VALHALLA, N.Y. As Julian Guy wraps up his senior year at Valhalla High School this spring, his laundry list of accomplishments during the past four years is remarkable. Despite this, Guy doesnt quite know why he was named one of the top high school students in the nation.
It hasnt really set in with me yet, Guy said humbly about being named a National Presidential Scholar, one of the most prestigious awards given to a high school senior. I still dont believe it, I dont know why they would pick me.
It could be that Guy scored a perfect 36 on his ACT exam. Or that he excelled in both the classroom as an artist and on the tennis court where he was Valhallas team captain this year. Or maybe it was his involvement with the charity organization Soles4Souls and that he was also the recipient of a National Merit Scholarship.
Valhalla High School guidance counselor Andy Kupec said that Guys recognitions in and out of the classroom are very well deserved.
Hes without a doubt one of the best students weve ever had here in Valhalla, and Ive been here a long time, Kupec said of the North White Plains resident. The best part about him, too, is that as well as being a great student, you couldnt ask for a better human being as well.
Guy gives credit for his success to his family, friends, and church and said that a lot of his opportunities were given to him by his high school.
Before I came to Valhalla High, I never really did anything that I do now such as art or tennis, so the school really gave me the right tools, Guy said. I have a lot of interests and if I see something that interests me Ill pursue it. I like being busy.
Over the past three years, Guy kept busy by collecting used shoes for children in countries of need through the Soles4Souls organization. Guy arranged a deal with New Balance that however many shoes he collects the shoe company will pick up the tab for the high cost to ship them to foreign countries. To this day, Guy has collected more 500 pairs of shoes for underprivileged children.
In the fall, Guy will enter Harvard University where he plans to study either applied math or social sciences. He said his future plans are open right now but believes they will be bright as long as he continues to keep the right people around him.
I like to surround myself with people that inspire me and push me to do my best, Guy said. So I think as long as I do that Ill do well no matter where Im going in the future.
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