Schools

NHP Salutatorian Thomas Campbell Stresses Importance of Homework

Campbell reflects on his time at New Hyde Park High School.

2011 salutatorian Thomas Campbell managed being part of two sports teams and clubs such as Model UN as well as time for homework to achieve this academic honor.

"Balancing my school work between sports and clubs has been very difficult," Campbell said. "Football and lacrosse were both intense commitments that often left me little time to do homework, but I always made sure I got it done no matter how late I had to stay up. I was up to at least midnight every night during sports seasons doing homework."

Campbell stresses the importance of doing homework, which he says will take students far in their academic careers.

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"I think what helped me achieve this distinction was homework," Campbell said. "I always did my homework, so I always understood what was going on in class... Homework is the best and easiest way to learn material and it helps you keep your averages high."

Though Campbell was aiming through his high school career to become valedictorian, he is thrilled to be salututorian.

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"Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to be ranked second in my class, but I was aiming for numero uno," Campbell said. "Which is great, because if I was aiming for second I guess I would have ended up third, and third doesn't get a special name."

Campbell doesn't have an exact idea of his plans yet beyond college; he will be attending Boston College's Carroll School of Management and probably major in management with a focus on finance. He is looking forward to seeing what extra curricular activities Boston College has to offer him.

To his guidance counselor, Fran Leichtung, Campbell's futures is "limitless and very bright."

Leichtung could see Campbell going into something related to engineering because of his strengths in math and science.

"He leads by example and he doesn't make a big noise about himself," Leichtung said.

This is the fourth Campbell student that Leichtung has had in the high school.

"Each one is brighter than the next," Leichtung said. "There must be something in the water."

Campbell was captain of the football team two years in a row and his coach has called him the "heart and soul" of the team, Leichtung recalled.

Being on the field was among Campbell's most enjoyable times at New Hyde Park High School.

"My favorite times in high school were spent either on the fields or during the weekends hanging out with my friends," Campbell said. "Academics are important, but they can't be the only aspect to your high school career. Socializing and developing your character is equally as important."

For helping him to achieve this distinction, Campbell would like to thank his teachers, coaches, counselors, friends and classmates for their support throughout the years.

"Everything kind of came together to create the opportunity for me to excel."


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