Mount Vernon High School Salutatorian: Be Humble

MOUNT VERNON, NY — This year's valedictorians and salutatorians in the Mount Vernon 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 Ruby Acquah, salutatorian at Mount Vernon High School

Question: What will you miss most about high school?

A: What I will miss most about high school is having a supportive administration and staff. This was very important throughout my high school career. I have always been handed information on scholarships,internships and any and all other sorts of activities because the school counselors have called me in to discuss them with me. But in college it might not be like this. I will have to advocate for myself and find out what I need to do for myself. I trusted those in high school to place these opportunities in front of my nose. I truly will miss that, but know that doing it myself will allow me tremendous independent growth.

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

A: I am looking forward to a new beginning. A chapter that will open several doors for my future.

Q: What was your favorite high school class?

A: My favorite high school class was AP English Literature. Although English may be my least favorite subject, I improved so much. Every week as I wrote a three page essay for my teacher, it would always get returned with a statement and remarks as to how I could improve. Mr. Greshes was always very considerate of how he critiqued my work, and from his suggestions I grew to love writing. He really made a difference in how I enjoyed my English class.

Q: What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?

A: There were many clubs and extracurricular activities to get involved in during my four years here.However, I didn’t want to overdue and overextend myself. I got very involved with those after school programs that I felt very passionate about. They were National Honor Society, Mount Vernon Star Scholars, Art Club, theater, soccer, photography and the UN club.

Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen?

A: If I were to give advice to underclassmen today, I would tell them that it is okay to be the student that is humble towards the teacher to get good grades. I would let them know that is more important than the social aspect of high school.

Q: Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?

A: My math teacher, Mr. De Carlo, is the person who stood out the most throughout my high school years. This is because he was a very supportive teacher. He would always help the students who wanted to help themselves, and also those who didn’t. He would always try and help them too. I would say,throughout my four years here, he came to at least eight of my soccer games. Not only did he support me in class, he took a personal interest to support me on the field as well. That is very special.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Today I envision myself working in a research laboratory. I recognize, though, that as a young person my vision can always change. However, I definitely see myself in the medical field in 10 years, for certain.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about you.

A: A fun fact about me is that I absolutely love soccer – either watching it or playing it. Soccer is thereason I am sane. Every time I am on a soccer field playing, life becomes pointless – in a good way!, [Soccer] takes away the stress and all the irrelevant things that are on my mind.

Photo courtesy Mount Vernon school district