NEWFANE: Kappus, Wong are top two scholars in Class of 2008

By Joe Olenick<br><a href="mailto:olenickj@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Joe</a>
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

NEWFANE June 25, 2008 01:36 am

— They both have an interest in math and science that they’ll be pursuing in the fall in college. And they’re at the top of their graduating class at Newfane High School.
Natalie Kappus is the valedictorian of the Newfane class of 2008 and Lucas Wong is the salutatorian.
Kappus said she enjoyed math, Spanish and biology class, where she once had to dissect a pig. In the fall, Kappus will be attending Harvard University on a four-year scholarship for pre-med and to study Romance languages.
“I always liked biology and math,” she said. “That’s part of why I want to be a doctor.”
Wong said he liked math and science, as well.
“I loved physics, just because all of the different theories were interesting,” he said.
Wong was also a part of the Circuit Stompers, Newfane’s FIRST robotics team, for two years. The team advanced to the finals at the Greater Toronto Regional Competition and finished second at Finger Lakes Regional in Rochester.
“The season was OK,” he said. “Partying was the best part.”
Wong said he also wrestled in his freshman year.
He added his friends find it funny that he is the salutatorian and has to give a speech at graduation on Saturday.
“I’m a really quiet person,” he said. “I’ll figure out the speech, eventually.”
Kappus volunteered at Inter-Community Hospital in Newfane and also was a member of the Model United Nations club at Newfane. She said she has a sister who also won a four-year scholarship to Harvard who influenced her interest in the field of medicine.
Kappus said what she’ll miss about Newfane is the community and the people in it.
“Everybody knows everybody well. It’s a small class and a small town,” Kappus said. “I’m going to miss the closeness of everything.”
Contact reporter Joe Olenick
at 439-9222, ext. 6241.