By THOMAS EGAN
For senior Rebecca Burns, excelling in school has been a key motivation in her goal to attend college in another state.
“I wanted to get merit aid from a good out-of-state college, so I knew I had to get good grades,” Burns said.
With the need for recognition from other universities in mind, she kept a rigorous course-load in hopes of achieving her dream and attracting these colleges’ attention.
Burns is very involved in extracurricular activities. She has participated heavily in such clubs as the Social Justice Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Environmental Club, Quiz Bowl and the varsity tennis team. She was also inducted into both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
A schedule of rigorous courses, such as AP Spanish and AP Physics B, fill her academic schedule and force her to push herself to achieve.
“Learning to manage time and stay organized took awhile,” Burns said.
She has also been recognized for her achievements within the classroom. She won the nomination of Orange County’s Sunshine State Scholar for Math and Science for her skills in both of these core studies.
When she isn’t working on school or preparing for her future, Burns likes to spend time sleeping, relaxing or spending time with her friends.
Burns plans to move north to Worcester, Mass., after high school to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute where she will major in biotechnology in the hopes of becoming a researcher.