Valedictorian Sarah Terry

Name: Sarah Terry

Age: 18

GPA: 4.68

SAT score:

Math: 680, Reading: 750, Writing: 740

College:

Columbia University in New York City

Intended majors:

Music and English

Career goals:

Opera singer and poet

What's your strategy for academic success? I always push myself to do the best work that I can. I love learning about all different subjects, and when we start a new topic in school, I often do additional research, which helps me to better understand the new things I learn.

What awards/honors are you proud of receiving? I was very proud to be ranked second in the state in the first year I auditioned for the All-State Choir's soprano one section as well as being accepted as a student apprentice for the Boheme Opera N.J. company.

What were/are you involved in at school and in the community? I was the president of the English Honor Society, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the academic team, a member of the select a cappella choir and a member of the concert choir. I was senior editor for Impressions, the school's literary magazine, and I was in the school musical all four years. I was a member of the Knitting Club and I also often helped out the PTA at Upper Freehold Regional Elementary/Middle School.

Who was your favorite teacher and why? Ms. [Ellen] Jacko, my Advanced Placement Literature teacher, is absolutely amazing and made class thrilling and hysterical. I learned a great deal from her that I know I will carry with me forever.

What are your favorite pastimes? I love singing and playing the piano, as well as writing poetry and fiction.

What is your favorite local hang out? I can't say I really have one.

What is your favorite book and how does it relate to your life? My favorite book is Robert Heinlein's, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. It is a science fiction work set in the future at a lunar colony that stages a libertarian revolution against Earth. It is a fantastic story, and it also contains interesting discussions of political ideology.

What will you miss most about your high school years? The thing I will likely miss most is my friends. Though I'm sure I will continue to see some of them, it will not be the same as getting to see them almost every day.

What are your hopes for this world in the future? I hope in the future that people will begin to recognize that country lines are not important; we are all citizens of Earth and should learn to work together toward important global goals. I also hope that people will learn to treat each other as equals and not discriminate against anyone because of race, religion, socioeconomic position, sexual orientation, or anything else.