As high school comes to an end for the class of 2024, the remarkable achievements of this graduating class come into focus. Among the high achievers is Salutatorian Colin FInkel, whose dedication and work ethic have set him apart. From excelling in rigorous coursework to competing as a marauder, Finkel has demonstrated his commitment to academic success. 

Finkel made a smooth transition from the middle school to DHS despite learning remotely some days during the pandemic. He looks back on the move positively, however: "The teachers [at the high school] seemed to have more respect for you and learning was more cooperative and interactive.” 

He recalls the shift from freshman to sophomore year as the most difficult, as that was when he began taking on a more rigorous course load, enrolling in both AP Biology and AP Government and Politics. The science classes he took sophomore year provoked a genuine curiosity to understand the world, leading him to take a STEM path early on. 

However, it was junior year when Finkel narrowed down his primary area of interest to math. He wanted to take AP Chemistry, but, due to a scheduling conflict, was unable to. The scholar ended up in AP Statistics, which he loved and even credits as his deciding factor for wanting to study mathematics at a collegiate level. Working to solve real world problems with complex equations sparked his interest. 

Finkel competed as a Marauder on the cross country and tennis team for all four years of high school. He still remembers winning his first tennis match freshman year and running a half marathon his sophomore year. During his time as a Marauder, he received awards for being Most Valuable Player of the cross country team and the Most Improved Award on the tennis team. Additionally, he ran winter track for two seasons, qualifying for states by less than a second in his senior year. He emphasizes how special and exciting this moment was for him.

Academically, Finkel has accumulated many awards as well, including the prestigious Yale Book Award in his junior year and the AP Scholar with Distinction Award from College Board. This award is granted to students who score on average a 3.5 or higher on all of  the AP exams they have taken. They also received a score of three or higher on five or more of their exams. 

Senior year was highly successful for Finkel. He decided to take AP Physics and named it as the hardest class he took during his time at DHS. He found the class fascinating, stating it was the “the first math class where they asked you to think on your feet, take multiple concepts and put them together, [and] become a puzzle solver.” While the class was highly challenging, Finkel persevered and managed to get top marks with the help of Ms. Harden’s motivations and what he called “strategic stress.”  

Through his time at DHS the salutatorian has acquired many leadership roles through the community. He was captain of the tennis team both his junior and senior years, a captain of the cross country team, and a member of the National Honor Society. 

When asked to reflect on his time at DHS, Finkel commented, “I don't have any regrets. Senior year was a lot of fun."  He added that his favorite tradition was 'Senior Assassins.' 

After applying to 18 different colleges and writing essays all December, Colin decided to take his talents to Stony Brook University in New York. He was drawn to the school due to its impressive math programs and its beautiful campus. He also hopes to join the tabletop gaming club. To prepare for college Colin is spending the summer learning more coding, data analysis, and working at Papa Gino's. 

He leaves the incoming class a piece of advice: "Take hard classes and challenge yourself, push yourself. It's worth it. You can always wiggle your way out.”