As the top student of his graduating class, Senior Neil Hariths had always been confident in his academic abilities. However, the idea of delivering the valedictorian speech to a packed auditorium filled him with a mix of excitement and apprehension. With graduation day fast approaching, Hariths spent every spare moment drafting and refining his speech, determined to leave a lasting impression on his peers and the faculty.
At least one valedictorian is chosen each year to give a speech at graduation, this student is often seen as a role model and must display dedication, curiosity, and hard work. The class of 2023 valedictorian is Neil Hariths.
Hariths worked diligently throughout his high school years to earn a GPA of 4.6. He was involved in a multitude of extracurricular activities and is planning on attending The Ohio State University to study Neuroscience.
“Throughout high school I was involved in quite a few extracurriculars, but these few were more impactful than the others. I participated and helped run Model UN all four years, played tennis, did Help for Hope, and played the saxophone in the marching band,” Hariths said.
Hariths is a well-rounded student who spent a huge amount of time involving himself in activities outside of school. Participating in these various activities is a great opportunity for students to find their interests.
“All of the things I chose to do had a huge impact on my interests and future plans, so I’m really thankful I had the opportunity to involve myself with as much as I did. Do what you’re interested in,” Hariths said. “You’re so much more likely to try harder and put more effort in if it’s into something you find genuinely interesting,”
As he suggests, a big part in becoming successful is having an open mind and becoming involved in activities that spark interest. According to Guidance Counselor Stephen Gunther, Hariths puts an incredibly high amount of effort into everything he does as a student and in his daily life.
“Neil does everything with purpose and for reasons that are sincere. He is not a student that does something to ‘check a box’ but rather, he does so with purposeful intent. These intentions are grounded with his quality of character, his genuine desire to learn and help others, and with an empathy and compassion that rivals his academic ability,” Gunther said.
A student worthy of the title of valedictorian must not only have academic skill, but to have excellent traits which allow them to put their all into becoming the best version of themselves.
“Neil is an empathetic, compassionate, and pragmatic young man. He exhibits an innate curiosity and embodies the characteristics of a ‘good human’. He is more than a valedictorian being recognized for earning the highest academic achievements.” Gunther said
As he recalls his high school years, Hariths reveals something many other students don’t know about him, as well as one of his favorite memories.
“One thing people may be surprised to know about me is that during my junior year I ran the OOHS sleeps page. Wyatt Downey, George Liu, Shukanth Jojodae and I started it in a study hall, and it really took off,” Hariths said. “It was great walking around school and seeing people take pictures knowing it would get sent to us later.”
As Hariths stepped down from the podium, he was greeted by his friends and family, all congratulating him on a job well done. He felt a sense of contentment, knowing that he had made the most of his high school experience and had set himself up for success in the years to come.
