BURRILLVILLE – Arrow Yuszczak is valedictorian and Abigail Lou Bassett the salutatorian for the Class of 2026 at Burrillville High School. They’ll lead their classmates across the stage at graduation this Friday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m.
Yuszczak, with a GPA of 4.3424, is the daughter of Rita and Stephen Yuszczak.
“Arrow has distinguished herself as an inquisitive, thoughtful, witty, and resilient student whose intellect, character, and leadership have left a lasting impact in the classroom, on the athletic field, and throughout Burrillville,” say school leaders.
Over her four years of high school, they added, she has shown an unwavering commitment to intellectual growth. Teachers recognize her ability to extend complex concepts to high-level applications and ask the deeper “why” and “how” questions that enrich discussion for everyone around her.
Whether in an elective class or one of her nine AP courses across all disciplines, Yuszczak approaches each challenge with perseverance and a passion for learning, they added.
“She seeks not simply to complete tasks, but to fully understand the underlying concepts and apply them in meaningful, sophisticated ways,” states a release.
Beyond the required coursework, she further pursued her interests by enrolling in and completing the Emergency Medical Technician Certification Course during her senior year.
“Arrow’s resume is a reflection of not only her intellectual capacity, but also her devotion to service. She consistently demonstrates genuine desire to make a positive impact on those around her,” said staffers.
Throughout her junior and senior years, she gave her time assisting in operating the BHS school store and, during her senior year, served as a peer tutor within the business classes. She has held the following positions relative to clubs/activities at BHS: secretary of the National Honor Society, treasurer for the Class of 2026, Science Olympiad social media manager, DECA State and National competitor, Swim Team captain, Cross Country junior captain, Burrillville Prevention Action Coalition member and BPAC Youth Jr. Leader, and a key contributor in Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse.
Outside of BHS, Arrow spent more than 12 years volunteering and giving back to the community through her participation in Girl Scouts.
“Arrow maintains a remarkable balance between character and achievement. Whether competing in cross-country races, serving as a lacrosse goalie, or navigating challenging academic coursework, Arrow displays steady grit and adaptability. She has developed the potential to thrive in difficult situations while remaining positive,” say those who know her
One of her teachers and coaches, Cathy Forrest, described her as “the epitome of a quiet leader. She is never boastful, but everyone in the classroom will listen when she asks a question or gives an answer. She will give everyone else a chance to answer before she raises her hand with the answer.”
Arrow’s core values make her an extraordinary role model who is certain to accomplish great things in the future, said Forrest.
“Arrow has left a profound and lasting impression on the faculty, staff, and peers who have had the privilege of knowing her. While her academic accomplishments are exceptional, it is her character that truly sets her apart,” states the release. “She embodies the qualities Burrillville High School strives to cultivate in its students and serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication, curiosity, and service to others.”
As she prepares to attend the University of New Hampshire to study biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology in the fall, she “carries with her the admiration and confidence of the entire Burrillville community. We have no doubt that she will continue to excel academically, lead with integrity, and make meaningful contributions wherever her path may lead.”
Bassett, with a GPA of 4.2971, is the daughter of Wendy and Mark Bassett.
“An ambitious, mature and kind student athlete, Abby demonstrates an uncommon appetite for knowledge as she has recorded a 4.2971 GPA during her time at BHS,” says the school.
“Abigail is a student who displays exceptional intellectual ability and a genuine drive for learning across all academic disciplines,” add staff. “She exhibits a sophisticated understanding of complex concepts while maintaining a curiosity and enthusiasm that enriches the classroom environment. Her strong interpersonal skills allow her to effectively explain and communicate challenging ideas to others. The quality of her work reflects both her deep understanding of subject matters and her commitment to excellence. Thorough, detail-oriented, and highly motivated, Abby takes great pride in all that she accomplishes.”
Throughout her time at BHS, Bassett has earned numerous academic honors and awards. Her impressive record, say school staff, includes the successful completion of 10 AP courses. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society through her exemplary modeling of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship, they said.
“Beyond her academic accomplishments, Abigail continues to make a meaningful impact within Burrillville. She is employed by the Burrillville Extended Care program and during her day at BHS, she spends time running the school store on behalf of DECA,” states a release. “She has been an inspiring teammate of the Cross Country (captain) and Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field teams, receiving multiple All-Division and All-Class honors, as well as recognition as an MVP, Sportsmanship Award recipient, and Academic All-State honoree. Through her athletic involvement, she has contributed to race course cleanups and has actively been a member of VAASA (Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse), helping promote healthy coping skills and positive decision-making among Burrillville students in grades 4-8.
In addition to athletics, Abby has contributed to Class Officers and placed in state and international competitions for DECA and SkillsUSA, where her performances earned her national recognition. While balancing the demands of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities, she has dedicated many hours to community service through local organizations. Her volunteer efforts include supporting the Rhode Island Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Polar Plunge, participating in Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Good Night Lights event, and assisting with beach cleanups through the Ocean Recovery Community Alliance.
Bassett serves as a volunteer at Rhode Island Hospital, where she has gained valuable experience in her intended field of medicine while providing meaningful service to others.
“Her devotion to each of her commitments is evident in the time, energy, and care she invests in every endeavor. It is a testament to her remarkable work ethic, competence, and determination that she successfully balances rigorous academics, athletics, volunteer service, employment experiences, and extracurricular involvement,” states the release. “These accomplishments reflect Abigail’s passion not only for her own success, but also to make a positive and lasting impact on her local community and the lives of those around her.”
It adds, “Abigail Lou Bassett shows no signs of slowing down as she moves onto Emmanuel College in Boston and majors in chemistry/biochemistry on the pre-med track. Abby embodies what it means to be a Bronco in every sense of the word. Through her academic excellence, leadership, service, and dedication to her community, she has set an outstanding example for her peers. We have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great success and make a positive impact in all of her future endeavors.”
