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Work, independence await graduates
By MICHELE MILLER © St. Petersburg Times, published May 23, 2001 "I've had to work hard," Jessica said of her climb to the top. "Hard work and I think being a little neurotic about my future is what got me here." Jessica is now thinking about going on to the medical field. "It's something I never though I could do, but I realize now that it's within my reach," she said. While Jessica said that she is "looking forward to the world and, I guess, reality," there are some good memories to hold onto of her time spent in high school, especially student council. "That was sort of my pride thing," she said. "I like River Ridge," said Jessica. "I just really like the school . . . except for the tests and stuff." Co-valedictorian Ryan O'Leary said he has no problem sharing the top spot with Jessica McCarrick. The two have been good friends, Ryan said, "I think since middle school." His parents' support, Ryan said, provided a cornerstone in his educational climb. "They're very supportive," he said. "They always drove me wherever I had to go for extracurriculars and so forth." Ryan said that he is anticipating the change in weather that will come when he leaves in September for Northwestern University, just outside of Chicago. But that is after the road trip he has planned this summer with friends. "I don't know where to, yet," he said. "It changes daily." Friends and family will definitely be missed when he heads off "on his own" to Northwestern. "I'll be going by myself," Ryan said. "That's okay. I don't mind that." The transition shouldn't be too tough, he said, adding that it helps that two older brothers already live in the Chicago area, "so I'll be in touch with family." Being named salutatorian is a definite highlight for Andrew Alwood, but still a close second when it comes to his time spent playing football at River Ridge High School. "The biggest thing I'm going to miss is playing sports for school," said Andrew, who is headed for the University of Florida in Gainesville. "There are few things I'm really proud of: getting the award for male athlete of the year at my school in both my junior and senior year and being voted All County and All-Conference (in academics and football)," he said. Still, there is something to be said for maintaining a balance. "I thrived on the idea that it was unique to do both academics and sports," Andrew said. Andrew says he is looking forward to being out on his own -- sort of. His older brother Josh already attends UF, so Andrew will be in good company. This summer, he will work and try to save some money for college. "I'll be doing some roofing," he said. "I hoped to travel, but plans are being made last-minute. I really think I'm going to take it easy this summer." RIVER RIDGE HIGHValedictorian: Jessica McCarrick GPA: 4.476 weighted Future Plans: Attend Florida International University Ideal Career: Epidemiologist/Medical Doctor Most inspirational person: My grandmother is my most inspirational person. She was a selfless, giving woman who taught me to want more from myself and my community. Favorite spot on campus: Right before fifth period when the sun is getting hot and it's still a bit chilly, the planter outside Mrs. Cooper's class is the most relaxing spot at River Ridge. Clubs and extracurricular activities: Student Council (Executive Board vice president in senior year, secretary in junior year, class representative), Key Club, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Campus Clean-up (co-chair), Homecoming Dance Committee (chairperson), Powder Puff Committee (chairperson), Road Clean-up, tutor Valedictorian: Ryan O'LearyGPA: 4.476 Future plans: Attend Northwestern University for a degree in math and physics and continue to a Ph.D. Ideal career: One that entails constant learning. Most inspirational person: Albert Einstein because he promoted world peace and integrated creativity with science. Favorite spot on campus: The chair on the left in the media center's magazine reading section. Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky Clubs and Extracurricular activities: National Honor Society, German Honor Society, Math Honor Society, YMCA Leaders Club. Salutatorian: Andrew AlwoodGPA: 4.44 Future plans: Attend University of Florida. Ideal career: Professor of philosophy Most inspirational person: The Buccaneers' John Lynch because I modeled my playing style after him. He's the best defensive back in the NFL. Favorite spot on campus: Football field, especially on Friday nights! Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky Clubs and extracurricular activities: Varsity football (captain), varsity basketball, National Honor Society, 2001 Male Athlete of the Year for River Ridge High, All-Conference Football, All-County Football, Academic All Conference The two River Ridge High valedictorians and the salutatorian view the future with anticipation, and some trepidation. "We're just human; we're not like some super species," said Jessica McCarrick, who shares the top spot as co-valedictorian at River Ridge High School along with classmate and good friend Ryan O'Leary.
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