Search
-
May 23, 2018We sat down for a quick Q&A with the two top students of the Class of 2018: Valedictorian, Timothy Raddell, and Salutatorian, Mary Furlan.
Being top of their class didn’t happen by “chance.” It was something they have thought about and pushed hard for since their freshman year. As the end of their time at VASJ draws near, they shared with us some highlights of their journey and a few of their favorite memories.
What does being the top two students in your class mean to you?
Tim: It’s really more of an honor than anything else.
Mary: It’s a good reflection of my accomplishments at the school.
Was it your goal to be the top two students in your class?
Tim: My brother Nick (’01) was Valedictorian too. My mom said once that it would be nice if her first and last kids were both Valedictorian. That really stuck with me and I really strove for that.
Mary: It has been a goal of mine since my freshman year because I wanted to show everyone that I could do it. My mother has always been on me about my grades. She really drove me to try my best and get good grades and the hard work paid off. So, thanks, mom.
What will you miss the most about VASJ?
Tim: The community. It’s really one-of-a-kind. I don’t know of any other place that has what we have here. It’s not something that will be easily replaceable.
Mary: Wow, I have to pick one thing? I’m going to miss the fun memories with my classmates and my teachers.
Do you feel well-prepared academically for college?
Tim: College is all about what you’re willing to put into it and your work ethic. If you’re willing to do the work you will do well.
Mary: College is a lot about independence and our teachers really gave us that and let us do a lot of work on our own and did their best to prepare us for college. I am ready!
How did the teachers give you independence?
Mary: They would give you an assignment and it was up to you to turn it in on time. They wouldn’t walk you through it step-by-step. You would have to do the work on your own.
Favorite memory from your time at VASJ?
Tim: Any day at men’s choir is an adventure on its own so I can’t really pick a favorite because there have been a lot of wild things that have happened.
Mary: This was a while ago but when [John Henry] Posey ’16 went and did his stand up comedy act at the talent show and he imitated teachers, it was the funniest thing I think I have ever seen. And any day in AP English was a lot of fun. There were only a few of us and we were all close and had a lot of fun.
What’s next for you?
Tim: Going to Borromeo seminary to discern what’s next for me and what God has for me. I’m going to study philosophy and the classics.
Mary: I’ll be attending Chatham University in Pittsburgh and I plan on double majoring in marketing and graphic design. I definitely want to do something with art.
Any advice for future VASJ students?
Tim: Find a way to balance being involved but not trying to do everything. Don’t waste your high school experience.
Mary: Get involved early because you’re going to regret it if you don’t. Meet new people and try your hardest. Never give up. That’s a little cheesy, but I’m a cheesy person.
Any final thoughts?
Tim: Everyone is so close here. We’re all a family and we all support one another. It’s one-of-a-kind. It really is.
Mary: I would definitely recommend coming here. There is really no other place like it. If you want to be somewhere where you matter, come here because we want you to make a difference.
