Originally a native of China, Shutong Zhang, or “Tony” is ranked first in his class, with a 4.96 weighted GPA.
“Keeping a 4.0 was important to me because it helps me get into a good college,” Zhang said.
Though a valedictorian, Zhang admits that his least studious quality is that he does procrastinate on occasion. Zhang was actively involved in Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society, Math Club, National Honor Society, and volunteered at Arnold Hospital and the Math Lab.
“I have so many unforgettable memories that it is hard to pick the fondest one,” Zhang said.
Zhang says his hardest class was AP Language and Composition because he didn’t understand it at first, and his favorite class was AP World History because he really likes the subject.
“Study hard and do not give up. Always try your hardest, no matters how difficult the class is. Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t do something, until you try it,” Zhang said.
An active member of the Quiz Bowl team, Zhang says his greatest achievement in high school was when he and the team finished third in the Quiz Bowl finals his senior year.
His biggest motivator being getting accepted to a selective school, Zhang plans on attending the University of Florida to study in the pre-med program, as he plans on becoming a physician.