Class President: Victor Poupart

What advice would you give to younger students that you wish someone gave to you?

Please stay on top of your work! Procrastination WILL get the best of you if you let it. Be proactive, get ahead of your work before it overwhelms you. But don’t overindulge either, a healthy balance between academics, extracurriculars, and free time is important to stay sane during high school.

Who inspired/encouraged/guided you throughout your journey at NBTHS? How?

As a music student, my biggest inspirations came from the music staff over the past four years. Ms. Nudelman, Mr. Smith, Mr. Scala, Mrs. Fackelman, and the rest of the staff have played such a huge role in not just me growing as a musician, but as a person. Their mix of support, goofing around, genuine critiques, and honest advice have made me feel like I really matter and belong here at NBTHS. 

Also special shout out to my homeroom teachers Mr. Watters and Ms. Zangrilli. I never thought I’d look forward to going to homeroom, but they make it such an inviting, fun environment to be in and have had a large impact on my motivations to come to school every day.

What college are you planning to attend and what will be your major? Why did you choose this school/major?

In the fall I plan on attending Purdue University! I’ll be majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Human Resource Management. Psychology has really intrigued me since I was young, getting to understand why people act in the ways they do and how we function together is something I’ll always want to learn more about. I’d like to specifically go into Industrial/Organizational Psychology, which is why I chose Purdue. Purdue has one of the oldest I/O Psychology programs in the world, and is a leading institution in research for the field. I’m really looking forward to my time there and hope to learn a lot!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I hope to have started my career, whether it be as an HR manager, I/O Psychologist, or something else related to Psychology. I hope to also still be playing live music on the side in some capacity, whether it’s on my own as a hobby, or playing small shows with a band. Wherever the wind takes me!

What was your favorite memory from your time at NBTHS?

It’s really hard to choose just one memory as my favorite because of how many great ones I have. One memory that stands out to me as I write this was the last Rock-a-thon I participated in. Being able to sit, talk, play games, and just exist around these friends I had made over the years at NBTHS reminded me of all the great memories I have with these people in this amazing place. It reminded me of just how valuable my time at the high school has been and how many relationships I have built along the way.

How do you feel about graduating?

I’m extremely excited to graduate. I’ve loved high school with all the memories and people that have come along with it, but a change of scenery is going to be really refreshing. Being able to study one of my passions in a new place with new faces is going to be a breath of fresh air. I am, of course, really going to miss my family and friends back in New Jersey, leaving them is definitely going to be one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. Despite that, my excitement for graduation hasn’t diminished and I’m still looking forward to it a lot..

What has been the biggest challenge throughout your high school career?

The biggest challenge throughout Highschool has been facing burnout. It is really easy to get caught up in all you’re doing and burning out fast. I’ve had to teach myself that it is okay to take a little break if you really need it. Nothing is worth sacrificing your mental wellbeing, you should always be your own first priority.

What advice would you give to anyone hoping to earn your same achievement (Valedictorian/Salutatorian/Class President/Senior Speaker)?

Don’t be afraid to be yourself! Serving as Class President has meant meeting a bunch of new people, both staff and students, and that requires authenticity. Being unafraid to be who I am around others, having confidence, and just being able to not worry about what others think about me has helped me a lot in the role I play as President. 

Were you involved in any clubs or sports? If so, how did you manage to maintain good grades throughout the year?

I’m a member of a few different extracurriculars through the high school. I have been a member of SGO all four years of high school, I am also a member and captain of the NBTHS Marching Band and Winter Percussion Ensemble. Alongside those, I am a member of the National Honor Society. Science National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Balancing these activities with schoolwork was definitely a challenge for me, but I learned that taking breaks from one to focus on the other is really important to prevent burning out. Never disregard academics to focus on extracurriculars, and vice versa! Balance really is the key to success throughout high school.

What do you think the biggest challenge students will face in the future?

Especially with the rise of generative AI models, I really urge future students to do their own work. I know it’s tempting to fire up ChatGPT and have it write that essay you don’t want to do or do that math homework you don’t feel like figuring out. But the only thing that does is rob you of your education. You’re not just here to pass, but to learn! Please do your own work, set yourself up for success!

What is your favorite memory from the 2025-2026 school year?

My favorite memory from this past school year was definitely playing the Talent Show in January. Being able to be up on stage with some of my closest friends playing for my family, staff, and even more friends in the audience was incredible. Hearing the crowd cheer and sing along is something I’ll never forget. Performing for my community at NBTHS is so special and a memory that I will always hold on to.