From boardrooms to labs, the Class of 2025 is ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow with determination and grit. These students have balanced rigorous academics, leadership roles, and extracurricular passions—whether launching startups, leading clubs, or building rockets—to prepare themselves for university and beyond.
As they head to top programs across North America, they carry with them lessons learned from SMUS’s close-knit community and dedicated teachers. Their stories reveal how perseverance, curiosity, and teamwork have shaped their paths, setting the stage for success in business, engineering, and innovation.
Here are some of those students ready to make their mark:
Cameron Bono
Day student from Victoria, BC
School: University of Waterloo
Program: Mechanical Engineering
Cameron was Head of the Business Leadership Program, a member of the Golf Team, and led the Investment Club to a national win in the 2024 Rundle Stock Market Competition. He also balanced four AP classes while working multiple jobs and playing competitive hockey as a goaltender.
Some of his favourite memories include launching water balloons in physics, running a successful popsicle stand at Alumni Weekend, and winning gold at the U18 Richmond International Hockey Tournament.
“SMUS helped me learn how to manage my time, push through challenges, and focus on what really matters,” he says. “If you embrace the experience, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”
Will Cuddihy
Lifer and day student from Victoria, BC
School: University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Program: Engineering (intending to specialize in Computer Engineering)
Will’s time at SMUS spans 13 years of curiosity, leadership, and exploration. He served as Head Prefect and Head of the Reach for the Top Club, and he’s been a committed athlete in track and field, squash, and climbing. His early interest in engineering was sparked in Grade 6, when he won both parts of the elastic band car challenge.
Other standout moments include winning the national Kids Lit Quiz in Grade 7 and tackling the notoriously tough AP Physics 1 course. “That class taught me the power of grit when faced with a tough concept—specifically, circular motion,” he says.
Looking ahead to UBC, Will is excited to specialize in Computer Engineering and is grateful for the strong SMUS community that will continue with him to Vancouver. “After 13 years, I’m finally feeling ready to move on to bigger and better things,” he says. He extends special thanks to Mr. Hlannon, Ms. Martens, Ms. Beare, Mr. Ho, and Ms. Guillen for their support and encouragement.
Brady Hsu
Boarding student from Hong Kong
School: University of Southern California, Viterbi School of Engineering
Program: Aerospace Engineering
A passionate engineer and innovator, Brady has been building toward this moment since Grade 9. At SMUS, he founded the Rocketry Club, led a rocketry competition, and conducted a standout AP Research project on jet engines. He also stepped in to teach elements of his project in the Grade 10 Experiential STEAM class.
In addition to his STEM pursuits, Brady has been a key contributor to the music program, playing in Senior Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and the Pit Orchestra. He’s also been a dedicated rower since his first year.
His favourite SMUS moments include Mr. Curry’s nuclear fusion lecture, watching the double slit experiment, and seeing how physics and calculus connect in real time. “SMUS has prepared me well for this next chapter,” he says. “But I’m anxious and excited to see what the future holds.”
Brady extends heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Walker-Curry, Mr. Curry, Mr. Hlannon, Mr. Geddes, and Mrs. Martens for their support and inspiration throughout his STEM journey.
Laila Shetty
Day student from Victoria, BC
School: University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Program: Engineering (undeclared specialization)
Laila’s time at SMUS has been marked by her academic curiosity and a wide range of co-curricular passions. She was a co-head of both Book Club and Trivia Club, a member of the Reconciliation Circle, and brought energy and leadership to the school’s Musical Theatre program as Dance Captain. She also competed in squash and reached the provincials with the Reach for the Top team.
Some of her favourite memories include launching rockets in physics class, tackling trivia tournaments, and performing in the school musicals. “I’m really excited to be moving on to a new stage in life,” she says. “I know there will be lots of great opportunities at UBC.”
Laila extends heartfelt thanks to her teachers for making learning so enjoyable and to her friends “who made every day at school fun in one way or another.”
Rhys Tuohy
Day student from Victoria, BC
School: University of Toronto
Program: Engineering Science, specializing in Aerospace Engineering
Rhys has been a passionate leader in SMUS’s STEM community, serving as Head of the Engineering Club and earning a prestigious Schulich Leader nomination. Outside of school, he founded STEM Vancouver Island, an initiative offering workshops and freelance CAD and rocketry simulation services, helping to foster interest in science and technology locally. His hands-on engineering projects include rebuilding the school’s go-kart and designing rocket guidance control systems.
On the sports field, Rhys has been a versatile athlete—rowing, playing rugby, and recently earning Super 16 MVP honours in soccer at provincials.
“Spending extra hours after school working on engineering projects with friends has shown me the power of collaboration and community,” Rhys reflects. Though he’ll miss his close circle of friends at SMUS, he’s excited to start fresh in Toronto and continue growing. He expresses deep gratitude to his physics, science, and math teachers for their ongoing support and inspiration throughout his time at SMUS.
