Mahomet-Seymour High School Valedictorian Pawel Strzebonski led the class of 2014 into their final moments as MSHS students during graduation on Sunday.
Strzebonski decided to work towards Valedictorian honors at the end of his junior year when he enrolled in Advanced Placement English, French and Biology courses. While he has always enjoyed science and technology courses, Strzebonski said carrying an additional literature load was an adjustment for him.
“I’ve always been interested in Science and Technology,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in how stuff works.”
For years, Strzebonski has read books such as “The Physics of Impossible” by Michio Kaku to learn about the world around him. Strzebonski’s mother has also played a significant role in encouraging him.
In elementary school, his mother helped him learn advanced math concepts, putting Strzebonski in line with math curriculum a few grades ahead of his peers. She also helped Strzebonski prepare for math competitions in junior high.
With the critical thinking skills his mother taught him, Strzebonski captured the State Champion title in Pre-Calculus as part of the Math Team and first place in State WYSE Physics competition during his senior year.
Strzebonski is excited to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois next year. He hopes their corporate and research connections will help him reach his career goals in the future.
