When asked about her accomplishments at Jericho High School, becoming valedictorian was at the top of Devyani Kothari's list. With a weighted GPA of 4.25, it's no wonder this ambitious student earned the honor. However, excelling at academics was never the only goal of Kothari and salutatorian Ilan Hausner. Both were active in many extracurricular activities, including sports, honor societies, and clubs.

Both students have impressive resumes of grades, activities, and awards from high school and plan to continue these activities in college. Kothari plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall and, upon graduation, attend medical school. She chose UPenn because she was impressed by the pride UPenn students have in their school. She explained that although she is a bit hesitant about going away from home, she is excited about the overall experience of going to college.

The speech Kothari plans to give during graduation on Sunday will ask her fellow students to look ahead. She will stress the importance of the transition from high school into the real world. "I think my speech deals with moving on in life, [that] Jericho has supported us for the last few years, but now we're moving into the future," said Kothari.

Though Kothari worked and studied hard, she had no prior plans of being valedictorian. When she started to figure out that she had a chance at the end of her junior year, she was pleasantly surprised.

As a participant in the French Exchange program, International Night, and a member of the Cultural Awareness club, Kothari has had an enriching experience in high school examining foreign customs and lifestyles. In addition, Kothari had a chance to experience a different culture firsthand - she studied in India during her freshman year. Kothari explained that schools in India are a completely different experience.

She attended a private school, as do most students in India, due to low educational standards in the public schools. High school students take many more subjects in one year, including all three sciences - biology, chemistry, and physics.

"Schools there are more focused on academic subjects than extracurricular activities," Kothari said. Comparing her experience to American education, she said, "The work there is lots harder, and it's tougher there, but I think it evens out in college."

She also found that Indian students tend to have more respect for teachers, and are more disciplined. Kothari was proud of the fact that in the intense academic environment, she was able to stay at the top of her class. She especially enjoyed the experience as a way to learn about other cultures and systems of education.

Although she feels that Indian schools are more focused on academics, she does feel that Jericho High School aptly prepared her for college, namely by teaching her good study habits, and the competitive nature of the students. She also feels that AP (Advanced Placement) classes will give her an advantage in college.

After graduation, Kothari plans to spend the summer in India visiting her family.

Even though Ilan Hausner is staying in the country for now, his summer plans include playing sports, training for the college cross-country team and, most importantly, relaxing before attending the University of Virginia in the fall. Hausner explained that he chose the school for its academics, location, and a chance to participate in Division I sports teams. He looks forward to the social life, and having the responsibility of being on his own.

With the thought of starting college in mind, Hausner plans to include his optimistic outlook in his speech. He will stress that pursuing your dreams is your best chance for success in life.

His philosophy on life is obvious from his many accomplishments in high school. Throughout the four years, he has managed to keep a delicate balance between sports, clubs and academics. As captain of three Varsity sports teams (Cross Country, Winter and Spring track), member of National Honor Society, French Honor Society, the Athletic Advisory Committee, Science Olympiads and Mathletes (just to name a few), Hausner has definitely become a well-rounded student.

However, out of all those activities, Hausner is most proud of his achievements in sports. He commented, "I've been trying to better my times year after year, and it's rewarding." adding that his involvement in sports helped him become a disciplined student.

All of this discipline will probably pay off when Hausner tries his hand at a premed major, a possibility for the near future. Or, if that doesn't work out, Hausner lists his dream of running in the Olympics as part of his future plans.

Hausner said the eight AP classes he took in Jericho will definitely give him an advantage in college classes. His optimism resonates in the advice he is leaving for the graduating class of 1999 - pursue your goals, be optimistic, and "go after everything with a full heart."