WOODBURY — Some people are born into the spotlight, meant to be a star from Day 1. Some are born as bright as the light themselves. Only a select few are born with both. Luckily for Nonnewaug High School, Adam Budrewicz happens to be one of those few. 

Nonnewaug has fostered many remarkable students since its opening in 1970. Despite the many notable achievements of NHS students and alumni over the years, Budrewicz’s lively and animated personality makes his name radiate brighter than many others. 

“He’s never afraid to go up and talk to people, which is why I think he sticks out so much,” said Nonnewaug senior and close friend James Mahon. “He’s able to join in on any conversation.” 

Budrewicz’s popularity has glowed even brighter in the first few months of his senior year. In October, he walked away with the lustrous homecoming king award — and it wasn’t his first time being on the homecoming court, either.

“It felt kind of funny when I won,” said Budrewicz. ”I sort of guessed it was gonna happen, and I had already won it before, so going up there was a little awkward.”

Budrewicz’s popularity didn’t come by chance. His ability to lighten the mood in a room is second-to-none and is clearly well respected by his peers. 

“He has great comedic timing,” said Nonnewaug senior Brody Turner. “He always seems to say the right things at the right times.”

From re-enacting Romeo and Juliet in English class as a freshman to cosplaying as Jesus during Senior Field Day, Budrewicz has always been open to self-deprecation. In fact, some may say it’s where his comedic genius is the most prominent.

“He’s able to handle embarrassment well,” said Mahon. “It almost seems like he thrives in it to try and make people laugh.”

Budrewicz is no stranger to having a good sense of humor; it’s a skill he’s had since birth.

“I think most of my humor comes from my dad,” Budrewicz said. “We both say the same type of jokes and both make each other laugh all the time.”

Comedy is something that runs throughout the Budrewicz family, and while Adam is significantly smaller, the resemblance in comedy can definitely be seen with Adam and his dad. Budrewicz’s humor is so significant many would point it out as his strongest personality trait, something he himself admits.

“Being funny is definitely something that I try to do,” said Budrewicz. “It feels nice when I can get people to laugh at my jokes or the things that I do.”

Even teachers can’t help but laugh at his antics, even though many of them are used as distractions to lead a class lesson astray. 

“Adam is always engaged, almost sometimes to a fault,” said Nonnewaug English teacher Marisa Holtman. “His classmates are not always open and accepting of his antics, but he keeps everyone entertained nonetheless. At Adam’s core, however, is his genuine love of learning.”

As an honors and AP student, Budrewicz has been able to excel in the classroom throughout his years in school. However, some would say he is equally as gifted on the pitch, where Budrewicz was a starting midfielder for the Nonnewaug soccer team. His hard work alone was enough to earn the respect of not only his teammates but his coaches. 

“Adam’s level of grittiness, heart and buy-in were an example to younger teammates,” said Nonnewaug boys soccer coach Toby Denman. “The positive culture of our program is a product of the attitude and efforts of guys like him.”

Budrewicz’s grit would help the team to a 13-4-2 record and a trip to the state tournament quarterfinals. While maybe not the desired end to the season, it was still a season to be proud of.

“It kind of sucks losing in states like that,” Budrewicz said, “but I still try to appreciate the season for what it was. It was still really fun.”

Budrewicz has proven to be a standout name among the Nonnewaug Class of 2024. It would be impossible to tell the story of the school without him. One can only imagine the void that will be left behind when he graduates, but what can be said for certain is his presence is one that will be missed.

“Adam was definitely somebody who was a leader to me on the team,” said Nonnewaug junior soccer player Lincoln Nichols. “It’s definitely gonna feel weird next year when he’s not here. He had a certain effect on the locker room that will be hard to replace.”