Bishop McGann-Mercy

Katharine Brownfiel

VALEDICTORIAN

GPA: 102.689

College plans: College of William and Mary

Major: English and secondary education

Well-rounded: Katharine, who lives in Middle Island, was on the varsity tennis team, served as editor-in-chief of McGann-Mercy’s school newspaper and was a member of the National Honor Society. She served as a public relations/historian officer and was a member of the math and science honor societies. She also participated in the varsity Academic Team, Latin Certamen, Suffolk County Advanced Division Battle of the Books and school musical ensembles. At McGann-Mercy, she spearheaded and ran Operation Christmas Child, which sends gifts overseas to children in need.

When she’s not at school: Katharine was a vacation Bible school teaching assistant at Long Island Aquarium. She was also a content provider for Odyssey and a retail employee.

Family tradition: Katharine’s mother and aunt were both valedictorians at McGann-Mercy. She said that ever since middle school she has been working to follow in their footsteps.

English enthusiast: A passionate reader who loves writing, Katharine hopes to influence others to similarly enjoy literature. That’s why she plans to become a high school English teacher.

“I believe literature can open your mind to whole new worlds,” she said.

Parting words: “I personally believe in never saying no to an opportunity and this [belief] has opened the way to a host of experiences.”

Nathan Sandler

SALUTATORIAN

GPA: 102.674

College plans: Tufts University

Major: biomedical engineering

High achiever: A Bridgehampton resident, Nathan has been on McGann-Mercy’s principal’s list every year and was named an All-American Scholar and the 2015 McGann-Mercy Scholar Athlete of the Year. An AP scholar, he was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National, Math, Spanish and Science honor societies. Nathan also participated in John Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth Program, where he took additional courses and attended seminars.

Getting involved: Nathan belonged to the Science Bowl Club and was a junior volunteer firefighter for Bridgehampton Fire Department. He was also a member of the Academic Team and a mentor for  international students and freshmen. Additionally, he participated in the McGann-Mercy Pond Project, which developed a stable ecosystem in the school pond.

Love of the water: Nathan participated on the varsity rowing team all four years of high school and held the captain position with the Peconic Community Rowing Association’s men’s team during his junior and senior years. Over the summer, he taught children how to row as a coach for the Peconic Rowing Team and East End Rowing Institute. He enjoys swimming and will work as a lifeguard this summer.

Parting words: “[Mercy] may be small, but there is a sense of community that is different from anywhere else. I was given many opportunities there and they have helped me become the person I am today.”