BURRILLVILLE – Two students who intend to pursue careers in types of engineering after college have achieved the top grades in their class this year at Burrillville High School.
Emily Martin is the valedictorian, and Kaitlyn Fleming is the salutatorian, of the Bronco Class of 2024.
Martin is the daughter of Robin and Derek Martin, and will finish her high school career with a 4.3597/4.5 GPA. She has been recognized for her academics through multiple student of the month awards and undergraduate honors, according to an announcement from the school on this year’s graduates.
“Her GPA is calculated through challenging herself in honors and AP level coursework across all disciplines,” said BHS Principal Michael Lazzareschi. “Both current and former teachers highlight Emily’s ability to apply complex, abstract concepts to solve and analyze problems. She couples her natural abilities with her amazing work ethic. Her combination of interest, enthusiasm, dedication to the work, and natural intuition have been components to her success.”
A four-year member of the Math League, Martin has been a key player on the school’s highest scoring team. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, serving as vice-president.
She has participated in extracurricular activities connected to BHS as well as outside of school, which she has independently sought out, noted school leaders.
“Over the course of her time at Burrillville High School, Emily has engaged in multiple elective art classes in addition to her required coursework,” said Lazzareschi. “She has ambitiously set the bar high while creating various works of art with great thought and intention, and all of exceptional quality. Whether it was drawing or sculpting, her artistic talents could be characterized by high levels of discipline, motivation, passion, problem-solving skills, and originality.”
Martin’s community service includes volunteer work at the BHS Memorial Garden, church events and creating Christmas baskets for veterans. She has donated her time to Stand in the Gap, buying supplies for care packages to be given to the homeless population in Worcester; Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child, filling shoe boxes with small toys, toiletries, books, and clothes to be given away to children around the world; and Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Care Center, aiding the activities department by participating in arts and crafts, games, playing music and talking to the residents.
Outside of the school, Martin has also taken sewing lessons for the past two years and has learned not only how to follow patterns, but also to create her own patterns and designs. She has taken piano lessons for more than 10 years at a local studio and performs by playing and singing in multiple events each year. Her talent ranks in the top 20 musicians of the studio.
“Many are unaware that Emily is an incredible musician,” said Lazzareschi. “Guests are often mesmerized by how professional and elegant her work is.”
“It is rare to find a high school student who manages their time and yields such success as Emily,” the principal added.
“Emily Martin is an exceptional, well-rounded young lady who will leave impressive marks on any path she chooses. She is a quiet leader who is well respected by faculty, staff and peers and will be missed tremendously.”
Martin will attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall, where she will major in biomedical engineering.
Fleming, daughter of Lori and David Fleming, ranked second in the Class of 2024, with a GPA of 4.3457/4.5. Her time at BHS has included enrollment in numerous honors classes and eleven AP level courses, and she has been named student of the month multiple times while completing the challenging work, according to school leaders.
“Kaitlyn’s academic success shines brightly,” said Lazzareschi. “Teachers recognize her thoughtfulness and ability to analyze content in the classroom, allowing her to provide significant contributions to class discussions.”
Fleming is also an accomplished athlete, participating in cross country, swimming, indoor track and outdoor track, and earning several accolades for her dedication and performance. She was honored with the Coaches Award and 3rd Team All Division Honors in 2022.
“Coaches state that when Kaitlyn sets her mind to something, she is all in,” said Lazzareschi.
Fleming has participated in the BHS DECA Program, is a member of the Student Advisory Board and Diversity Council, is the president of DNA or Definitions Not Applicable, and is a leader of Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has received numerous recognitions including honorable mention in the Governor for a Day Essay Contest, citations from Rep. David Place and Sen. Jessica De la Cruz, DECA National Competitor, DECA International Finalist and Skills USA State Competitor. As a student leader for Youth Driven and an active volunteer with more than 90 hours of community service with the Burrillville Prevention Action Coalition and SADD, she has worked towards promoting traffic safety and advocating for substance abuse prevention.
Outside of school, Fleming was actively involved in Girl Scouts Troop 1035 from 2014-2021, where she encouraged serving the community, learning about oneself and having a greater understanding of the world. She was winner of the Girl Scout Silver Award in 2021.
“During her time at Burrillville High School, Kaitlyn has exemplified the qualities of a genuine, respectful, driven and independent young woman ready to accept any challenge or goal presented to her,” said Lazzareschi. “Kaitlyn is described by faculty and staff as extremely consistent in all that she does. Whether it be her academics, athletics or community involvement, Kaitlyn demonstrates a relentless passion to ensure she meets her goals.”
“Kaitlyn Fleming is a true example of what our community expects of a Bronco,” the principal added. “Her quiet but effective impact on our school will be genuinely missed. There is no doubt that Kaitlyn will continue to inspire and empower those around her, leaving a legacy of excellence and compassion wherever she goes.”
Fleming will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall where she will major in engineering.
