Whiz Kid: Leo Guttmann, a Valedictorian

Name: Leo Guttmann

Age: 18

School: Lakeland High School

Accomplishment: Valedictorian of Lakeland High School Class of 2011

Key to Awesomeness: 

Among the 287 anticipated graduates of Lakeland High School, the honor of the highest academic record belongs to Leo Guttmann. The resume of the National Merit Scholarship Finalist include Treasurer of Yorktown Leo Club, Community Service Officer of Lakeland High School’s Future Business Leaders of America, and Taekwondo black belt.

Guttmann plans to begin his matriculation at Harvard University with broad exploration of courses. With Patch, he discussed his study habits, college application advices, and education gained while helping his blind brother with his homework.

Yorktown Patch: What factors contributed to your academic achievement?

Leo Guttmann: Many factors contributed to my academic achievement. I give lots of credit to my parents, who were always supportive and helped me develop my strong work ethic. I have always put my schoolwork before my extracurricular activities and any other obligations. In addition, I retain much of the information I learn by helping my brother with his homework and by tutoring other students.

Patch: What are your effective study habits?

LG: My study habits are unique and always changing. When necessary, I read the textbook and remember as much as I can. I often take notes in class, but I rarely look at them. The action of writing can help me learn, but I would rather read the textbook than my sloppy notes. However, the most important part of studying was completing the assigned homework. I always considered homework practice for the upcoming test. It is important to remember that if something does not work, it must be changed.

Patch: What is an extracurricular activity that made a significant impact on you?

LG: The most important extracurricular activity for me is the Future Business Leaders of America. This organization has taught me skills that will be important even if my career is not directly related to business. I have gone on trips to Rochester, Washington, D.C., Anaheim, and Nashville, and soon I will go to Orlando. These trips have given me networking opportunities, and I have also excelled in competitive events. There have also been many community service opportunities.

Patch: What advice would you give to upcoming Lakeland High School seniors about the college application process?

LG: I advise students to start early with the college application process. I procrastinated and was always behind. I spent my entire winter break writing essays. Ask for help with the essays from parents and teachers, but do most of the work yourself. In addition, I would advise students to aim high, because you could be happily surprised to be admitted into a reach school.

Patch: What are some of your thoughts about delivering the valedictory at your graduation?

LG: I am excited to deliver the valedictory address. I look forward to the opportunity to address my class for the final time before the students move on to the next part of their lives. Hopefully, the message I deliver will be well-received, because it could be a long time before as many people listen to me again.

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Nominations for Yorktown Patch’s Whiz Kids can be submitted to Plamena Pesheva plamena@patch.com and Christine An christinean.patch@gmail.com