Hendrick Hudson High School Valedictorian: Find Your Passion

CORTLANDT, NY — This year's valedictorians and salutatorians 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 Danielle Smith, Hendrick Hudson HS Valedictorian, Class of 2018.

What will you miss most about high school?

Over the past four years, I have become very close with my peers, and I have formed friendships with students in different grades. I am going to miss walking through the hallways and waving hello to several of my friends. Although I am excited to meet new people and break out of my comfort zone, I will definitely miss the conversations and smiles exchanged while walking from class to class.

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

College will expose me to many different backgrounds and ways of thinking. Meeting new people will broaden my knowledge of the world, and I look forward to learning more about myself and surroundings from my peers.

What was your favorite high school class?

My favorite class has definitely been the courses offered through the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program. From these classes, I became interested in the health field, and I now plan on pursuing a career in medicine in the future.

What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?

I have been heavily involved in Relay for Life, volunteering as the Head Chair in 2017 and serving on the committee during sophomore and senior year. Also, I co-founded the Stars and Stripes club at the high school. I play soccer and am a member of the Varsity Cheerleading Competition Team. Additionally, I am currently the co-present of the Hendrick Hudson Leos and a member of the National, Art, Hispanic, and Math Honor Societies. Throughout high school, I participated in the Health Occupation Students of America Club, newspaper, and Habitat for Humanity. I am also a Peer Leader in the High School.

What advice would you give to underclassmen?

I encourage underclassmen to find something they are passionate about and run with it.

Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?

Mrs. Barthelmes has taught me to dive deeper into works of literature, make connections to books I have read in the past, and unfold multilayer meanings of a text. She has also taught me the importance of time management, which I know is a crucial skill to have in college.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to be researching genetic diseases or cancer treatments in a laboratory.

Tell us a fun fact about you.

I have a strange addiction to fruit, especially watermelon.

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