Top Mustangs

Despite battling burnout for a period, Harrison Schimpf ranked seventh in his graduating class. Burnout was especially difficult for Schimpf, 18, who felt the strain of his rigorous schedule. He realized that he needed to better manage his academic and athletic commitments.

“I learned to develop a healthy work-life balance and closer relationships with those around me,” said Schimpf.

During high school, Schimpf found inspiration in the hardworking and successful upperclassmen that he grew closer to each year. Now in their position, the senior will attend George Washington University this fall on a halfride. He plans to study Biomedical Engineering and pursue a career in healthcare.

“My major will provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in such an industry.”

Schimpf worried about maintaining contact with friends and making new ones when the world entered quarantine several years ago. He soon learned how to connect virtually with others and said he made “some of the best memories” with friends during those months.

He also appreciates other people’s energy, like his classmate and unsung hero Jonas Arias.

“Being in Cheerleading and Student Council, [Jonas] has a sense of school spirit unmatched by nearly anyone in the class,” said Schimpf.

Schimpf enjoys exercising and runs with CHS’ Track team. His favorite class was AP Language and Composition with Ms. Andrea Miller-Hamilton. He found a way to give back to his city during the COVID-19 pandemic as well. “From the beginning of quarantine in freshman year to the end of junior year,” he said, “I made free, homemade masks for anyone in the community that needed them.”

He credited Clifton for making him who he is today. Meeting an “endless amount of loving and compassionate people” influenced him to see the best in others and pay that kindness forward. “Take advantage of every opportunity that you are given,” he told the Class of 2024, “and make connections with everyone that you can.”

Graduating eighth in his class as a three-sport athlete is a big deal for Antonio Bordamonte.

Bordamonte, 18, went into CHS thinking he’d only play basketball. Aside from sophomore year due to the pandemic, he participated in Cross Country, Basketball, and Track.

“Having difficult classes and sports every day, I had to have good time management to keep my grades up, which I am very proud of myself for doing,” he said.

His hard work has led him to Rutgers – New Brunswick this fall. He’ll study Business Analytics and Information Technology. Although the field offers many career