Pencil in hand, sophomore Kalan Warusa sits in the back of his AP Physics C class while physics and astronomy teacher Jeff Brocketti works through a challenging problem on the board. Warusa has already solved it, and he thinks the teacher’s solution can be refined. He leans over to nearby students, sharing his alternative solution.
After class, Warusa approaches Brocketti’s desk with his method. A few days later, Brocketti posts Warusa’s solution on Schoology for his class to view.
“Warusa was the only sophomore I’ve ever had in my class, and he was the best performer last year,” Brocketti said.
This coming June, as a junior, Warusa will graduate from McLean a year early as part of the Class of 2026. He decided to graduate early due to his academic ambitions.
“In high school, I’ve taken all the classes that I want to take,” Warusa said. “If I stay another year, I don’t think it would be too valuable for me.”
The idea to graduate early came during Warusa’s freshman year. He loaded his schedule with advanced courses in order to meet graduation requirements.
“I took a lot of math, science and STEM-related credits freshman and sophomore year,” Warusa said. “This year, I just have to take two English and two history classes.
Math and physics have shaped Warusa’s life since eighth grade. He has competed internationally, and also earned a silver medal in the U.S. Physics Olympiad, which placed him in the top 100 in the nation. Warusa does not define himself by the titles he has earned, but rather his continual interest in learning.
“I like exploring different things,” Warusa said. “[Math and physics] are challenging in a way, and it’s also kind of theoretical, which I enjoy. I think it’s the experience of solving problems and then coming to a solution that motivates me.”
Senior Daniel Kim met Warusa two years ago at a Math League competition. Their relationship evolved from teammates to friends after they tied for first place at the Virginia Math League.
“He’s been an integral part of our team,” Kim said. “We’ve been to several competitions together, and he is always a very hardworking guy with exceptional math skills.”
Warusa’s passions are not limited to academics. Before he began exploring math and physics, piano had already been a major part of his life. Now, he uses the skills he developed from the piano to playing a new instrument—the organ.
“Every week, I go [to organ class] for two or three hours, maybe three times a week,” Warusa said. “I feel the emotions in a great piece of music, and I really value that. Playing the instrument is a way for me to relax.”
Excelling across both academics and music puts a high level of pressure on Warusa. Striving for recognition means Warusa has high expectations for himself.
“Every day is a challenge for me to do better,” Warusa said. “Sometimes I don’t live up to [expectations], sometimes I do. ”
Beyond his competitive success, Warusa’s willingness to help others has left a strong impression on those around him.
“He always has a smile on his face,” Kim said. “If you’re struggling with math or any other subject, he is willing to help you and explain what you’re confused about.”
College will present Warusa with more resources to support his academic ambitions.
“I’ll have more opportunities [in college],” Warusa said. “I just want to keep moving forward and learn and discover new things.”
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