Nina Fishman, the senior valedictorian of her class, seizes every opportunity that others potentially shy away from.

In her sophomore year, Fishman learned about an opportunity in her chemistry class, taught by Mrs. Patterson that would change how she sees her future. “I went to a chemical manufacturing company called Roper Thermals, where I was offered an internship there for the summer,” said Fishman. She was interested in the lab work, where they shared the analysis and equipment. Immediately, she knew to send her resume for the internship. This experience shaped who she was going to be.

With a busy schedule, she worked five days a week, four hours every day at the internship. Fishman worked in the lab at the internship and enjoyed testing the melt point, freeze point, and composition of materials. “I presented my research to the company, doing research on the materials that make phase change materials.”

“It was definitely a nerve racking experience going in front of professionals and explaining concepts I have just learned.” Fishman stated. This is one experience and opportunity that set her up for success and prepared her for the future.

Fishman has always found success. During Fishman’s junior year, she found out she was in the top 5% of her class. She quickly realized “all the work I put in is paying off and with college in my mind, I stayed content, putting education before everything.”

That same year, Fishman won the Rensselaer Medalist Award that recognizes students that do well in the math and science field, along with the Rotary Student of the Month. She realized what she could potentially do. Fishman applied to RPI, or Rensselaer polytechnic institute, but if she is accepted into this university, she will earn a $40,000 scholarship. Fishman’s desire has increased, and her passion has heightened.

Senior year, Fishman is placed first in her class, being named valedictorian. She will earn a $17,000 scholarship on top of the potential RPI scholarship to whichever school she applies to. Fishman’s journey to get to the top was not easy. She took every quiz, test, project, homework assignment, and completed it above and beyond.

There was a lot of sacrifice that she had to put in, sometimes that meant not attending social activities. Fishman didn’t mind, but “it was draining at times to constantly uphold the high standard for myself,” Fishman stated.

Fishman isn’t fully sure of what her major will be, but is leaning towards going into the engineering field, specifically material science, but chemical engineering falling shortly behind.

As a concentrated student, Fishman began hearing back from colleges. She’s been accepted into the University of Maine, the University of Vermont, Virginia Tech, and the University of Maryland, but is still waiting on Cornell’s response. Fishman did not work alone. She has her guidance counselor, Mrs. Couch, who has been encouraging and “all my teachers have been really supportive and helpful the past four years,” Fishman stated.

Fishman believes her journey is not over yet, she is just getting started. As she never defers an opportunity, she joined the new, American Exchange program. American Exchange sends seniors to different places in the US for one week, from July 16th to July 23rd, all expenses paid. Ten of them signed up and got to experience these new opportunities.

Fishmans film study teacher Mr. Bergman introduced this amazing opportunity beginning semester senior year. “Immediately when I was offered this cool travel experience, I thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Fishman stated. Fishman found this as a no-brainer as there are no qualifications, and it is free. Coming closer to the date, there will be a zoom meeting with the exchange manager, teachers that run the program, about what is planned and all the itinerary. Fishman also stated, “Mr. Bergman has been great at organizing everything and took a lot of his time to make this happen for us.”

Fishman’s destination is Lawrence, Kansas. This environment is completely different from the one she is used to and for Fishman, it’s a bit daunting, but “I think it’s going to be a great learning experience and something to take me out of my comfort zone,” said Fishman.

Fishman’s high school experience has shaped her to be the person she is today, a hardworking and passionate student that has been named valedictorian class of 2025. Fishmans drive to be valedictorian sets her apart from her peers. Fishman goes beyond expectations and strives for the challenges. Fishman stated, “I am happy to see that all my hard work and experiences have paid off in the end.”