This student is the future of this generation, and don’t be surprised to see her going to a top Ivy League school. Melanie, who has been listed as a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist, has always been on top of her game and has set her eyes on schools such as Harvard, Georgetown, and the University of Virginia. Day in and day out, Melanie has been striving to perfect her SAT scores and to polish her star-studded 5.0+ GPA. She brings an infectious smile and bright attitude along with her to every class and has enjoyed her time here at Apopka High School.
What are three things that are essential in your study time session?
I need music playing while studying, which consists of either musicals or comedy radio on Pandora. I HAVE to be in bed or I can’t focus well, and I need my super nice pen that makes my handwriting ten times better looking than it is.
What do you do in your free time?
My free time is compromised by Netflix and puzzles. I find puzzles that depict art like Starry Night the most satisfying, to be honest. Last year my AP US History teacher, Mrs. Mommague (Montague) gave me a constitution puzzle that I still love till this day.
You have three choices: Yale, Harvard, or Princeton, which college and why?
Harvard. I’m actually applying there at this moment. I’m still anticipating a visit to the beautiful university located in Cambridge, MA. My parents want me to attend Princeton, but I recently took a visit and it just didn’t feel like home to me, as many of the students were very conceited and not welcoming. Another college that I’m applying to is Georgetown, which is located in the depths of Washington D.C. I’ve always wanted to attend this university ever since I was a young kid.
Do you look up to your sister Abby? (Currently, attends UF) or does it add more pressure?
I look up to her because she has her life together, she makes great grades, has a social life, attends a top university and she has the best time management. Even though my family wants me to attend our beloved Gators or Princeton, if I was accepted to UF & FSU, I would attend FSU (laughs).
What has been that driving factor to lead you to work your tail off?
I’ve always wanted to be at the top of my class. I came from a small Catholic school, which I attended for 9 years. Annunciation Catholic Academy only has 56 kids, so coming to Apopka High has been intimidating due to the fact we have almost 4000 kids that attend daily. There is such a diverse population that goes to this school, it’s awesome. I keep a mindset that all the work that you put in is what you get out.
What is one thing that you love about your high school?
The teachers for sure have made this school special for me. Teachers like Montague, the Houvourases, Blevins, Mellon, and Ellington have really helped me love my four years here. I also enjoy the community at Apopka, many people are proud of going here and it shows with the attendance in football games and the participation in spirit week.
What is one thing you wish you could change in this world?
In this world, I would like people to be aware and respectful because many people have very limited views, as I do myself, but we should all face our problems more clearly and thoroughly.
What quote would you stamp on every Apopka HS locker?
If you put in the effort, you can do anything that you put your mind to.
The puzzle loving Starbucks fanatic Melanie Halem will go on to cement her legacy across the nation after this last year in the town of Apopka.