Celebrating the class of 2023 athletes

Gina Lin
CHS Class of 2024

(7/2023) The class of 2023, collectively, should be proud of their accomplishments. After living through unprecedented hardships, the class emerged from a period of uncertainty and continued their educational and athletic careers, unfazed. Catoctin graduated 195 students on May 24th at Mount St. Mary’s. To say that choosing qualified candidates for this article was difficult is an understatement, as there was a plethora of deserving graduates. The following athletes have put forth their best selves not only in the classroom but on the field: Ali Brawner, Alex Contreras, Abigail May, and Emma Stream.

Our first distinguished graduate is Alison Brawner. She has been heavily involved in sports from a young age. Brawner began her 13 year basketball career at the age of five; additionally she has been playing softball since she was nine. Outside of school, Brawner played travel softball for most of middle and high school with the Maryland Outlaws. Not only does Brawer demonstrate excellence in athletics but also in academics and related activities. Brawner served as the president of the Class of 2023 and was a member of four honor societies, such as National Honor Society (NHS) and Science National Honor Society. (SNHS) She was also active in numerous clubs like Catoctin Crazies and Mario Kart Club.

Brawner kept herself occupied outside of school not just with sports but with work and community involvement all the while maintaining a 4.43 GPA. Brawner’ s efforts have been recognized of course through various awards and scholarships. She was awarded the Presidential Scholarship, from Salisbury University; and the Gold Scholar Award (students who have taken six or more Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes). Though Brawner doesn’t plan to continue sports at the collegiate level, she will be attending Salisbury University with a major in Biology, hopeful of pursuing Biomedical Science. Branwer will work to acquire a Master’s degree and potentially a Ph.D. Her goal is to improve the world by engaging in innovative neurological research.

Brawner’s success wasn't without help though. She credits Catoctin High’s girls basketball coach, Amy Entwhislte, who seems to be favorite among athletes. "...she never failed to make me feel powerful and loved." Brawner has offered some words of wisdom for incoming and present high school students. She advises students to enjoy their time in high school and make the most of it. "It is important to have as much fun as you can in high school, but good grades are more important." Brawner also commented, "I hope I showed people that it is important to be kind to everyone around you. Kindness can go a long way and help someone in ways you may never know."

Emma Stream exemplifies one of the best that the graduating class has to offer. Stream had her hands full during high school; she played a sport every season, participated in many clubs, and kept up her grades in advanced classes. Lacrosse and tennis were among several sports she played– but Stream committed all four years to swim and field hockey. Stream is set to attend West Virginia University with a major in parks and recreation but won’t be furthering athletics. Stream also has an artistic side, she was a part of International Thespian Society and served on the school musical’s costume crew in her last two years. Moreover, Stream was a member of Spanish Honor Society and NHS, and vice president of NEHS. Stream has been awarded the Gold Scholar Award and Spanish Department Honor. Outside of school Stream worked as a lifeguard during summers, and plans to continue lifeguarding. Many teachers have had a lasting impact on Streams development throughout high school but someone that really stood out to her is Olivia Aungst, a CHS English teacher. Stream described Aungst as being "a safe space to voice [her] problems and aspirations." She added, " Talking to your teachers will teach you meaningful life lessons and help you to find purpose." Stream relayed advice to high school students, "I hope that I have taught people to be kind and take each other under their wing, and look out for one another."

Abby May is another worthy student athlete graduate. She has been playing volleyball since middle school and will be playing volleyball on the collegiate level this fall at McDaniel College. May will be majoring in kinesiology with a minor in sports coaching. She played for many travel volleyball clubs such as Hub City and Liberty Elite Volleyball Clubs; currently May plays for Potomac Storm Volleyball Club. During high school, May was occupied with clubs like Mario Kart Club and Catoctin Crazies. She was also class vice president in her junior and senior years. May also received the Gold Scholar Award, three Mind in Motion awards, and two Varsity Athletic awards. She encourages high school students to push themselves in their high school career, "Everything you are taught is to help you grow as a person." She credits her successful high school experience to her peers. "My peers pushed me to be the best version of myself.. and I just wanted to make people proud of my team's success."

Our final student athlete is Alex Contreras. Contreras was among the leaders of Catoctin’s track team that helped the team reach states; and he was a three time individual state champion. Additionally, he served as captain of the track and cross country teams for the past three years. Contreras will be continuing his incredible track and cross country career at High Point University. He intends on majoring in biology while in college. Some goals he has are to break four minutes in the mile and run through the Colorado mountains. During high school. Contreras was involved in numerous clubs such as Envirothon, the Conservation Club, Athletic Leadership Club and Millionaires Club. Moreover, he was a member of NHS, and Mu Alpha Theta( National Math Honor Society).

Contreras graduated with first honors and received the Minds in Motion Award. After a successful high school career Contreras has some advice to relay. He encourages students to explore new practices, as those opportunities can help you discover new people and ideas. Contreras added, "Failure is good, failure means that you are trying." Contreras’ success on the track wasn’t without help. David Lillard, a CHS Science teacher and the head track coach heavily influenced Contreras. "[Lillard] taught me a lot about running and even more about myself." Contreras shows unrelenting devotion to the track team, " I hope to have left a legacy of commitment and leadership for the track team."

This article is dedicated to celebrate Catoctin’s class of 2023, as completion of high school is a huge milestone in one's life. There are so many more graduates that are worth mentioning. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside them and see them progress through their high school journey. They will be greatly missed. The class of 2023 will be sure to contribute positively to the world.