As graduation quickly approaches so does the announcement of valedictorian and salutatorian. By analyzing the cumulative grade point average for a student’s entire high school career, the highest GPA is awarded the title of Valedictorian and the second highest GPA earns the title of Salutatorian.

Courtney Klapka has earned the honor of Valedictorian for the class of 2017.

After graduation, Klapka’s plans are to attend Vanderbilt University, where she will be studying in the field of biomedical engineering.

To become Valedictorian, students have to be driven, and Klapka states, “I was really self motivated and dedicated and I alway enjoyed doing well in school.” It is a long journey to becoming Valedictorian, Klapka reveals, “I initially wasn’t striving to become valedictorian, but after sophomore year I realized it was attainable so then I began working towards it.”

On top of a stellar academic record, Klapka also participated in multiple sports and clubs, “I was on track and cross country, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, D.U.C.K.S., Best Buddies, and S.T.A.R.S.”

One of Klapka’s most memorable moments at North Harford was when a part of the track 4 x 8 team broke the school record.

Valedictorian is a huge accomplishment, Klapka stated, “To me, being valedictorian is recognition for all my hard work in high school.” For Courtney, her supporters along the way included her parents, friends, and teachers: “Mr. Johnstone, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Beigel really helped me excel in my high school career.”

Klapka revealed what she will miss most about North Harford, “The sense of community, all of my friends, and spending seven hours a day with great people.”

Klapka’s words of wisdom for students at North Harford are, “Don’t be afraid of what others think of you and always do your best.”

Robert Pekarek’s achievements throughout his high school career have led him to earning the second highest GPA and the title of Salutatorian. Pekarek has big plans for after high school, “I will be attending the United States Naval Academy and I will be a Surface Warfare Officer.”

To maintain his outstanding GPA, Pekarek states that his parents motivated him to excel in his studies. Pekarek also indulged in North Harford’s extensive sports and extracurricular programs during his time at North Harford, “I was involved in the musicals, cross country, pole vaulting on track and also captain of the track team, wrestling, a lot of clubs especially Future Business Leaders of America, most recently the millionaires club, and Spanish Honor Society.”

Pekarek recalled memorable moments throughout high school, “Winning the pole vaulting competition at regionals and being lead in the musical this year.” He also revealed that his biggest supporters include, “My parents and my teachers, Mrs. Harward, Mrs. Dallam, and  Mr. Scarborough.”

Although Pekarek excelled as a student, the journey to Salutatorian did have its challenges, “The hardest class was earning A’s in English.” To current and incomingstudents Pekarek states, “Always study for tests, work hard and be diligent in your work.”