Amidst the excitement of graduation, many high school seniors are getting ready to graduate right now. In this series of interviews, we engage with a group of graduating seniors who have redefined the traditional notions of achievement and embarked on paths driven by purpose, determination and passion.
They have dedicated years of hard work, determination, and sacrifice to achieve the highest academic honors in their graduating class. However, their journey is not just about earning a high GPA, but it’s about the lessons they have learned, the challenges they have faced, and the impact they have made on their school and community. In this interview, we will explore the inspiring journey of a K-12 graduating seniors and the lessons they can share to inspire others. We share this with Noah Minor from Lisbon David Anderson High School.
Name: Noah Minor
School: Lisbon David Anderson High School (Lisbon Schools)
Class: 2023
GPA: 4.0
Bio: Noah is the son of Jeremy Minor and Heather Smith and an employee of Minor Insurance Agency. He is a member of National Honor Society, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chess Club, Pep club, student council and Spanish club, as well as a member of the golf team, the baseball team; and he will graduate valedictorian of the class of 2023 at Lisbon David Anderson High School. I can be found on the pickleball court or the family farm.
What inspired you to strive for academic excellence, and how did you maintain your motivation throughout your academic journey?
I was always inspired by my older sister’s perfect performance in school and I always strived to be like her. My mom always expected an all A report card year after year.
What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them to achieve your goals?
I have always had focus issues and so having to sit at a desk for a long period of time was tough for me and many times I would zone out. I over the years have worked at finding way to stay engaged like writing down what is being taught or asking questions frequently.
POTW: Julia Anderson, John F. Kennedy Catholic School
Can you share with us a specific moment or experience that impacted your academic journey?
Switching schools as a junior in high school was very difficult but changed the way I went through school. I joined new clubs and had to be much more social.
How did you balance your academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and social life (if applicable)?
It was tough to find a good balance. I many times would be the last one to leave the class because I wanted to finish what I was working on and spent many long nights doing assignments so I would have time for fun and sports.
Can you talk about a teacher, mentor, or family member who had a significant impact on your academic success?
My yearbook and math teacher Mrs. Wallace has been a huge blessing over the past couple of years. She showed me what it means to care for your students and go above and beyond the everyday requirements of a teacher.
How did your school support and encourage academic excellence, and what role did it play in your journey?
Lisbon required all the students who wanted to be in the top ten or Valedictorian to take tough classes that would better prepare us for our future.
POTW, Education Edition: Elana Brownfield, Lisbon Exempted Village Schools
Can you share with us any research, projects, or community service experiences that you have undertaken during your academic journey?
Getting to help pass out food to those in the community that were in need was very rewarding. I volunteered at a local catholic church to get hours for National Honors society and the experience was good for my soul and opened my eyes to wanting to do things of that nature in the future.
How did you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance during your academic journey?
I always tries to keep the big picture in mind and compare my problems of being worried about a test or paper with those who are worried if they will have something to eat tonight. Or those in war torn countries around the world who are not sure if they will get the chance to wake up the next morning.
What advice would you give to students who are struggling academically or are feeling discouraged?
I would advice them to figure out what they love and enjoy. Everyone has strengths and weakness and for some people, school is not their cup of tea. But that doesn’t mean they are not smart or won’t be successful. It just means they have a different skill set.
How do you plan to use your academic success to make a positive impact on the world?
I hope to get a job were I will be financially secure enough to give back to the community not only with money but with my time.
E128: The Power of Purpose: Honoring Graduating Seniors; Aidan Rossi, Warren JFK
Who is your role model and Why?
My grandpa has always been such a role model for me. He has been a farmer his whole life and has shown me what it means to work super hard no matter if the money doesn’t show the fruit of your labor. He finds happiness with just God’s creation and the little things in life.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
I would really like to meet George Washington. I feel like getting his insight on the American revolution and telling him about the current affairs of the country would be very interesting. I really enjoy learning about history and I’m very patriotic, so getting to speak to the founding father of our country would be amazing.
A favorite quote by which you live.
Days go slow and years go fast.
The journey of a K-12 is not just about achieving high academic honors but about the lessons they have learned, the challenges they have overcome, and the impact they have made on their school and community. By sharing their story, they can inspire others to strive for excellence, persevere in the face of challenges, and make a positive impact on the world. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the inspiring journey of a K-12 and the lessons they can share to inspire others.
