Neeva Young has been declared as the Athens Drive valedictorian for the class of 2017 with a weighted grade point average (GPA) of 5.35. Young has taken over 15 advanced placement (AP) classes in her high school career, and has maintained all A’s every semester.
“Being first was something I never expected from high school. My goal for high school was never to focus only on school, but to get the full high school experience. I am honored to be recognized for the hours I put into my courses, but high school was more for me than class rank,” said Young.
Young has committed to row at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill next year. She only just began rowing her senior year with Triangle Rowing Club, and will now compete on the division one collegiate level.
Young has been a part of many clubs throughout high school. She was the treasurer of National Math Honors Society, vice president of best buddies club, and also was involved in National Honors Society and aliens club.
“Best Buddies allows members to connect with other students through arts a crafts and diminishes stigmas surrounding special education students,” said Young.
Neeva Young has been swimming for 11 years and for all four years at Athens Drive. She was the swim team captain her senior year and won the Tom Suiter’s Extra Effort Award. Throughout her years in high school Young also swam for the Raleigh Swimming Association (RSA). Young practices before school at 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. as well as 3:30 p.m.until 6:00 p.m. after school.
“Being captain of Athens Drive Swim team allowed me to pass down the values that make Athens special. I get to show new students why we call it ADN not just Athens Drive,” said Young.
Outside of school, along with swimming and rowing, Young is a coach for the Kildaire swim team, assistant coach for RSA and a volunteer receptionist at the Rex hospital in radiology.
“Swim coaching has been a very rewarding job because I get to watch the progress that children make and show them character values that will stick with them the rest of their lives,” said Young.
Young’s future goals include going into medical school at UNC Chapel Hill and becoming a neurosurgeon.
“I am so proud of Neeva and everything she has accomplished. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her,” said Melanie Darges, senior.
