Bio: Sunny is a recent graduate of East Greenwich High School, and the Class of 2020’s valedictorian. With over 2+ years teaching in groups and privately to diverse learners, Suraj has extensive experience improving the grades and performance of K-12 students. Having seen positive and improved results in the students that he has tutored, Suraj wishes to continue bolstering the academic performance of students through POG's innovative, student-centered, and affordable platform. In high school, Suraj was a National AP Scholar and a National Merit Scholar, took 3rd place in the Young Investors Society Global Stock Pitch Competition and 1st place at Global Economic Symposium, and was a semifinalist for the award of U.S. Presidential Scholar, the nation's highest honor for secondary school students.
Gap Year Goals: Before attending UPenn’s Wharton School next fall, Suraj plans to intern at a local financial technology company, create a product-based start-up, and enjoy the year with friends and family.
Owen Hirshorn Tutor (Virtual and In-Person)
Name: Owen Hirshorn
GPA: 4.40
College: Boston College
Bio: Owen is a recent graduate of East Greenwich High School, currently on a gap year for the 2020-2021 school year. Next fall, he will begin his study of Business Management at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. An avid entrepreneur, Owen was inspired by his experience tutoring in other settings to launch POG Tutoring as an alternative to expensive tutoring services. Owen believes that he and his co-founders, having just completed their secondary education, can provide the most applicable and affordable tutoring assistance a student could possibly ask for. In high school, Owen was a National Honor Society member and two-sport athlete. He also held three different leadership positions and won four different business-related competitions as a member of the Future Business Leaders of America organization.
Gap Year Goals: During his gap year, he is seeking to pursue internship opportunities in business, read lots of books, and of course, continue working as a tutor for local students in need of assistance.
Matthew Tactacan Tutor (Virtual and In-Person)
Name: Matthew (Matt) Tactacan
GPA: 4.10
College: University of New South Wales
Bio: Matt is a recent graduate of East Greenwich High School on a gap year, intending to study Commerce and Economics at the University of New South Wales at the beginning of 2022. Having participated in numerous finance challenges and entrepreneurial ventures hosted by Brown, RI Jump-Start!, and the Council for Economic Education, all while maintaining a rigorous courseload in high school, Matt is confident in his abilities to think creatively and interact with students in a way that motivates and inspires them to improve. Alongside his abilities, some of Matt's extensive qualifications include winning the Rhode Island National Personal Finance Challenge twice, taking home 1st in the Rhode Island FBLA Graphic Design Competition twice, and performing multiple times (in different roles) for the East Greenwich High School Drama Club.
Gap Year Goals: During his gap year, Matt would love to further pursue his interests in graphic design for business, earn his real estate license, found a start-up, learn how to cook, and continue practicing his karate skills.