By ANTHONY BOTTAN
For them, high school was a place to excel academically, expand their horizons, and lay down the foundation for a successful future. That -- and of course superior grades -- is why the two were named North's Class of 2008 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
"I'm excited, but sad," Dauber said. "I know I'm going to miss North, but I can't wait to study what I want to study."
Dauber, whose GPA is 104.4, will be attending the Barnard College of Columbia University this fall and will study biology and music. She played the flute and piccolo in the district band and sang in the All-County Women's Choir.
Mackay, who accumulated a 101 GPA during her four years at North, will be attending the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in the fall, where she will major in business. "I always wanted to be an entrepreneur," Mackay said.
She played varsity softball for the Lady Spartans and was captain of the cheerleading team.
Dauber and Mackay both said being at the top of their class was always a goal. "It's just exciting to see all the hard work finally pay off," Dauber said. "Plus it got me into college."
The ascension to the top for the two highest ranking students in the Class of 2008 was no easy task. They each challenged themselves with the most rigorous courses North High had to offer, including extending themselves into a myriad of clubs and extracurricular activities.
Dauber took Advanced Placement biology, U.S. history, English, calculus, English literature, U.S. government, physics and Italian. She was also secretary of the Math, Music and Science honor societies, as well as the president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. If that was not enough, Dauber was in the Physics Club, Mathletes and was secretary of the Drama Club.
Mackay also challenged herself with A.P. courses in physics, English, U.S. history, calculus, computer science, English literature, Italian, psychology and U.S. government. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Math, Language, and Science honor societies. Mackay also served as the class senator for four years at North.
Dauber said that even though she is a little nervous about going off to college, she is looking forward to some independence. "I am going to enjoy making my own hours," she said. "It's so regimented here."
On the other hand, Mackay said she's been ready to leave for college and be on her own for years, considering she has six brothers and a sister.
The two agreed that taking so many A.P. classes prepared them for the workload they will have in college. Dauber admitted that for her A.P. English course, there were many nights she spent reading and doing homework until 2 a.m. They both pointed to their families as their means of encouragement, and credited that strong reinforcement as a driving force in their success. "My parents have always been a positive," Dauber said. "I really wanted to be valedictorian, and they said they would love me no matter what."
In addition to family, Mackay acknowledged her guidance counselor, Ms. Goldstein, as a person who directed her down the right path.
During the summer, Dauber said she will be conducting breast cancer research, tutoring flute students and catching up on some much-deserved shut-eye. "I'm going to try to get more sleep than I did," she said. Mackay said she will spend her summer working as a party hostess and hopes to become a business lawyer by the time her college years are over.
Comments on this story? ABottan@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 246.
