Meet Lakeland H.S. Valedictorian Akhil Neti

Akhil Neti is Lakeland High School's top student. He has served as a chapter secretary on Future Leaders of America, secretary for the Yorktown Leos, completed original research as part of the Science Research Program for the University of Pennsylvania on circadian rhythm, and has been on the school's varsity golf team for the past three years. Akhil will study electrical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, along with his twin brother Nikhil, Lakeland's salutatorian. We caught up with him during the last few days of school to ask him about leaving Lakeland. 

Yorktown Patch: How does it feel to be at the top of your class?

It was a great honor to be selected as the Valedictorian of my class. I have spent a lot of time completing school work, and have worked hard to achieve this position. I feel as though the title has given me a position of respect amongst my peers.

What did you have to go through to accomplish that task?

A significant amount of hard work went in to accomplish the task of becoming the top student of our class. My brother and I tried to maintain the highest grades possible during school, and joined different extra- and co-curricular activities. We tried to make ourselves into well-rounded students at Lakeland Senior High School.

What was the toughest part?

The toughest part was competing against the numerous intelligent students within our class. There are several students who did really well in school, as they put in a lot of effort and hard work into their studies too.

Was there any competition between you and your brother?

There was a level of competition between us, but not in the sense that one wanted to do better than the other. We both wanted to do as well as the other, so that both of us would have equally high grades in school. We called this a "mutual competition".

What's your favorite subject and why?

In general, my favorite subject is mathematics. Unlike English and social studies, mathematics is an objective subject. Most of the time, there exists a definite answer for one particular problem, even though there can be numerous approaches to it. On the other hand, English and social studies are more subjective and open-ended at times.

Are there any teachers that especially influenced you?

I would say that most of the teachers who taught us have influenced me in some significant manner. The teachers at Lakeland strive for excellence in their classrooms and create a stable learning environment.

How do you balance school and a social life with everything else you're involved in?

I balanced school and socialization through time management and prioritization of school and social events. For example, I would always leave Friday afternoons free to watch movies or play games with my family and friends.

What do you like about Lakeland?

I liked the organization and systematic nature of the classes offered at Lakeland. The transition between each grade every year was easy and quick. I also enjoyed selecting between the numerous courses that Lakeland offers, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

What's one thing you'd change?

There is nothing significant that I would like to change.

Share a funny or embarrassing story about your high school experience?

There have been many funny stories regarding the two of us [him and his twin brother] during our high school experience. One story is about our bag packs. During a chemistry class, one student was joking around too much, so the teacher said that he will have to carry a "Neti bag" as punishment. Another student asks afterwards, "What is a Neti?" and the entire class bursts out in laughter, as people address us in school as "The Netis". Since our bags are so heavy, students have created rumors that we carry bodies in our bags or every single textbook in our locker.

What advice do you have for your graduating schoolmates?

I would advise them to strive for excellence and try their best in any field of work that they enter. I would also advise them to pursue a field of study that they really enjoy, so that they can do really well in college.

Any advice for the incoming high school freshmen?

I would strictly advise them to focus on school work during their first year and enjoy their transition from middle school to high school. It is important to take the first year of high school seriously, as it will set the stage for the next three years in school.

What do you want to do at University of California, Berkeley?

I plan to major in electrical engineering at UC Berkeley. While pursuing this major, I may also take courses relating to the field of computer science and/or mechanical engineering.

You and your twin brother are both attending the same college and majoring in electrical engineering, what are the disadvantages and advantages to that?

The advantage of going to the same college is that we have each other to fall back on during difficult times. The disadvantage is that we have less room to diverge our interests, since we are also majoring in the same field.

Where will you be in ten years?

I hope to be pursuing a Ph.D. in a field related to engineering or computer science. I have always had the desire to achieve the highest possible level of education, so that I will have opportunities to choose a career that I like. I also hope that I will start a career in automotive engineering and design.

Here are five quick questions you don't have to think about. Ready?

Most played song or band on your iPod?

Simon and Garfunkel's The Sounds of Silence.

Favorite snack for late night studying?

Cookies or Brownies.

Favorite book?

George Orwell's 1984.

Comfort item you'll bring from home to college?

A photo of my family (my parents, my brother, and me).

What will you miss most about Lakeland?