Congratulations to these hardworking students on earning a place in the Top 25. Graduating students were asked “What does being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader mean to you?” and their answers were as diverse and inspiring as their community.
Abhilash Patel - Seize every opportunity you can. You never know how fun an experience can be, and you will regret the things you didn't do much more than the things you did do. Don't hesitate to involve yourself with non-profits, research labs, and advocacy groups.
Alexi Rittger - I get to defy my disability and be in a community that welcomes me for who I am.
Celeste O’Grady - To me, being a Crusader means that you are willing to put your best foot forward every time. You don't have to get perfect grades or be amazing at every sport, but as a Crusader it is important that you always try your hardest. Put your best out into the world and only the best will come back to you.
Deanna Murphy - Being a Crusader means to be a supportive member of the school community. We always show school spirit and encourage our peers to be successful.
Erin Cunningham - To me, being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means always striving for excellence even in the most challenging of times, and knowing I will have a welcoming environment to come back to. I have had amazing guidance from MW Alumni and hope to provide that for younger students.
Garrett Rostkowski - It means the world as being a Crusader puts you into a family you will have forever. Meeting so many alumni is something that has been a great experience and helped me to understand the real community our school has.
Gerard Haber, Jr. - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means valuing excellency in all endeavors.
Gregory Grisar - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means being part of a supportive community that encourages students to work hard, get involved, and grow as people. It means showing school pride, helping others, and representing the school with respect both inside and outside the classroom. To me, it also means creating friendships, memories, and experiences that I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
Jael-Lucia Milano - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means to always try your best in everything that you do and to treat others with respect.
Kate Anderson - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means being a part of a welcoming and well rounded community filled with talent and ambition that pushes everyone to achieve their goals.
Kyle Imhof - If I were to have been asked this question when I started high school, I would've said that being a Crusader means to be a member of the high school community. However, I realize today that being a Crusader means way more than that. I believe in the saying "Once a ___, Always a ____.," and being a Crusader fits this format. Crusaders stand tall. Crusaders stay true to their beliefs. Crusaders unite as a community. These reasons are why we will always go with this saying: "Once a Crusader, Always a Crusader."
Lauren Mueller - Being a MW Crusader means being part of a supportive community that encourages you to grow, work hard, and be involved. It means showing pride in our school, supporting one another, and creating memories and friendships that will last long after high school.
Luka Joncic - To me, being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader signifies trusting both others and yourself. The bonds I've shared here have given me plenty of hope in humanity, and they have also taught me self-confidence by reflecting that back inward. I think our sense of community is really what defines us.
Madison Melendez - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means hoping that our football team wins every homecoming game.
Merrick Yusuf - Being courageous enough to take chances.
Mia Crovetto - Being a kind, empathetic person and always keeping in mind that you don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life. Be kind regardless!
Miguel Hernandez-Sorto - Being a Crusader is to be perseverant and to push through no matter the circumstances.
Nicholas Burbano - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means being resilient even when school or any other tasks become tough or challenging for you. It means being brave and doing things that you may not feel comfortable with at first, but stepping out of your comfort zone. It means to give your best effort, always giving 100% even when you feel like you can't.
Noa Shirazi - Supporting one another and creating a community to foster success.
Noa Snyder - Being a Crusader means being part of a diverse community that pushes me to understand and value new perspectives.
Prabtegh Gill - It means that wherever I go in life after high school, I have an incredible and supporting community cheering me on back home. Being a crusader helped make me into who I am today, and I can't wait to take that into the real world. I will always have a home here, and I am grateful for all the things MW has given me.
Prasad Saha - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader gives me the courage to pursue new relationships and constantly expand my network. The people at Monroe-Woodbury are some of the best there are, and I'm glad to have been a part of this community.
Sunny Stein - Supporting others, trying your best, and fulfilling your goals.
Swathi Sathiyamoorthy - Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader means being part of a community that pushes people to grow both academically and personally. Through classes, activities, athletics, and leadership opportunities, I’ve learned how important it is to support others while also challenging yourself and I'm grateful for all of the opportunities here that have shaped who I am today.
Victoria Campbell - Being a Crusader means always remaining dedicated and respecting others. It means never giving up and always aspiring to be the very best version of yourself.