NILES — To showcase Brandywine High School students named as the Top 10 of their class, each student was asked to complete a questionnaire so that their hard work and dedication could be featured. This week their stories continue.

Taylor Derscha

Age: 18

GPA: 4.0

City of residency: Niles

1. How does it feel to be listed as one of Niles Top 10?

It is an honor to be able to stand with my classmates to show where our hard work and effort has gotten us. I am proud to see who has pushed themselves to stand beside me in being Top 10.

2. How do you feel you earned the title?

I have earned this title from putting in the work it takes through my four years in high school. I was able to balance everything out while keeping my grades up. Of course, I had to learn from my mistakes and remember the experiences to help me from making the same mistakes.

3. What college, trade school or future endeavor do you plan on pursuing after you graduate? If you will attend a college or trade school what do you plan on studying and why?

I plan on attending Michigan State University. I have not decided on what I want to major in yet, but I have considered nursing or engineering. I am sure I want a career that allows me to help others and better my community.

4. What’s your advice to next year’s freshmen?

My advice for next year’s freshmen is don’t be scared to fail. At some point and time, we have all failed at something. So, when that failure does come around, don’t let it bring you down too much. You must learn from your mistakes and carry the experience throughout the rest of your high school career.

5. What was your favorite part of your high school career?

My favorite part of high school is actually happening now. I have enjoyed seeing everyone grow from over the years into the person that they are today, and seeing what they plan to do with the rest of their lives. It’s exciting to see everyone get this far and be so successful.

6. Outside of school what are some other accomplishments you are proud of achieving?

Outside of school, I am proud of myself for achieving the honor of becoming a soccer captain. I have played soccer my entire high school career, so I was excited to be able to say I was captain after putting in all of my hard work and dedication to the [team.]

Janki Devdhara

Age: 18

GPA: 4.0

City of residency: Niles

1. How does it feel to be listed as one of Niles Top 10?

A great honor to be representing my school as one of the highest.

2. How do you feel you earned the title?

Lots of hours spent studying, staying after with teachers, and doing homework.

3. What college, trade school or future endeavor do you plan on pursuing after you graduate? If you will attend a college or trade school what do you plan on studying and why?

I plan on attending Michigan State University to study human biology.

4. What’s your advice to next year’s freshmen?

Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help and to stay after school. You create a more personal bond with the teachers and it helps a lot.

5. What was your favorite part of your high school career?

Becoming more like a family with everything since we are such a small school. I never felt left out or lost in the crowd.

6. Outside of school what are some other accomplishments you are proud of achieving?

Started a Key Club in my high school, volunteered at the Logan Center and the hospital, was a member of the Youth Advisory Council, President of my Class and my schools N.H.S., and also took dual enrollment classes at LMC.