Schools
Nelson Mandela High School Valedictorian: Make Your Own Success
Meet the next in our Q&A series with this year's stunning group of valedictorians and salutatorians in the Mount Vernon school district.
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 Queen Boswell, valedictorian at Nelson Mandela Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer High School.
Question: What will you miss most about high school?
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Answer: I will miss all of the free time that I had in high school the most.
Q: What are you looking forward to in moving on to college?
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A: I am looking forward to all of the opportunities that college has to offer me, such as networking, building on my career, and evolving as an individual.
Q: What was your favorite high school class?
A: My favorite high school class was English, because it allowed me to really think, analyze and be creative.
Q: What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?
A: I was in the Future Business Leaders of America and The Great Potential Program.
Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen?
A: All the staff at Mandela helped make my high school experience less stressful. Everyone takes the time to make sure the students have the right tools to succeed. It’s just up to us to take advantage.
Q: Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?
A: One who stood out throughout my journey was my counselor Ms. Williams. She was more than just a counselor, she became a mother, a friend, a book I could learn from, the source of my inspiration, the person that keeps me going when it seems like everything was falling apart. She didn’t just treat me like a student, she treated me like family. When I first arrived at Mount Vernon High School, I was awkward when it came to doing certain things, like applying for programs. But, Ms. Williams would always encourage me and say, “Peace, you can do it!” and that is what fueled me this far.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I see myself with my own graphic design firm, an art studio/gallery in Mount Vernon, and travelling all over the world.
Photo courtesy Mount Vernon school district
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