Nellie A. Thornton HS Valedictorian: Make Friends In Other Grades

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 Adrienne Brown,, valedictorian at Nellie A. Thornton High School.

Question: What will you miss most about high school?

Answer: The one thing that I will miss most about high school is being able to see all of my friends in one spot every single day.

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

A: Going off to college, I'm looking forward to finally leaving high school and being on my own. Being away at college [gives me] a bigger window of opportunity.

Q: What was your favorite high school class?

A: My favorite high school class was my AP English Language class, which I took during my junior year.

Q: What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?

A: I was involved in Student Government, National Honor Society, Language Honor Society, R.E.A.D. Club, The Activist Club, Her Honor and Math Team.

Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen?

A: A piece of advice that I would give to an underclassman would be to try and make friends with an upperclassman. They can give you advice and offer useful tips and tricks that can help you get through your high school career.

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

A: Mr. Lanzetta, AP English Language, was a very kind and dedicated teacher who inspired his students to want to learn.

Mr. Hernandez, my current AP English Literature teacher, began teaching at my school last year. He is relatable and down to earth, and always has amazing personal stories that help drive our in-class discussions further.

Ms. Gaboton, my school counselor, has been my guidance counselor for three years and, in those years, has consistently demonstrated that she deeply cares for her students and wants to see them succeed, not just academically but in life also.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In ten years I will be 27 years old. By that time I will have graduated Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in Government, and will have graduated from law school and have passed my bar exam. Also, by that time I hope to be working as a corporate lawyer.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about you.

8. I believe that cheese is something one should always keep in their kitchen. Always. I also love dark chocolate.

Photo courtesy Mount Vernon school district