Bergen County Academies, known for its diverse and talented student body, recently conducted a survey, given by the Academy Chronicle, to uncover the celebrities that resonate most with its students. From singers to athletes, and even writers, the survey aimed to understand the impact of these public figures on young minds. The responses were both insightful and heartwarming.
Celebrities Who Inspire
The survey asked students to name their favorite celebrities across various categories, including singers, actors, musicians, athletes, influencers, writers, and comedians. The results highlighted a range of beloved figures, each celebrated for their unique talents and qualities.
Singers and Musicians: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and BTS topped the list of favorite singers and musicians. Students praised Swift for her songwriting skills, Eilish for her authenticity and emotional sensitivity, and BTS for their positive messages.
Actors and Actresses: Among actors, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and Emma Watson were frequently mentioned. Other actors such as Margot Robbie, Tom Holland, and even Robert Williams were part of the expansive list.
Athletes: In the realm of sports, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Simone Biles were standout favorites. Williams was recognized for her strength, James for his leadership and philanthropy, and Biles for her courage.
Influencers and Writers: Influencers like Emma Chamberlain and writers such as J.K. Rowling also received significant mentions.
The Impact of Celebrities
When asked to rate the impact of their favorite celebrities on a scale of 1-10, students provided a range of responses, with many expressing high levels of influence.
One student, Emily, BCA AMST freshman, shared, “Taylor Swift’s music has been a soundtrack to my life or its events. Her lyrics are so relatable with my personal experiences and have helped me through some tough times.”
The survey also explored how students discovered these celebrities and the role of social media in enhancing their connection to them. A majority of respondents indicated that they discovered their favorite celebrities through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Aryan, ABF junior, mentioned how he discovered “Laufey through TikTok,” and finds her to be his comfort singer. All in all, social media was seen as a powerful resource for connecting celebrities and fans, making interactions feel more personal and instant.
Influences from Friends and Family
Interestingly, the survey revealed that friends and family also play a significant role in shaping celebrity preferences. On a scale of 1-10, many students rated the impact of their friends and family highly.
For instance, Alex, AEDT sophomore, mentioned, “I started listening to Sia because my sister introduced me to her music. Now, I’m a huge fan…but I don’t really tell anyone that.”
Qualities that Matter
The survey concluded by asking students what qualities they look for in their favorite celebrities. The most valued traits included creativity, intelligence, relatability, kindness, and talent.
Students expressed a desire to look up to individuals who not only entertain but also “inspire and make a positive difference in the world,” said Elliana, a AEDT senior. Other qualities that were included in the survey, such as beauty standards and humor, ranked lower than the rest.
Looking Forward
The survey has provided an interesting glimpse into the personal preferences of Bergen County Academies students, showcasing the celebrities who inspire them and the qualities they admire. For those interested in sharing more about their celebrity inspirations, the survey remains open, and students are encouraged to participate and contribute to this ongoing conversation.
If you would like to be interviewed further or have any comments, please reach out to the Academy Chronicle.
