Published: June 25, 2008 11:58 pm            

GRADUATES: St. Joe’s grads think big

St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute has produced two future chemical engineers at the top of their class.

Valedictorian Brian Chmielowiec and salutatorian Matthew Conway each gave their commencement speeches May 15 at Kleinhans Music Hall.

“I will really miss the people at St. Joe’s. I have made friends for life — students and teachers,” Chmielowiec said.

Chmielowiec plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Conway, the University of Maryland. Both young men will be working toward a degree in chemical engineering.

In 2007, Chmielowiec was selected as one of 20 students chosen out of nearly 10,000 others across the country to participate in the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad. He was again selected this year and invited to attend a two-week study camp held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co., this month.

He represented the St. Joe’s Science Olympiad team at the state level for the chance to compete in the national event, placing first for chemistry along with his partner, Jun-Hong Choi.

He has volunteered his time at the Vinecroft Retirement Community in Clarence Center.

Other achievements include:

n National Honor Society

n Member Math Team

n Advanced placement courses in chemistry, Spanish, physics and calculus.

To incoming freshmen, he advised: “As freshmen, get involved. There are so many experiences you can have at St. Joe’s — so take advantage of each and every one.”

Conway also participated in the chemistry event. He was a secretary of the National Honor Society, of which Chmielowiec was also a member. Conway also has boasted an impressive mix of both sports and academic pursuits, as a member of the varsity volleyball team for two years, as well as being a member of the track and cross-country teams.

Among Conway’s other achievements are:

n Advanced placement courses in chemistry, calculus, physics and English.

n Volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul.

n Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

“I love the tradition of this school,” he was quoted as saying in a statement released by St. Joe’s May 12. “But I appreciated more the opportunity to make it mine. St. Joe’s offers a unique challenge for every student. It really is welcoming, challenging and inspiring. The reward is that, if you apply yourself, you become the best that you can be.”

Contact reporter Neale Gulleyat 693-1000, ext. 114.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.