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Spotlight On: Thomas Prosperini, CCES Class of 2017
Our next spotlight shines on Thomas Prosperini, a student who brings an incredibly diverse perspective to our school. Born in Italy, Thomas lived there most of his life also residing briefly in the Netherlands and Hungary. He has dual citizenship, maintaining two passports, one from Italy and one from the United States and he considers himself lucky to be a resident of both countries. Thomas is known by his peers to be a polite and friendly student and fits right into the fabric of CCES.
While the post-secondary educational opportunities in the United States will undoubtedly differ from the ones he may have received abroad, Thomas says he never really considered looking overseas for college. He applied to eight different schools and was accepted into all eight; Wofford College, Furman University, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Auburn University, University of Denver, Queens University, and High Point University, leaving him with plenty of options. This well-traveled and cultured young man ironically felt most “at home” in the rolling hills of none other than Clemson University. A phenomenal engineering program, lauded as one of the top in the country, also appealed to Thomas who plans to pursue a major in Material Science Engineering with a possible minor, if not a double-major, in Spanish.
Thomas came to CCES as a freshman. High school can be nerve-racking for anyone, but as an international student, there is the extra challenge of trying to determine how cultural norms will manifest in everyday situations. Thomas takes it all in stride, aligning himself with many different narratives. He has been a part of the Varsity Soccer Team for 3 years, has been involved with the Rotary Club, Photography Club, Chess Club, Yoga Club, and Habitat for Humanity, received a Gold Key in photography his sophomore year, earned Silver on the National Spanish exam twice, was invited to be part of the National Honors Society for Spanish and has been on either High Honor Roll or Honor Roll throughout all four years of Upper School. He also plays both the piano and the clarinet.
"Words cannot adequately describe how genuine and just plain nice Thomas Prosperini is,” said his College Counselor Bartley Sides. “Anyone who has met Thomas likes him, and I’ve never once heard a negative comment from his peers or teachers. Furthermore, I’ve never witnessed Thomas say or do anything that wasn’t 100% positive."
His positivity is positively, contagious. It’s students like Thomas that contribute to building an inspiring school community, and an environment where efforts to be friendly and hospitable are reciprocated through efforts to learn more, and be more mindful of, various cultures and identities. Here’s to tiger paws, solid orange, and being all-in— this Cavalier turned Tiger is destined for great things!
JUST FOR FUN!
Favorite CCES class? AP Spanish with Señor Greer. He's taught me a lot during the course of this year and not only do I respect him but I also look up to him.
How many languages are you fluent in? I am fluent in 3 languages. Spanish, Italian, and English.
Favorite country you’ve lived in? Having been born in Italy and living in many different countries while I was young, like the Netherlands, and Hungary, I would have to say that America is still my favorite.
Are you more excited about a) Going to Clemson athletic events, b) Hanging out at Fike recreational Center, or c) Playing volleyball or throwing a frisbee on Bowman field? Clemson athletic events!
Three things you can’t go to college without? I can't leave without my dog although unfortunately I won’t be able to take him with me! My soccer cleats and my clothes.
Back
While the post-secondary educational opportunities in the United States will undoubtedly differ from the ones he may have received abroad, Thomas says he never really considered looking overseas for college. He applied to eight different schools and was accepted into all eight; Wofford College, Furman University, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Auburn University, University of Denver, Queens University, and High Point University, leaving him with plenty of options. This well-traveled and cultured young man ironically felt most “at home” in the rolling hills of none other than Clemson University. A phenomenal engineering program, lauded as one of the top in the country, also appealed to Thomas who plans to pursue a major in Material Science Engineering with a possible minor, if not a double-major, in Spanish.
Thomas came to CCES as a freshman. High school can be nerve-racking for anyone, but as an international student, there is the extra challenge of trying to determine how cultural norms will manifest in everyday situations. Thomas takes it all in stride, aligning himself with many different narratives. He has been a part of the Varsity Soccer Team for 3 years, has been involved with the Rotary Club, Photography Club, Chess Club, Yoga Club, and Habitat for Humanity, received a Gold Key in photography his sophomore year, earned Silver on the National Spanish exam twice, was invited to be part of the National Honors Society for Spanish and has been on either High Honor Roll or Honor Roll throughout all four years of Upper School. He also plays both the piano and the clarinet.
"Words cannot adequately describe how genuine and just plain nice Thomas Prosperini is,” said his College Counselor Bartley Sides. “Anyone who has met Thomas likes him, and I’ve never once heard a negative comment from his peers or teachers. Furthermore, I’ve never witnessed Thomas say or do anything that wasn’t 100% positive."
His positivity is positively, contagious. It’s students like Thomas that contribute to building an inspiring school community, and an environment where efforts to be friendly and hospitable are reciprocated through efforts to learn more, and be more mindful of, various cultures and identities. Here’s to tiger paws, solid orange, and being all-in— this Cavalier turned Tiger is destined for great things!
JUST FOR FUN!
Favorite CCES class? AP Spanish with Señor Greer. He's taught me a lot during the course of this year and not only do I respect him but I also look up to him.
How many languages are you fluent in? I am fluent in 3 languages. Spanish, Italian, and English.
Favorite country you’ve lived in? Having been born in Italy and living in many different countries while I was young, like the Netherlands, and Hungary, I would have to say that America is still my favorite.
Are you more excited about a) Going to Clemson athletic events, b) Hanging out at Fike recreational Center, or c) Playing volleyball or throwing a frisbee on Bowman field? Clemson athletic events!
Three things you can’t go to college without? I can't leave without my dog although unfortunately I won’t be able to take him with me! My soccer cleats and my clothes.
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Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.