BURRILLVILLE – Two exceptional students with better-than-perfect GPAs have been named the highest-achieving graduates in the Burrillville High School Class of 2025.
Alex Pristawa is the valedictorian and Emily Cook is the salutatorian of this year’s class of graduating students, school officials announced this week.
Pristawa, son of Steve and Kim Pristawa, is described as having once-in-a-decade academic talent, with a weighted GPA of 4.0741 on a 4.0 scale, a near-perfect academic record, and a deep commitment to both leadership and service.
“Alex exemplifies the very best of Burrillville’s tradition of excellence,” noted a release from the school. “Throughout his high school career, Alex has exemplified the highest ideals of scholarship and character.”
A gifted problem-solver with a passion for mathematics, computer science and economics, Pristawa earned a perfect score on the math section of the SAT. He has been a member of the Burrillville Math League for four years, earning top scorer honors for the school three years in a row, and making state history in 2024 as the highest-scoring 11th grader in Rhode Island—a first for a Burrillville student.
“What truly sets Alex apart is not just his brilliance, but the calm, thoughtful way he approaches challenges,” noted the release, compiled by a committee of educators. “Whether unraveling a complex coding bug or navigating an unexpected technical issue during a SkillsUSA competition – where his computer lost all progress mid-test – Alex remains focused, composed, and solution-oriented.”
“Most students would have panicked,” said one teacher. “Alex just shrugged, started over, and still delivered a strong performance. That’s who he is.”
Educators described the academic record of this year’s top BHS student as “exceptional.”
Pristawa pursued an advanced course load, taking numerous honors and AP level courses concurrently throughout his high school years and excelling in every subject, according to school officials. He earned a 5 on six of his seven AP exams taken in 2023 and 2024 – AP Calculus AB, AP US History, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics, AP Government & Politics – resulting in AP Scholar with Distinction honors. He was recognized as the BHS Outstanding Student of the Year in numerous courses during his undergraduate career.
Outside the classroom, school officials say Pristawa has been an active member of the Burrillville community, demonstrating dedicated leadership. As president of the National Honor Society, he helped organize numerous service initiatives and is described as supporting fellow students “with humility and good humor.” A three-time competitor at the DECA International Career Development Conference and a three-time state-level champion, Pristawa has “consistently demonstrated professionalism and poise under pressure,” the educators noted. He has held a summer job at Goodwin Farms and regularly volunteered in the school community in activities such as peer tutoring, providing tours at freshmen orientation and open houses, and serving on the Principal’s Advisory Board.
Pristawa is also an accomplished athlete, serving as co-captain of the varsity tennis team, playing first singles and “embodying the same strategic thinking and perseverance he brings to academics,” the group noted.
This year, he also launched Burrillville High School’s first-ever Pickleball Club, rallying student support and working closely with staff to make his vision a reality.
Teachers and peers describe Pristawa as intelligent, kind, respectful, funny, and above all, curious.
“He doesn’t just want the right answer—he wants to explore every possibility. His creativity is matched only by his analytical mind,” one teacher said. “Alex is the kind of student you get once in a decade, if not longer.”
Pristawa has been accepted into the prestigious Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University, one of the most selective programs in the country with a 4.8 percent acceptance rate.
“As he prepares to begin the next chapter of his journey at Cornell University, Alex leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and inspiration at Burrillville High School,” notes the release. “His unwavering curiosity and ability to keep life in perspective promise a bright future—and the entire Burrillville community looks forward to watching him soar.”
Cook, daughter of Kyle and Nichole Cook, is ranked second in the graduating class of 148, with a 4.0330 GPA.
“A scholar, musician, leader, and community servant, Emily represents the pinnacle of excellence and character, earning the admiration of administrators, teachers, and peers alike,” noted school officials. “Emily has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.”
Cook’s coursework included two years of AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Music Theory, AP Language, AP Government & Politics, AP Psychology, AP U.S. History, AP Literature, and multiple honors-level classes—many taken concurrently. She has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, as a member of the National Honor Society, and a top scorer on the BHS Math League Team.
Cook’s list of academic accolades include the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Smith College Book Award, Harvard Book Award, and the Elmira College Key Award. In recognition of her academic and artistic achievements, Cook has also received numerous department awards. She was recognized for excellence in AP Music Theory in Grade 10, AP Physics in Grade 11, Spanish IV in Grade 11 and Wind Ensemble in Grades 9–11. She was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Music Student in Grades 9–11 and Student of the Month in over a dozen rigorous honors and AP level courses.
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Cook plays the oboe, piano, and even crash cymbals during marching season.
“Emily always puts the needs of her band ahead of personal preference,” the release stated.
Cook has been a consistent Superior Medal recipient in the RI Music Education Association Solo & Ensemble Festival, and has been selected for elite ensembles including the University of Rhode Island’s Southern New England Honors Band, the University of Plymouth’s All New England Band Festival and the RIMEA All-State Ensemble.
“As president of the BHS Band and Drum Major, Emily has led the group with energy, poise, and positivity,” noted educators.
This past fall, Cook organized and executed multiple performances during homecoming week. She also serves as the co-president of the Class of 2025 — a role she has held all four years — demonstrating what’s described as “outstanding leadership and advocacy for her peers.”
“Emily’s brilliance is matched by her warmth and generosity, as her character has left a lasting impression on her teachers and peers,” said the release. “She is described as ‘a gentle force’ —a student who leads by quiet example, uplifts her peers, and never seeks the spotlight for her many accomplishments. She is known for her consistent positivity, quiet persistence, and strong moral compass—qualities that extend to her voluntary work at her church, where she has taken pride in even the most humble tasks.”
Outside of school, Cook has dedicated more than 140 hours to community service. Her volunteerism spans a wide range of activities and locations, including teaching and assisting at Burrillville Elementary School music classes, playing piano as a substitute pianist at Berean Baptist Church, supporting community events such as the Pascoag Library Sesquicentennial, Candlelight Shopping, Berean Baptist fundraisers, and volunteering at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Center.
She also brings her love of learning into her free time, working as a math tutor at Burrillville Middle School and serving her church.
With her sights set on a career in music education, Cook will continue her learning at the University of Connecticut, and she hopes to return one day to teach in the Burrillville School Department.
“Burrillville High School congratulates Emily Cook on her exceptional achievements and thanks her for the countless ways she has enriched the school and inspired others,” noted educators. “We are honored to name her the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025.”
