Valedictorian Keerthy Joseph Is June Student of the Month

June Student of the Month is Keerthy Joseph, a proud graduate of the Springfield High School, Class of 2011.

Keerthy is an intelligent, mature and friendly student who was the Valedictorian of her class. She earned the highest grade point average of her 300 classmates, a stunning 4.46.

Keerthy will attend West Chester University in the fall on a full scholarship in their distinguished Pre-Med program. Her hopes of becoming a physician are fueled by her desire to help those in need of medical care, especially children.

She wishes to volunteer for Doctors without Borders in her native country of India, where she spent the first eleven years of her life. Keerthy applied herself to a rigorous course load while in high school, she took 14  honors courses and seven AP courses. She garnered numerous recognitions, including the distinguished George A. Pagano Scholarship presented annually at Commencement.

Keerthy’s drive to succeed not only helped her to succeed academically, but also made her a well-rounded student. She was President of REACH (Race, Ethnic And Cultural Heritage club), a member of the National Honor Society, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the Dance Mara-THON. She consistently volunteered at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Harley Manor and sings in her church choir.

She offered this advice to incoming students, “SHS is great. Get involved and take challenging courses. Set high goals for yourself and persevere to achieve them – You won’t be sorry.”

The faculty and administration at SHS had glowing remarks for Keerthy.

Lisa Shugart, language arts teacher said, “I’ve watched Keerthy blossom into the lovely young woman she is today. Keerthy is a diligent student who exhibits a sincere eagerness to learn; she is truly a model student. Her warm personality endears her to all who meet her. She is self-motivated and goal driven, a mature young woman who shows much promise.”

James McCarthy, who had Keerthy for two math courses said, “She is one of the most diligent students I have had the pleasure of teaching at SHS. I have teased her that she is the ‘Laziest student I have come across in 37 years of teaching!’ – Her response is always a beautiful smile. I know she will make a great doctor in a few years.”

William Harley, another of her math teachers added, “As evidence of her truly outstanding work ethic, Keerthy was one of only three members of the Springfield High School Class of 2011 to take AP Calculus BC without having taken AP Calculus AB as a junior.”

Principal Frank McKnight said, “She is a breath of fresh air. Keerthy is extremely intelligent and has an outstanding work ethic. She is also one of the most pleasant students with whom you will interact.”

For these reasons and many more Keerthy Joseph as the Springfield School District June Student of the Month.