Meet Columbia High School's Top Academic Achievers

For many students, academic excellence isn't an easy thing to accomplish. And even for Rebecca Wenoker and Nicholas Porter, the #1 and #2 academic achievers in Columbia High School's 2010 graduating class, the achievement came with a lot of hard work.

The two students were recognized for their academic accomplishments at the 23rd Annual Essex County Awards banquet held this past May. Hosted by the Essex County Superintendent of Schools, the event honored top-ranking students at all schools in Essex County.

"Being #1 surprised me," said Wenoker, who will be heading to Rutgers in September. "I worked hard but there are other students who also worked just as hard. Everybody who is in the Top 5 deserves to be there, so I'm glad Columbia doesn't place such an emphasis on it by having a valedictorian."

Wenoker excelled in all her classes but did particularly well in math, a subject she's enjoyed since elementary school. 

"I've always been in high-level math courses," she said. Her capabilities in the subject prompted her to take an Independent Study course (Calculus 3) during her senior year. "It was difficult because my teacher would give me a chapter to work on and I'd have to do it myself, figure out the work and then go over it with him during our session."

Porter excelled in math as well. Despite being busy as the captain of the boys swim team and participating in the Columbia's Friday Night Live acting show, he always performed well in class. "I did pretty good in math, specifically AP Statistics," said Porter. "I pushed myself as hard as I could and tried to stay motivated." He credits one of his math teachers with helping him prioritize his time for schoolwork and outside interests. Come fall, he'll attend Boston College to study business. 

In talking with Porter, his love of swimming rang true, as he beamed about Columbia coming in second at the County meet. It was there that his team beat both Millburn and Livingston. This summer, he'll work as a lifeguard at the Community Pool.Maplewood

While academics were important to Wenoker, she found time to participate in other activities as well. She was a member of the school's fencing team and science league. She was active in Columbia's math team and tutored local kids in a variety of subjects. A fan of yoga, she recently took a trip to New Mexico to train to become an instructor. "I really enjoy yoga," she said. "I use my training for relaxation and, hopefully, I'll be able to use it to make extra money while at college."

Attending Rutgers on a full scholarship, she plans to study biomedical engineering. "I think that making prosthetics for people who need them would be a rewarding job," she said. Wenoker also said she's excited about the chance to have a little independence and to choose her own classes.

She offered some advise to underclassmen on academic success. "Time management is key," Wenoker said. "School work is really important and you have to have focus. But sometimes, you have to really step back and take some social time for yourself."

Porter summed up the process of doing well in school this way: "Think of yourself as a senior," he said, "and ask yourself if you've achieved everything you wanted. Don't procrastinate and work towards getting it all done. "