Several years ago, Rebecca Magnetico attended her cousin’s graduation ceremony and listened to the valedictorian’s speech. It made an impression on her for sure. “I definitely remember thinking that it would be cool to be in that position,” she recalled. “But I didn’t really think it would actually happen.”
Oh, it’s happening. On Friday, June 23, Rebecca will stand before her family, friends, teachers and classmates as the Pine Bush High School Class of 2023 valedictorian. She will have the opportunity to address them and also possibly make an impression on a future valedictorian.
Rebecca, who is the daughter of Shannan Magnetico and Robert Magnetico and sister of Emily, has spent her entire school career in Pine Bush schools, first at PBE, then Crispell and now Pine Bush High School. Was there a key to her academic success?
“My parents never put any pressure on me to have the grades that I do,” Rebecca said. “I put enough pressure on myself, but they provided me with love and unwavering support, never doubting that I could do anything that I put my mind to. I am so grateful for this independence that they gave me and the trust that they had that I would accomplish what I needed to on my own.”
Great memories
Rebecca has treasured memories of the relationships she has built throughout her time here in Pine Bush, both with classmates and teachers. “Both have challenged as well as grounded me, both academically and socially,” she said.
One of Rebecca’s favorite memories from all her years in Pine Bush schools was a combination of happenings in fifth grade in Andrea Gennaro’s class and this current year. Back in fifth grade, they had read “Esperanza Rising,” a coming of age book about a young Mexican girl, Esperanza.
“Esperanza’s mother made a yarn doll for a girl on a train,” Rebecca said. “In my class in 2015, we made these dolls together to take home. This year, I had the privilege of volunteering in Ms. Gennaro’s classroom once a week at the beginning of the school year. When the students got to that part of the story, I was able to bring in the doll that I still have from fifth grade and help all of the students make their own. It felt very full circle and so special. I definitely appreciate those little sentimental things. They mean so much to me.”
A love of learning of all types
A lot has happened since fifth grade. Rebecca has had an incredible middle and high school career, both in the classroom and out. She’s always loved math and science; she has been a member of Odyssey of the Mind every year since fifth grade. Rebecca has been a member of the tennis team all four years of high school. She plays the French horn in band since fifth grade. She volunteers, works a part-time job and loves the hands-on learning she’s gotten here at Pine Bush.
“Our technology department is incredible,” said Rebecca. “(Kenneth) Marshall and (Patrick) Reiser teach courses that introduce students to engineering principles as well as STEM basics. The learning environment that they have created provides students with an outlet to have fun during the school day while still learning in a hands-on way. My relationship with them and the incredible resources that I have had access to while in high school certainly impacted what I want to study as well.”
Which brings Rebecca to her next chapter. In the fall, she will be attending Northeastern University for its honors program in bioengineering.
As she leaves her hometown to attend college in Boston, Rebecca has some advice to those who are entering Pine Bush High School this fall.
“The best advice that I could give is that high school is a balancing game,” Rebecca said. “You are trying to balance a social life with sports, clubs, volunteering, family, and schoolwork. It is important that you manage your time and work hard so that you don’t have to sacrifice doing things that you love.”
Congratulations Rebecca! What an incredible example you are for your fellow students. Always remember your Pine Bush pride!