Charlotte Sawyer

What does it mean to you to be chosen Valedictorian? What advice, words of wisdom are you planning on delivering to your classmates on graduation day in your speech?

I am so happy to be valedictorian! I've worked so hard these past four years and I am honored to represent my class and give a speech on graduation. In my speech, I plan on stressing the importance of taking everything my classmates and I have learned at Brien McMahon and applying it to our lives after high school. Many members of the class were very involved in clubs and organizations during their time at McMahon, so I also want to encourage them to continue pursuing activism in all its forms.

What did you most enjoy about your time at BMHS? What will you miss the most about high school?

I loved getting to know so many different people who have very unique backgrounds and life perspectives. I will miss the incredibly supportive environment at Brien McMahon.

Can you name one or two people at BMHS, teacher, administrator, coach, etc, and explain why they made a particular impact on your life?

Ms. Sansolo, one of the guidance counselors at school, asked me to apply for a very competitive scholarship program called the United States Senate Youth Program. Only two students from each state get the opportunity to participate, so I did not expect to get it. This past December I was shocked to find out that I won the scholarship and a trip to Washington D.C. for a week! I owe it all to Ms. Sansolo!

What were some of your favorite classes in high school? Why?

I really liked 10th grade Honors Biology. Biology is definitely my favorite science course. I also liked AP Statistics, because it's a math course that incorporates other skills like being able to express conclusions in writing. I loved AP Spanish because I love the language, but I also really enjoyed learning more about Hispanic culture. I loved the content of my AP Comparative Politics course as well. I am extremely interested in the cultures and politics of Iran, Russia and China.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities that were particularly meaningful to you. Can you explain why?

Since sophomore year, I have been on the Executive Committee of a club at school called The Peace Project, which deals with the issues of dating violence, human trafficking and the plight of day laborers. Through The Peace Project, I developed a huge passion for activism. I plan on being an advocate for women's rights and stopping violence against women for the rest of my life. It was also a wonderful bonding experience; the other members of the Executive Committee are some of my closest friends! I also was the president of the Model United Nations Club for two years, which was a blast. I'm very interested in politics and current affairs, so it was a great opportunity to jump into some incredibly important issues and also have a lot of fun!

Did you play any sports? If yes, what was one of the most memorable occasions you were involved in.

I did not play any sports in high school.

Will you be attending college? If so, what school, and do you know what major you are interested in pursuing? If not, what will you be pursuing after graduation?

I will be attending Oberlin College in Ohio this Fall. I am so excited! Oberlin has a legacy of social change and activism; it was the first school to go coed and to accept minorities. It was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. I am very excited to be a part of such a long tradition! As of right now, I probably will pursue a major in political science. If I stay on my current track, I will go to law school and pursue a career in politics. However, I'm interested in a ton of subjects, so I'm really open to anything. I don't plan on declaring a major until I've tried a little bit of everything and am certain of what I want to do.

If you will be attending college, what are you most looking forward to? Is there anything you are anxious about?

I am looking forward to taking tons of interesting courses! There are so many subjects that I wasn't exposed to in high school that I hope I get to take in college. I really want to take art history, anthropology, economics and philosophy. I'm not really anxious about anything; I'm just extremely excited to start the next chapter of my life.

Outside of school, what are your hobbies, and why do you find them enjoyable?

I love to read, watch movies and listen to music. I have a huge passion for movies and music. I have played oboe since 6th grade, and that has greatly expanded my music tastes. My favorite bands are The Beatles and The Police, but I love Beethoven too!

How have family and friends played a role in your success, in the classroom and out?

My parents have helped me so much throughout my school career. They have always been there to support me in everything I do. I eat dinner at the kitchen table with my parents every single day, and we always talk about everything going on in my life. I really think this positive environment has helped me grow and flourish as both a student and as a person in general.

If you could have dinner with one person, someone who is still alive or who has passed away, who would you want it to be and why?

I would want to have dinner with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I was given an opportunity this past March to hear her speak in the Supreme Court, and it was a life changing experience. She is a huge inspiration to me. She is so wise and she has done so much in her life. She is an advocate for women's rights and equality. I would love to speak to her and hear stories about her life and how she became the second female Supreme Court Justice.

Is there a particular event that happened in the news while you were a high school student that changed the way you look at the world? If so, what was it?

Of course, the recent election was a huge deal. President Barack Obama gives me hope that change is really coming to America. I feel energized and ready to be involved in politics in the future because of him. So many youth came out to support him during the election, which makes me extremely happy. I have always enjoyed activism and learning about current events, and I am so happy to see more and more of my peers feeling the same way. I now am certain that the youth have a powerful voice in our country. Laura Hatchman

What does it mean to you to be chosen Valedictorian? What advice, words of wisdom are you planning on delivering to your classmates on graduation day in your speech?

I am extremely honored and amazed to be the Norwalk High School valedictorian. There are so many bright and hardworking students in the Class of 2009 that have put forth the time and energy for academic success that it is humbling to just be among them.

If I can impart any advice to my fellow graduates, it would be to always hold fast to our childhood passion for dreams, no matter what challenges life will throw us.

What did you most enjoy about your time at NHS? What will you miss the most about high school?

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the opportunities and activities that Norwalk High has offered, from sports to after-school clubs to even our amazing spring musicals. It was those activities that helped such a diverse student body bond together and embrace our multiple passions.

I will probably miss the friendships I have formed in high school most, but knowing that they are so strong, my group of friends is sure to keep in touch no matter where we end up.

Would you have done anything differently in high school if you could go back and do it over?

If there was anything that I would have done differently in high school, it would definitely be becoming more involved in my freshman year and trusting that I could handle the change of going to high school with more extracurricular activities.

Can you name one or two people at NHS, (teacher, administrator, coach, etc,) and explain why they made a particular impact on your life?

There are too many adults at Norwalk High School who truly care and work hard to help us that it is impossible to identify just two. Personally, however, Dr. Sullivan, Mr. Simonsen and Mr. Hariton would be on the top of my list as they all inspired me and helped me push through challenges both in the classroom and elsewhere.

What was your favorite class in high school? Why? My favorite class, hands down, was Mr. Simonsen's honors English class in my junior year. I am an English fanatic, and his style of attentive teaching and getting involved with our learning process really helped me become the best writer I could be. It was one of those classes that almost everyone would look forward to each day.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities that were particularly meaningful to you at NH?. Can you explain why?

Perhaps the most meaningful activities that I was involved with were the Key Club and Spring Musical. I was the 2008-2009 President of the Key Club, which is a national volunteering and service organization that is led and run by students. We had an amazing year, from increasing the amount of members to participating in many fundraisers and service projects. But more than our accomplishments, the Key Club came together as a family this year and shared our love to help others. I have been involved with the Spring Musical for two years as the bass in the pit, and there is nothing more incredible then seeing so many talented musicians and actors work together for such a long time and put on a play that rivals the quality of a Broadway production.

Did you play any sports? If yes, what was one of the most memorable occasions you were involved in?

I used to be a three-sport athlete, participating in volleyball, basketball, and softball, but unfortunately three knee surgeries ended my high school athletic career. The most memorable sport-related occasion I was involved in has to be being a part of the junior varsity softball team in my freshman year and ending our year undefeated, (yes, that includes beating BMHS,). That particular group of girls and our coach Ms. DeLong made the season especially fun and worthwhile for everyone.

Will you be attending college? If so, what school, and do you know what major you are interested in pursuing? If not, what will you be pursuing after graduation?

I plan on attending the University of Connecticut on scholarship next fall, majoring (perhaps) in history with a minor in English.

If you will be attending college, what are you most looking forward to? Is there anything you are anxious about?

I am looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing living on my own next year, but I am a little anxious about managing my time with my intended course load without going insane!

Outside of school, what are your hobbies, and why do you find them enjoyable?

I love having movie nights with my friends, reading, playing catch with my dad, playing on recreational sports teams, volunteering at Darien Book Aid, and knitting and crocheting. I enjoy those activities and they have turned out to be great ways to relieve stress.

How have family and friends played a role in your success, in the classroom and out? Simply put, I could not have done what I have without the constant support and love from my family and friends. I will always be grateful to have had them in my life.

If you could have dinner with one person, someone who is still alive or who has passed away, who would you want it to be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Audrey Hepburn, because she is not only my favorite actress, but she is the epitome of grace and class, from her onscreen performance to the humanitarian lifestyle she led.

Is there a particular event that happened in the news while you were a high school student that changed the way you look at the world? If so, what was it? Barack Obama's election to the presidency was without a doubt the biggest news that has changed my perspective of the world. Instead of seeing society in a stagnant state, he has proved that change is always possible.