By Bailey McGuinn
As the class of 2018 gets ready to leave Morristown High School, its top two students have one more homework assignment– writing their speeches.
Valedictorian Tommy Cromie, student body president, and Salutatorian Erin Fleck, captain of the cross country and track teams, already have left their mark on the school and their classmates, but they hope their final remarks will do so as well.
“At the moment, I plan to discuss the changes we have seen in our time at Morristown, and how that has shaped us as students and people,” said Cromie, who will be attending Davidson College to study political science in the fall.
In addition to heading the student government, Cromie is on the swim team and the Heritage Club, which promotes the school’s history. He’s also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society.
Both seniors also are members of the school’s STEM Academy that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
“I’m not exactly sure what my speech is going to be about yet, but I think that I’m going to try to touch upon themes of changes, in our lives, in politics, in our society… but without getting too political. But that’s far from set in stone,” said Fleck, who plans to major in engineering at Cornell University.
The valedictorian and salutatorian are the students with the first- and second-highest grade point averages. But there is more to these two than test scores.
“Running has been so important to me throughout high school, and will be what I’ll miss most about Morristown,” said Fleck.
She is president of the engineering club, and also is involved in the Key Club and New Jersey Science League. And she is a member of the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society and the Social Studies Honor Society.
“Tommy has impressed me with his intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and strong interpersonal skills,” said MHS history teacher Kevin Rooney, who also heads the Heritage Club.
“He’s an all-around great guy that is gifted and talented as student, athlete, and a leader. Tommy loves Morrristown High School. He was very involved with our school’s Heritage Club, and I’m going to miss him next year.”
He added that Fleck “has a stellar work ethic and uses her intellect to help others. She is well rounded, and is well respected by her both teachers and students.”
Morristown High School’s Class of 2018 will graduate at Mennen Arena in Morris Township on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 7 pm.
Bailey McGuinn is a member of the MHS Class of ’18. This fall she will attend the University of Virginia.
