BURRILLVILLE – Two distinctive college students with better-than-perfect GPAs have been named the highest-achieving graduates within the Burrillville Excessive College Class of 2025.
Alex Pristawa is the valedictorian and Emily Cook dinner is the salutatorian of this 12 months’s class of graduating college students, college officers introduced this week.
Pristawa, son of Steve and Kim Pristawa, is described as having once-in-a-decade tutorial expertise, with a weighted GPA of 4.0741 on a 4.0 scale, a near-perfect tutorial document, and a deep dedication to each management and repair.
“Alex exemplifies the easiest of Burrillville’s custom of excellence,” famous a launch from the varsity. “All through his highschool profession, Alex has exemplified the very best beliefs of scholarship and character.”
A gifted problem-solver with a ardour for arithmetic, laptop science and economics, Pristawa earned an ideal rating on the maths part of the SAT. He has been a member of the Burrillville Math League for 4 years, incomes high scorer honors for the varsity three years in a row, and making state historical past in 2024 because the highest-scoring eleventh grader in Rhode Island—a primary for a Burrillville scholar.
“What actually units Alex aside isn’t just his brilliance, however the calm, considerate method he approaches challenges,” famous the discharge, compiled by a committee of educators. “Whether or not unraveling a posh coding bug or navigating an sudden technical concern throughout a SkillsUSA competitors – the place his laptop misplaced all progress mid-test – Alex stays targeted, composed, and solution-oriented.”
“Most college students would have panicked,” stated one instructor. “Alex simply shrugged, began over, and nonetheless delivered a robust efficiency. That’s who he’s.”
Educators described the tutorial document of this 12 months’s high BHS scholar as “distinctive.”
Pristawa pursued a sophisticated course load, taking quite a few honors and AP stage programs concurrently all through his highschool years and excelling in each topic, in accordance with college officers. He earned a 5 on six of his seven AP exams taken in 2023 and 2024 – AP Calculus AB, AP US Historical past, AP Pc Science A, AP Pc Science Ideas, AP Physics, AP Authorities & Politics – leading to AP Scholar with Distinction honors. He was acknowledged because the BHS Excellent Pupil of the Yr in quite a few programs throughout his undergraduate profession.
Exterior the classroom, college officers say Pristawa has been an lively member of the Burrillville neighborhood, demonstrating devoted management. As president of the Nationwide Honor Society, he helped arrange quite a few service initiatives and is described as supporting fellow college students “with humility and good humor.” A 3-time competitor on the DECA Worldwide Profession Improvement Convention and a three-time state-level champion, Pristawa has “constantly demonstrated professionalism and poise below stress,” the educators famous. He has held a summer time job at Goodwin Farms and commonly volunteered within the college neighborhood in actions comparable to peer tutoring, offering excursions at freshmen orientation and open homes, and serving on the Principal’s Advisory Board.
Pristawa can be an completed athlete, serving as co-captain of the varsity tennis group, taking part in first singles and “embodying the identical strategic considering and perseverance he brings to teachers,” the group famous.
This 12 months, he additionally launched Burrillville Excessive College’s first-ever Pickleball Membership, rallying scholar assist and dealing carefully with workers to make his imaginative and prescient a actuality.
Teachers and peers describe Pristawa as intelligent, kind, respectful, funny, and above all, curious.
“He doesn’t just want the right answer—he wants to explore every possibility. His creativity is matched only by his analytical mind,” one teacher said. “Alex is the kind of student you get once in a decade, if not longer.”
Pristawa has been accepted into the prestigious Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University, one of the most selective programs in the country with a 4.8 percent acceptance rate.
“As he prepares to begin the next chapter of his journey at Cornell University, Alex leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and inspiration at Burrillville High School,” notes the release. “His unwavering curiosity and ability to keep life in perspective promise a bright future—and the entire Burrillville community looks forward to watching him soar.”
Cook, daughter of Kyle and Nichole Cook, is ranked second in the graduating class of 148, with a 4.0330 GPA.
“A scholar, musician, leader, and community servant, Emily represents the pinnacle of excellence and character, earning the admiration of administrators, teachers, and peers alike,” noted school officials. “Emily has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.”
Cook’s coursework included two years of AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Music Theory, AP Language, AP Government & Politics, AP Psychology, AP U.S. History, AP Literature, and multiple honors-level classes—many taken concurrently. She has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, as a member of the National Honor Society, and a top scorer on the BHS Math League Team.
Cook’s list of academic accolades include the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Smith College Book Award, Harvard Book Award, and the Elmira College Key Award. In recognition of her academic and artistic achievements, Cook has also received numerous department awards. She was recognized for excellence in AP Music Theory in Grade 10, AP Physics in Grade 11, Spanish IV in Grade 11 and Wind Ensemble in Grades 9–11. She was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Music Student in Grades 9–11 and Student of the Month in over a dozen rigorous honors and AP level courses.
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Cook plays the oboe, piano, and even crash cymbals during marching season.
“Emily always puts the needs of her band ahead of personal preference,” the release stated.
Cook has been a consistent Superior Medal recipient in the RI Music Education Association Solo & Ensemble Festival, and has been selected for elite ensembles including the University of Rhode Island’s Southern New England Honors Band, the University of Plymouth’s All New England Band Festival and the RIMEA All-State Ensemble.
“As president of the BHS Band and Drum Major, Emily has led the group with energy, poise, and positivity,” noted educators.
This past fall, Cook organized and executed multiple performances during homecoming week. She also serves as the co-president of the Class of 2025 — a role she has held all four years — demonstrating what’s described as “outstanding leadership and advocacy for her peers.”
“Emily’s brilliance is matched by her warmth and generosity, as her character has left a lasting impression on her teachers and peers,” said the release. “She is described as ‘a gentle force’ —a student who leads by quiet example, uplifts her peers, and never seeks the spotlight for her many accomplishments. She is known for her consistent positivity, quiet persistence, and strong moral compass—qualities that extend to her voluntary work at her church, where she has taken pride in even the most humble tasks.”
Outside of school, Cook has dedicated more than 140 hours to community service. Her volunteerism spans a wide range of activities and locations, including teaching and assisting at Burrillville Elementary School music classes, playing piano as a substitute pianist at Berean Baptist Church, supporting community events such as the Pascoag Library Sesquicentennial, Candlelight Shopping, Berean Baptist fundraisers, and volunteering at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Center.
She also brings her love of learning into her free time, working as a math tutor at Burrillville Middle School and serving her church.
With her sights set on a career in music education, Cook will continue her learning at the University of Connecticut, and she hopes to return one day to teach in the Burrillville School Department.
“Burrillville High School congratulates Emily Cook on her exceptional achievements and thanks her for the countless ways she has enriched the school and inspired others,” noted educators. “We are honored to name her the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025.”
