By ANTHONY BOTTAN
“In seventh grade, my health teacher told me I would be something special,” Lueckheide said. “So I’ve worked really hard to become this.”
Kakar said she didn’t know if her hard work would amount to being named salutatorian, but it was a welcomed surprise. “I was the valedictorian in fifth grade,” she said. “So this is something I always wanted to be.”
Lueckheide will graduate from North in June with a 103.97 grade point average and will attend Vassar College in the fall. He said that Vassar’s extra-curricular drama and music programs were major selling points to him, especially since he spent a majority of his time at North performing in its drama club. While at North, Lueckheide took 10 Advanced Placement courses and is a member of the National, Languages Other than English, math, science and Tri-M honor societies. Lueckheide noted that the AP courses he took not only prepared him for the workload he’ll receive at Vassar, but helped mold him into an adult. “They prepared me for life,” Lueckheide said. “They taught me so many things I’ll need as an adult, like how to build good credit and how to find effective deals.”
He noted that he will miss the friends he made in the drama club when he heads off to college in August, but hopes to make new ones in Vassar’s drama program. But acting is not the only thing Lueckheide excels in. He was named an AP scholar with the distinction, earned a National Merit Scholarship and was recognized as a commended student. He also played the bass in North’s orchestra and was a tenor in the school’s chorus. Lueckheide said his mom was the person he admired most because she always pushed him to be the best student he could be.
Salutatorian Kakar will graduate in June with a 101.36 GPA and will attend Adelphi University in the fall. Kakar plans to be an orthodontist, and said Adelphi’s pre-dental program is second to none. While at North, Kakar took 11 AP classes and noted that those classes she took will probably soften the blow of the workload she’ll have at Adelphi. “It will definitely make it a little easier,” she said.
Besides being a member of the National, LOTE, math and science honor societies, Kakar also played varsity badminton and tennis for the Spartans. She was also named an AP scholar with distinction and was part of the Leadership Academy. She added that North always felt like a big family to her, and when she leaves for school in the fall, she will miss the familial feeling of North. “I am definitely going to miss my friends,” she said. “I’m used to the comfort of small classes and all the teachers knowing who you are, so I think the transition will be a little tough.”
Though the thought of starting anew in college is a bit daunting, Kakar said she awaits to the challenge. “I’m looking forward to some independence,” she said. “I’ll make new friends, try new things and be in a new setting. I can’t wait.”
Kakar plans to get her driver’s license this summer, she said, and will travel to London with her family for a well-deserved vacation. She pointed to her sister as the person she admires most because she taught her confidence and showed her how to handle herself as an adult. Her advice to younger students is the same advice she followed herself. “Stay focused and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with grades,” she said. “Enjoy yourself and continue to live up to your potential.”
