Schools

Meet Briarcliff 2012 Co-Salutatorian Victoria Copans

Briarcliff High School's co-salutatorian has mixed feelings about the end of her high school career.

Victoria Copans, 18, has developed a love for languages during her time at .

In particular, her French and Spanish courses last year have encouraged her to pursue a degree in romance languages when she heads to Johns Hopkins University in the fall.

Copans, an avid horseback rider, has worn many hats at BHS over the years. She served as co-editor-in-chief of Briars & Ivy—the school's literary arts magazine—president of the French Club and vice president of the World of Difference Club.

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She has also been a member of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society.

Patch: How are you feeling with graduation drawing so close?

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VC: I have spent an amazing four years at Briarcliff High School, and I am sad to be leaving. It is strange to think that I may not see many of my classmates ever again—people I have been going to school with for over a decade. That said, I am extremely excited to leave and start a new adventure. As much as I have loved BHS, I am ready to move on.

PatchHas it been a goal of yours to be at the top of your class? How did your academic goals affect your HS career?

VC: I never really thought about being at the top of my class until junior year, when it became a real possibility. My goal throughout high school was just to do the best that I could and learn as much as I could. I am grateful and proud that my best allowed me to be salutatorian.

PatchCan you highlight some of your favorite memories or moments from high school?

VC: Several of my best high school memories are from Spirit Week: the week leading up to our homecoming game, where we decorate the school and dress up according to different themes. It’s always a lot of fun, and everyone shows a lot of school spirit. Another one of my favorite memories was when the Briars & Ivy club members celebrated the release of the literary magazine by eating a cake with of picture of me and the other editor on it.

PatchWas there a particular class or teacher that helped shape your post-graduation plans, interests or goals?

VC: My French and Spanish classes junior year really helped solidify my love for language. Before junior year, I was still completely unsure of what I wanted to study in college, but these classes were by far my favorite during my junior year. They were a lot of fun, and learning more advanced topics made me realize that I wanted to study language for many more years to come.

PatchIs there anything you would do differently if you were to go through high school again?

VC: I really enjoyed my four years at BHS. I am happy with the classes I chose to take and the clubs I decided to join. The only thing I may have done differently would have been to try to relax more because the past two years—with looking for and applying to colleges—have been pretty stressful.

Patch: What are your post-graduation plans (summer, college, etc.)?

VC: This summer, I am going to try to spend as much time as possible with my friends and family before going away to college in the fall. I will be traveling to Europe to visit relatives, then going on a family vacation. And in August I am off to Baltimore for freshman orientation!

PatchWhat is your ultimate dream and dream job? Why?

VC: At the moment, I do not have a particular dream job in mind. I am looking forward to exploring many areas of study in college, and I hope I find something that I love to do that also allows me to use my interest for language.

PatchHow have you changed most since your freshman year?

VC: Over the years I have definitely become more independent and outgoing. I remember thinking that there was no way I was ever going to be able to leave my family and go to college. Since then, I have studied abroad in Europe a number of times, and it made me realize that being by myself and meeting new people isn’t so hard. I now can’t wait to go to college and discover everything the world has to offer.

PatchWhat advice would you give to incoming freshmen now that you’ve been through high school?

VC: I would tell freshmen to take advantage of everything high school has to offer. Get involved in clubs and activities right away, take AP courses to challenge yourself and get ready for college, and most of all don’t be afraid to ask for help—from teachers and especially classmates. Make the most of the next four years; they go by fast!


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