Top of class students share their insight
Bob Schofner, Valedictorian
Q: “When did you find out you were valedictorian/salutatorian? How did you react?”
Bob Schofner, Valedictorian: “I was sitting in writing center and Mr. Bush came in personally and called me to the office… I was very surprised. I didn’t expect to be valedictorian. It’s a huge honor to have gone to such a wonderful school and be recognized.”
Jacob Grossman, Salutatorian: “I had heard that grades were freezing on Friday, that we had off for the fair. So that Monday I went with two friends down to get my transcript. I saw that I was number two and I was really happy because this semester I had taken a lot of extra classes. I was happy that the extra effort paid off. ”
Q: “What are your thoughts on the speech?”
Schofner: “[I’m] not nervous but it’s a surprise and still in development.”
Grossman: “I was kind of nervous… so I started to think about what to make it on. I’m going to write it on my story of perseverance and persistence and how it led to my success to encourage my peers to try to use those two things as they move forward in life.”
Q: “What do you plan to study in the future?”
Schofner: “I plan on studying medicine and surgery. I have always liked working with my hands. I’m interested in biology and surgery is never boring. Most importantly I want the ability to help people. [My dream job is an] ER surgeon at a level one trauma center like Tampa General.”
Grossman: “I want to study law and hope to attend Vanderbilt or Wake Forest. I want to work in a sports agency. My dream job would be to work at Newport Sports in Toronto.”
Q: “What’s your favorite high school memory?”
Schofner: “I sponsored a job fair that helped a lot of kids discover what they want to do in life. I organized and paid for a group of adult professionals to speak and answer questions on behalf of their professions including architecture, medicine, law and nonprofit work. We held it during the three lunches and every one was a full house.”
Grossman: “My favorite memory would have to be scoring the game winning goal at the state hockey tournament. I was playing on the Plant hockey team and we had a minute left in the game. We had to win in regulation time. I won the face off and scored so we got to go to the semi-finals.
Q: “Do you have any advice for underclassmen?”
Schofner: “Be yourself and follow your dreams; anything is possible if you work hard enough.”
Grossman: “Challenge yourself in everything you do; that is the only way to grow and learn.”