Graduation 2012: Valedictorian Lauren Beck

A product of Manchester's school system, Lauren Beck began her educational career at Manchester Township Elementary School 18 years ago. 

Living in the same house that entire time has had a perk for 2012 valedictorian.

"It's been cool to have the same kids with you since kindergarten," she said. Of course, her parents, too, played a part in helping her achieve the highest GPA out of the school's nearly 300 graduates this year.

"My parents read all of my essays and helped me out," Beck said, who finished the year with a 106.6 GPA. "They weren't too pushy. They let me do my own thing, but they were always there for me."

Aside from academics — Beck was one of two juniors to take advanced placement psychology during its inaugural year in 2010 and enrolled in AP chemistry, English, biology and history during her senior year — the valedictorian participated in plenty of extracurriculars.

For her entire high school career, Beck played tennis and participated in drama. She also sang in the honors choir and served as the school's National Honor Society chapter president.  

"Not surprisingly, you find that kids who are that committed to school are committed to other interests," said Principal Alexander George. 

Outside of school, Beck continued her pursuit of the arts by participated in ballet and tap dancing.

"It's a good stress reliever," she said. "I love it."

Beck said that this fall she plans to attend Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania — the alma mater of both her parents — where she will major in neuroscience. Numerous scholarship awards will help with the bills. In May, the Township Council honored Beck for being named a "Mayor's Scholar." Council President Craig Wallis and Vice President Brendan Weiner presented Beck with a proclamation issued by the mayor. 

"To get this scholarship is very hard," Wallis said at the time. "You've got to be pretty darn smart. We appreciate all the work you did for yourself."

Studying the brain in AP psychology last year sparked Beck's interested in neuroscience.

"I think Lauren has that rare combination of left and right brain," George said. "She's talking about neuroscience and loving AP psych as a junior and getting [score of 5 on the college credit test]. But she's also just as comfortable up on stage."

In this year's drama club production of "The Drowsy Chaperone," Beck played Mrs. Tottendale, a character who sounds about as opposite from a valedictorian as one can get.

"She's a ditsy airhead character," Beck said. "So it was fun to play that."

Though she keeps assignments in her planner, Beck, admittedly, is a procrastinator. But, what some may see as a flaw has always worked in her favor, she said. 

"I work better, though, when I have a deadline," she said. "It's easier to get something done when you know you have to get it done.

"I had to leave time for my homework, in addition to going to dance. I'd have to leave time for my friends," Beck said. Having a best friend as salutatorian helped — Beck and Emily Spiel would get together and study chemistry. 

For Beck, leaving behind the home of the Hawks is "bittersweet."

"I've had a good time here at the high school being involved in everything. It's been a blast," she said. "But, I've got to move on to bigger and better things, too."

Out of everything at Manchester Township High School, Beck did not hesitate when it came to what she would miss most at the school.

"The teachers," she said. "And seeing my friends everyday."

Beck summed up her graduating class in one word: "eclectic."

"We've got a lot of different personalities. I hope you'll miss us," she said jokingly to her principal.

"Absolutely," George replied. 

This year's graduating class of Hawks represents "a microcosm," George said.

"You've got kids who are following their passions, whether that be athletics or academics. If there are 280 in your class, there are 280 different routes to where you want to go," George said. "The important thing is that you've got a plan in place and that you working on what's important to you."

With a day to go, Beck said that her speech, which she will deliver to those classmates, staff and family during the 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, graduation ceremony at the school's football field, is "pretty much done."

"I talk about how it's good to take risks," Beck said. 

Her inspiration came from Spiel, who bungee jumped in New Zealand last year.

"You have to step out of your comfort zone to live a full life," Beck said

To that end, she and five friends have made plans to sky dive after graduation. 

George hopes that Beck can serve as a role model for other students who come through the high school, since she did not let any one thing define her as a person. 

"Lauren has always enjoyed everything and it's such a great example for kids. Don't pigeonhole yourself," George said. "You can be strong in everything, but you've got to work at everything. At the end of the day, our hope is that we're giving you the outlet to work in that direction and move forward. We celebrate that diversity."