Issuu 4

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The Mycenaean

May 22, 2013

Leesville Road High School, Raleigh, NC

Volume XX, Issue 4

Class of 2013 Senior Issue

Valedictorian Chin continues family legacy By: Camille Churchwell Junior Editor

“He was my inspiration; he encouraged me to try hard in school,” said Lillian Chin, senior. From the magical moment she witnessed her brother’s valedictorian speech, Lillian Chin knew, as an innocent and unknowing freshman, that she wanted to follow in his footsteps. Chin never felt any pressure from her family to live up to her brother, nothing but support. “My parents helped me to set goals according to my own personal standards rather than those of my brother,” said Chin. Despite the perpetual encouragement from her parents, she felt as if her peers, and teachers, constantly compared her to her

brother. Chin plans to major in biology, with an intended career in orthodontics. “My brother is majoring in biology and he’s going into the medical field, so I wanted to do the same thing, but I wasn’t interested in performing surgeries,” said Chin. “She has a really specific plan about her life, and I think that’s really cool,” said Jessica Merdes, senior, salutatorian and one of Chin’s best pals from school. Entering such a rigorous and challenging major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill should be no issue for Chin. Mrs. Duncan, chemistry teacher and Chin’s absolute favorite teacher, said, “Well, she was very gifted in chemistry, but she worked very hard, and

that specific combination led to her success in my class. She also pays extremely close attention to detail.” Her high school course load included a total of 11 AP classes, as well as numerous honors courses. “She’s really driven to do her best in school,” said Merdes. “Not only is Chin able to manage her own work,” Merdes said, “She’s always there to help you if you need it. She’s willing and eager to help anybody if they ask for it.” When Chin wants to take a break from her intense studying, she enjoys hanging out with her closest friends, watching movies or going to the mall like any other teen. She said, “[Sometimes] I just like to relax.” Chin not only excelled in the classroom, but is well-known among her peers

for being an endearing and loyal friend to many. Merdes describes Chin as “sweet, nice, and just a really good friend.” As the dutiful secretary of Multicultural club and an involved member of National Honor Society, Chin was sure to preoccupy herself in many different realms of the school. She again set herself apart from her brother, seeing as he focused on performing for Leesville’s orchestra and of course, academics. Chin claims her smarts are a testament to the intense work she puts in. “I think I try harder in school than my brother [ever] had to, he was naturally smart.” She humbly said, “I don’t consider myself smart at all; I just [try] to do my best in everything I do and try my hardest.” Inspired by Chin’s devoted

work ethic, Merdes said, “Her drive in school most definitely motivated me. Her consistency [in getting good grades] was incredible.” Duncan has nothing but respect and kind words for Chin. “She shows what you can achieve if you work hard; and she worked very hard,” said Duncan. Chin’s most notable attribute is her perseverance. “There were times I wanted to quit everything, but I’m proud of trying hard all throughout high school. I never gave up,” she said. Her demonstration of consistent drive shows how one can work hard to achieve their sought-after goals. Chin not only set herself apart from her peers, but from her brother, leaving a legacy of her own at Leesville Road High School.

student. “I put in a lot of work to achieve the grades I have,” said Merdes. “I’m averagely smart, but I’m a perfectionist and passionate about learning, which motivates me to do my best.” Along with achieving astounding academic success, Merdes participates in extracurriculars like National Honors Society and National Spanish Honors Society. She is also the president of the well-regarded Environmental Club. To add more to her demanding schedule, the salutatorian runs cross country, babysits, volunteers at Rex Hospital and is

involved in her church. When asked about her biggest support, Merdes proudly answered: her family. “I tend to become overwhelmed and stressed about school work but they know how to keep me in line. My sister has been a huge factor in keeping me sane through these past couple years,” said Merdes. Senor Ross, Merdes’ beloved teacher and AP Spanish teacher, her favorite class, was at a loss for words when asked about Jessica’s best qualities. “Jessica is motivated to excel. She wants to do well and knows that it’s her responsibility to do

well, but she knows that there are others who can also make her better,” said Ross after a lot of pondering. One of Merdes’ closest friends, Lane Hering, had only optimistic and cheerful things to say about the “super-fun” salutatorian. “Jessica is extremely sweet, and she is the hardest worker I’ve ever met,” said Hering. While she isn’t focusing all her time on schoolwork, Merdes takes pleasure in baking cookies and running with her closest cross country pals. Merdes’ journey takes her to Notre Dame on two scholarships where she plans to study Global

Medicine and Spanish. She also wishes to expand her education and study abroad in Buenos Aires. Said Merdes: “I’m really excited to move on to college so I can surround myself in people who are passionate about the same things as I am. It will be a great experience.” “Jessica will be able to do whatever she wants to do,” said Ross. “The biggest challenge she’ll encounter is choosing what she would like to do because she’s capable of doing anything.” Based on her immense success at Leesville, we wish Jessica the best on her future endeavors.

Salutatorian Merdes “never thought it possible” By: Juliana Rube Junior Editor

Jessica Merdes never believed she was capable of accomplishing salutatorian coming into Leesville Road High School four years ago. But, after working meticulously through her high school career and balancing a large load, she achieved something she never believed was possible. With a cumulative weighted GPA of 5.06, Merdes established herself as second place in the class of 2013. Though her GPA is almost two points above average, she simply considers herself an average

Learn more about... Lillian Chin 5.125 University of North CarolinaChapel Hill

INSIDE

5.06

College Attending

Notre Dame

Biology

College Major

Global Health and Spanish

AP Chemistry

Favorite Class

AP Spanish

AP Physics

Toughest Class

AP Physics

Tangled Senior News: Learn about different college opportunities and more on pages 2-5.

Cumulative GPA

Jessica Merdes

Favorite Movie

Senior Reflections: Read Four-Year Lettermen: See the memories of this year’s Leesville’s four-year varsity seniors on pages 6-7. athletes on pages 10-11. All Through The Years: College Map: See where Check out the class of everyone will be going 2013’s history on pages 8-9. next fall on pages 12-13.

The Notebook Senior Wills: See everything that your friends have left behind for you and others on pages 14-16. Superlatives: See senior winners on pages 17-21.

Senior Staff Spotlight: Learn about your senior newspaper staff members on pages 23-24.


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