SPOTLIGHT ON: Bright Crosswell, CCES CLASS OF 2022

 

 

As Bright Crosswell’s school year began, so did his search for the right college and how to plan out his future.  Bright set his sights on esteemed universities including UNC Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt, United States Military Academy West Point, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and University of Georgia.  His decision came down to West Point and UNC Chapel Hill.  He settled on UNC Chapel Hill, not surprising as this future Tar Heel’s father and oldest sister, Molly ’16, are alumni, and his sister, Anna Laird ’21, is currently a freshman.  Family legacy aside, the atmosphere, traditions, challenging academics, athletics, and enjoyable social scene largely influenced his decision in choosing the civilian school.   

 

The son of two doctors, Bright has his sights set on a degree in biology, or computer science, or perhaps both.  Programming under the biomedical engineering department at UNC has a reputation for excellence, and the computer science side of healthcare is one that very much interests Bright. 

 

Is in his thirteenth and final year at CCES, Bright’s experiences as a Cavalier are both memorable and plentiful.  He cites his most enjoyable time here as time spent on the soccer field and in the computer science classroom.  He was chosen as captain of the cross-country team, captain of his club soccer team, and has been an integral member of two consecutive state championship varsity soccer teams at CCES. 

 

Maintaining involvement in the Episcopal tradition has also been very impactful.  13 years of chapel services, getting different viewpoints, and learning about religion are experiences he has come to appreciate.  “CCES has been really good for me,” he says.  “I’ve enjoyed building relationships with teachers, faculty members, and my fellow classmates.  It’s nice to be able to talk to adults and have an avenue for conversations that aren’t necessarily in an official capacity.”

 

Then there is the matter of academic rigor.  Difficult courses can be frustrating, but Bright has never been one to shy away from difficult things.  “I’m consistently impressed with his drive,” says Lindsay Waters, Associate Director of College Counseling.  “Bright seems to possess more energy and more goals than other students.  He loves a sense of accomplishment.”  

 

“I like being able to take harder classes,” Bright says.  “It’s unique to have the opportunity to specialize so early on.”  Bright is referring specifically to his computer science classes, of which he has taken two every year of high school, from AP Computer Science, Digital Electronics, Robotics, to IB Computer Science and more.  Rounding off his academic feats are additional accolades such as consistently making Honor and High Honor Roll, and earning the honor of AP Scholar of Distinction.  In addition, Bright serves on the Honor Council as one of three representatives from the senior class. 

 

“We have been very fortunate to have Bright as a member of our community,” says Ms. Waters.  “He is a high achieving scholar, athlete, and leader.”  Tar Heel campus take note: he’s determined, and he’s on his way.

 

Favorite CCES memory?  Wining state for Varsity Soccer for the second time, my senior year—

a good way to go out!

If you could share an afternoon with anyone, who would it be?  My grandmother, Nancy Laird Crosswell.  She passed before I was old enough to get to know her well.  I would love to see her now and have a more mature conversation with her.

College Club Fair – what is the first thing you would join or get involved with?  Whitewater Kayaking Club.

If you could travel back in time and visit your younger self, what grade would you go back to and why?  Middle School.  I would have told little me to learn how to study earlier, enjoy the people around me, and don’t be scared to put yourself out there and try new things.

What is one of the things you would put on your bucket list?  Skiing in Alaska.