Calhoun valedictorian headed to Harvard

Calhoun valedictorian to study medicine at Harvard

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Between writing for the school newspaper, working as a junior EMT, singing with the school’s choir and acting for television, Calhoun’s 2017 valedictorian, Julia Losner, has had a busy schedule, but has managed to keep her studies as her top priority.

This fall, Losner will attend Harvard University to take part in the Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology Program in the hope of becoming a reproductive endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in fertility issues.

Losner told the Herald this week that she was surprised to have been awarded the distinction, and believes that she made it to the top of her class by taking courses in subjects close to her passions.

“My philosophy has always been, if you don’t enjoy the classes you’re taking, you won’t do well,” Losner said. “I ended up doing better because I wasn’t taking seven Advanced Placement courses just for the sake of taking them. I didn’t take classes that I knew I wasn’t going to enjoy.”

Losner also attributes her academic success to solid study habits and time management.

“I probably study a lot more than most kids,” she said. “If I know I have a lot of things going on during the week, I’ll write out everything I have to do, and how long it will take me. I also try to get plenty of sleep, because when I’m tired, it takes longer to get my work done.”

Losner is a member of the French, Math, Tri-M, Science, Social Studies and English honor societies. She is a three-time recipient of the New York Press High School Journalism award, a three-time recipient of the Durrell Blank Scholarship for her achievements in music and a two-time recipient of the Le Grand Concours Certificat d’Honneur Laurete National Award for her achievements in French.

Other accolades include winning the Students Building Bridges and St. John's Women in Science and National Merit Corporate awards.

Most recently, Losner has been recognized for her character by receiving the Philip Williams Memorial Scholarship. (See Page 6)

The scholarship is given to a Bellmore-Merrick senior who embodies the character traits of Philip Williams, a beloved member of the Merrick community who died of cancer in 2009. Scholarship applicants are asked to write essays on how they demonstrate the values of patriotism, family, citizenship and work ethic within their community.

“I wrote my essay about the little things you can do that enhance people’s lives,” Losner said. “Whether it’s shoveling snow for a neighbor, singing a song or just striking up a conversation, it’s the things that may seem simple that are the most special ways in which you can impact people.”

According to Losner, students should strive to develop a well-rounded mindset. She advises students to do this by being open to learning the perspectives of others.

“I’m really big on perspectives. Being exposed to different people with different perspectives is important for whatever career you want to pursue,” she said. “When I am a doctor one day, I will have patients with a variety of backgrounds, and having knowledge of different perspectives will allow me to relate to them and make them feel comfortable.”