Stoneham High School Valedictorian Sarah Markiewicz is This Week's Whiz Kid

Stoneham Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

• Sarah Markiewicz, 18
• Accomplishment: Markiewicz is the valedictorian for the class of 2012 at Stoneham High School.

Key to Awesomeness: Markiewicz finished the year at the top of her class with a grade point average of 5.04.

“To me, it means that my hard work throughout high school is being recognized,” Markiewicz said. “At times, the late nights and all the work has not seemed worth it, but this justifies all of my hard work and makes me realize how much I can achieve with hard work.”

When Markiewicz found out she was valedictorian, she was ecstatic.

“Going into high school, I never expected that I would be the valedictorian and I was just happy that all of my hard work allowed me to receive this recognition,” Markiewicz said.

Markiewicz earned her educational achievements the hard way: taking difficult courses.

“Throughout high school, I have always looked to challenging classes in order to push myself to learn the most I can,” Markiewicz said. “There have been a lot of late nights studying and doing homework, but to me it has always been worth it. There has also been a lot of support from my teachers, my friends and my family and I don't think that I would have been able to do as well as I did without the help I got from them along the way.”

Many teachers have helped Markiewicz during her four years at Stoneham High School, but there was one teacher in particular she spoke very highly about.

“The most influential teacher throughout my high school career was probably my sophomore/junior history teacher, Mr. Schiazza,” Markiewicz said. “He really cared for all of his students and it was obvious that he wanted us to do well. He was always willing to put in extra time in order to help us with our work.

"I remember the days when he would give up most of his prep period because there would be a group of us in his room all asking for help on our (document based questions).”

Markiewicz didn't have a specific memory that stood out in her four years, but she admitted her history classes sophomore and junior year were the most enjoyable.

“We were all in the same class for two years and we were all really close,” Markiewicz said. “Therefore, we always found ways to make class fun.”

Markiewicz said she will miss the supportive environment that the school provided during her time at Stoneham High school.

“The teachers at the high school are always willing to put in extra time to help with work and it is obvious that they all want us to succeed,” Markiewicz said. “Also, all of my classmates and I have help supported each other as well. In my classes, we are always willing to help each other out with homework and studying, by explaining different problems to each other, or studying together for big tests. It is this support that has allowed me to do well as I have throughout high school.”

Markiewicz will be attending Skidmore College this fall.