University.
