Horace Greeley HS Valedictorian: Create Your Own Opportunities

CHAPPAQUA, NY — This year's valedictorians and salutatorians in the Chappaqua school district are an extraordinary group of young people. Patch asked them to answer a few questions about their high school experience and what they look forward to in the future.

Today, meet Michelle Tong.

What will you miss most about high school?

Hands-down my friends, especially my track team whom I’ve spent so much time with and grown so close with.

What are you looking forward to in moving on to college?

Meeting really cool, passionate people that inspire me

What was your favorite high school class?

Ethics and Existence

What clubs or extra-curricular activities were you involved in?

Novel writing, varsity cross country and track, mock trial, debate, Chappaqua School Foundation Student Advisory Council, Tribune, private tutoring through Turning Point Tutoring Company

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Go after what you want. Take risks. Create your own opportunities. Don’t worry about how much rejection and failure you run into - persistence always pays off in the long run. Nothing that matters comes easily.

Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?

Amy Kaiser - I’ve had her for three years. 10th grade for English 9/10, 11th grade. I had her for Ethics and my creative writing independent study, and in 12th grade she was my independent study faculty advisor again. She’s the absolute best and my constant source of support. Also, Louise Hazebrouck whom I had freshman year for English - she made me love reading and improved my writing tremendously.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, hopefully, the novel I’ve been working on will be published and I’ll be an established author. I’m not sure where I’ll be career-wise in 10 years though.

Tell us a fun fact about you.

I was an extra on Season 3 Episode 5 of Orange is the new black.

PHOTO/ Chappaqua school district