With each passing year, only one student is honored as the class valedictorian. The only way to earn this title is to be the one student with the highest academic achievement out of the whole graduating class. Hawthorne High School’s Class of 2014 senior Hannah Van Der Eems is that person. From balancing extremely rigorous honors and AP courses, to numerous extracurricular activities, Van Der Eems does it all with a smile on her face.

Van Der Eems has always had the goal of achieving the valedictorian title. Understanding the sense of pressure that comes with it, she said, “It’s my responsibility to live up to expectations and be a good role model.” For being such a grounded individual, Van Der Eems credits her faith. “My faith in God alone is what kept me going, and I know without Him I would not have been able to make it through each year.”

The level of involvement Van Der Eems has had in HHS has been impressive. HHS’s marching band, pit orchestra, National Honors Society, Spanish Honor Society, and the production of Oklahoma! have all benefited from Van Der Eems’ hard-working and positive spirit. Outside of school, Van Der Eems’ busyness continues. Since the age of 5, Van Der Eems has been professionally trained in ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, pointe, and jazz styles of dance; she also participates in her church choir.

Van Der Eems will be attending Grove City College, in Grove City, PA, and majoring in mechanical engineering. Looking to the future, Van Der Eems has many aspirations she would like to achieve. “I hope to be able to use my gifts to help others around the world, through teaching and witnessing to others… I [also] see myself as missionary either here or in another country.”

As high school finally comes to a close, Van Der Eems acknowledges those who have helped, inspired, and encouraged her the last few years saying, “I want to thank my teachers for encouraging me to work hard and instilling in me a love of teaching… my best friend Allison for being such a gracious competitor and always pushing me to do my personal best… [and] my family for always supporting me, and helping me to reach my goals.”

Everyone at HHS applauds Van Der Eems’ achievements and wish her luck with her anticipated speech at graduation and all the best for her future.