Shorecrest Senior Michael Vestergaard Sets a High Standard for Excellence

ST. PETERSBURG – When Michael Vestergaard is not participating in math contests, or racing for the Varsity swim team, he  volunteers for Habitat for Humanity in Tarpon Springs. Or he peer counsels middle schoolers. Or….

The Shorecrest Prep senior  epitomizes the well-rounded student, who has made the most of his liberal arts education. Michael presides over the Mu Alpha Theta. He has performed in "Our Town." He aced the national French comprehension tests.

Michael is one of those kids who makes school look easy, a breeze. He received the Shorecrest Top Scholar Award in both seventh and eighth grades. It was during those normally awkward adolescent years when he made the Headmaster’s List. He has been named to the list every year since.

Most recently, Michael was named a National Merit Scholarship Competition Semi-Finalist, a member of Cum Laude Honors Society, and National Honor Society.

He also received a Superior Duet Acting certificate of recognition given by the International Thespian society at District level last year.

Pretty soon he will need a room just to accommodate all his awards!

School Activities: Theater (9-12), Captain of Varsity Swim team (member from 6-12), President of Mu Alpha Theta, Co-President of Cooking Club, Cum Laude, National Honors Society, Spanish Club, Science Club, Quill and Scroll, French Honor Society, All-Star Cast Member Award at District Thespians, International Thespians Society.

Community-Based Activities or Volunteering: Habitat for Humanity Mini-Mester service week (11-12), Habitat for Humanity Member (11-12), Leo Club Santa Parade (9-11), Shorecrest Senior Mentor (12), National Honors Society tutor (11-12).

My inspiration: "I am always inspired by the possibility of finding something new and interesting, I have journeyed from the deserts of Australia to the waves of the Baltic Sea and everywhere I went has always presented me with something new to excite me and add spice to my life."

The secret to success: "Never take your work so seriously that you begin to resent it, once you’ve reached that point, then why continue to work? I always try to look on the bright side of life, even when others around me begin to crack under the strain."

My role model: "My dad, he was born in a small country and followed a career that he loved. It has brought him around the world and continues to take him to new places, but he never forgets to make his home just as special as each new place he visits."

College or careergGoal: "I plan to attend Dartmouth College and may combine a career in medicine with a love of performing."

Favorite Quote: “Beauty is truth, truth beauty - that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know” -John Keats