NILES — Four years of hard work has nearly culminated for Niles High School seniors.

With commencement just around the corner, the school announced the top 10 students in the graduating class of 2019.

The students listed have achieved more than being top in their class. They have defied odds, overcome unique challenges and sought to improve their community. As they look ahead to graduating, students reflected on their achievements and imparted a few words of wisdom for incoming freshmen.

For valedictorian Taylor Altergott, 19, high school was more than a chance to excel inside the classroom.

Altergott was also part of the National Honor Society, student council, Science Olympiad and youth group, to name but a few. She also played varsity softball and ran cross country.

For Altergott, though, one achievement sticks out.

“I am most proud of being valedictorian of my graduating class because it shows that my hard work has paid off,” Altergott said.

After she tosses her graduation cap to the wind, Altergott will continue her education at Michigan State University.

Reflecting on what she has learned in her four years as a Viking, Altergott said working hard can help a person achieve great strides.

“My advice to incoming freshmen is to work hard in everything you do and give your best effort,” she said.

Rounding out the rest of the top 10 are:

2. Salutatorian Brenna Williams, 18, earned a 4.2695 GPA. Throughout her high school career, she took part in Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, Jazz Band Club and W.O.R.D Club. After graduation, Williams will attend the University of Michigan.

3. Leah Wetmore, 17, earned a 4.259 GPA. Throughout her high school career, she took part in cross country, Spanish Club, W.O.R.D. Club and took piano lessons in her own time. After graduation, Wetmore will attend Central Michigan University.

4. Abigail Stein, 18, earned a 4.236 GPA. Throughout her high school career, she took part in cross country, Business Professionals of America, Science Olympiad, W.O.R.D. Club, the spring musical and worked a part-time job at Martin’s Supermarket. After graduation, she will attend Hope College.

5. Brooke Timm, 17, is graduating fifth in her class. Throughout her high school career, she took part in varsity softball, tennis, National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, student council, youth group, and Science Olympiad. After graduation, she will attend Calvin College.

6. Allison Smith, 18, is graduating sixth in her class. Smith said she helped to provide care for her mother, who had health issues. Throughout her time in high school, Smith said helping her mom get stronger while pursuing her own education was one of her proudest accomplishments. After graduation, she will attend Hope College.

7. Jillian Goshorn, 17, is graduating seventh in her class. Throughout her high school career, she took part in Business Professionals of America, National Honor Society, Four Flags Toastmasters, First Presbyterian Church Session and volunteered at Lakeland Hospital and the Niles District Library. After graduation, she will be attending Central Michigan University.

8. Tressy Mazumder, 19, is graduating eighth in her class. Throughout her high school career, she took part in the Science Olympiad, soccer, marching band and the National Honor Society. She also studied at the Math and Science Center and took AP classes. After graduation, she will be attending the University of Arkansas.

9. Caiden Baxter, 18, earned a 4.112 GPA. Throughout his high school career, he played baseball. Baxter recovered from a spinal cord injury that he suffered during an ATV accident his sophomore year. Baxter was told he might never walk again. Defying the odds, Baxter spent months in rehabilitation and re-learned to walk. Following graduation, he will attend the University of Michigan.

10. Lexi Ziebarth, 18, earned a 4.1 GPA. Throughout her high school career, she took part in swimming, Fired Up and the Art Club. She said one of her proudest accomplishments is creating art murals within the Niles community. After graduation, she will be attending Grand Valley State University.

A graduation ceremony for seniors will take place at 7 p.m. May 30 at the high school, 1441 Eagle St.

 

Advice from the experts:

Weeks away from graduation, sine of the top 10 seniors offer advice for incoming freshmen:

Brenna Williams: My advice is to put forth your best effort on everything, even if you don’t enjoy it.

Leah Wetmore: My advice to incoming freshmen is to make sure that you plan out your time well and get done what you need to get done. I would also add that they should still enjoy the time they spend at the high school with their friends.

Abigail Stein: Life will go faster than you think. Cherish every moment.

Brooke Timm: My advice to incoming freshman is to ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to speak up. Have a positive attitude and stay organized.

Allison Smith: I would tell them not to take things too seriously. It’s important to try your best in high school, but at the same time, high school is just a tiny part of your life. You should figure out what makes you most happy.

Jillian Goshorn: There’s a difference between being smart and being a hard worker.

Tressy Mazumder: Don’t stress yourself out by working too hard or beating yourself up over things you couldn’t achieve. What matters the most is what you did accomplish.

Caiden Baxter: Don’t procrastinate.

Lexi Ziebarth: Don’t give up on your schooling, but if it’s mentally taxing, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What’s your advice to incoming freshmen?

Williams: “My advice is to put forth your best effort on everything, even if you don’t enjoy it.”

Wetmore: “My advice to incoming freshmen is to make sure that you plan out your time well and get done what you need to get done. I would also add that they should still enjoy the time they spend at the high school with their friends.”

Stein: “Life will go faster than you think. Cherish every moment.”

Timm: “My advice to incoming freshman is to ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to speak up. Have a positive attitude and stay organized.”

Smith: “I would tell them not to take things too seriously. It’s important to try your best in high school, but at the same time, high school is just a tiny part of your life. You should figure out what makes you most happy.”

Goshorn: “There’s a difference between being smart and being a hard worker.”

Mazumder: “Don’t stress yourself out by working too hard or beating yourself up over things you couldn’t achieve. What matters the most is what you did accomplish.”

Baxter: “Don’t procrastinate.”

Ziebarth: “Don’t give up on your schooling but if it’s mentally taxing, don’t be afraid to ask for help.”