Valedictorian: Mark Rizko

What college do you plan on attending in the fall?

I plan on attending Northwestern University next year, and I’m really excited about it.
What are you planning to major/minor in?

I plan to major in biology and maybe chemistry if I can find the time to take all the classes, and I really like science, so that will definitely be my focus. I’m hoping to go into medicine.

What are some of your favorite Nazareth memories?

I definitely appreciated all of the opportunities I have had to connect with my fellow classmates and my friends, definitely the junior retreat as well as the time that I’ve spent interacting with my friends in Math Club and Chess Club, and definitely the bonds that I’ve formed in my four years as a cross country team member.

What was your most difficult class at Naz?

I’d have to say AP US History. It took a lot of critical thinking and a lot of memorizing. At the end of the year it really paid off to use all the information that I gained throughout the course in the AP exam, so I’d definitely say that was the toughest class.

What do you think is the most significant lesson Naz has taught you?

I think the most significant lesson Naz has taught me is that I can really discover myself by serving others. I’ve had ample opportunities to serve others in Hodgkins Tutoring program and volunteering of various sorts, and I’ve really found a sort of satisfaction that I couldn’t have found had I not spent the time to volunteer with others.

What advice would you give to other students to help them achieve the level of success you’ve had?

I would say work hard, stay positive, and hope for the best. And don’t forget to cherish all the memories that come along the way.
What’s one interesting fact about you that others might not know? 

This is a tough one; I really like to read science fiction novels, especially ones by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Salutatorian: Andrew Hammond

What college do you plan on attending in the fall?

I plan on attending the University of Chicago.
What are you planning to major/minor in?

I’m undecided at the moment, but Chemistry is a possible interest.  I enjoy chemistry quite a bit.

What are some of your favorite Nazareth memories?

I enjoyed playing in the talent shows and participating in Relay for Life most of all.

What was your most difficult class at Naz?

I feel that it’s a tie between either AP Chemistry or AP US History.

What do you think is the most significant lesson Naz has taught you?

I think that Nazareth has taught me that hard work is rewarded and necessary to get the results you want.

What advice would you give to other students to help them achieve the level of success you’ve had?

Make sure you study a lot if you need to for a test, but relax if you don’t really need to.  That way you don’t burn out.
What’s one interesting fact about you that others might not know? 

Oh, I’m not sure… I have never seen Avatar or the Titanic.  That always seems to shock people.