Valedictorian to Attend Haverford College

Dalia Smid will be representing the class of 2024 as their valedictorian on graduation day. More than deserving of the honor, Smid has had a tremendous high school career filled with many impressive accomplishments. 

While the Covid pandemic attempted to get in the way of her high school experience, Smid did not allow it to affect her success in any way. She did miss her connections with teachers, as they became “people on the screen" during her freshman year, but as soon as school reconvened the following year, those connections were reestablished, and better than ever. 

Smid feels as though her transition from freshman to sophomore year was the hardest. The workload thickened and teachers “didn’t just give out 100s.” However, through her dedication, hard work, and supportive teachers, Smid was able to pave her way to success. Throughout her whole career at DHS, she kept herself challenged, taking an abundance of AP courses (eight in total). It was her AP Biology course, sophomore year, with Ms. Hill, and her honors chemistry class with Mr. Norman, that really sparked her interest in STEM.

Smid described her junior year as “writing intensive,” because of AP Language and AP U.S. History. This, of course, didn’t stop her. With the help of Ms. Margolis and Ms. Lydon, she adapted to this new learning style and remained on top of her game.

Senior year was a memorable time for Smid. She says that there isn’t a specific memory that stands out, but the little things, such as “the car rides with her friends” that made the year so special. 

She also dealt with the college application process this year. The process of applying to college (as many know) can be extremely stressful: “I toured and applied to way more colleges than she should have, which became exhausting.” 

Her family remained very supportive throughout the last four years, not pressuring her. Even during a long night of studying, Smid says her mom would always be there to tell her, “Dahlia go to bed.” 

In high school, Smid proved herself to be a well-rounded student with her participation in activities, such as the track team, Cross Country Team, Band, Jazz Band, Link Crew, Student Council, PAC, Tri-M music honors society, Illustrated Journaling Club, and National Honor Society. 

Additionally, Smid received some incredible honors, including:

AP Scholar with Honor

Richard Cawley Memorial Book Award for History

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Book Award for Science

University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Book Award

Harvard Club of Boston Book Award

Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish

John Philip Sousa Award for Band

Leadership Award for Band

Louis Armstrong Award for Jazz Band

MVP Award for Cross Country

Team Dedication Award for Cross Country

Team Captain for Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track

“Participating in extracurriculars definitely helps manage time," Smid says. "You can connect with people and make friends, which makes school more fun."

Smid plans to attend Haverford College this fall. Although she has not declared a major yet, she will likely choose biology due to her huge interest in the STEM field. Smid also plans to join the running teams at Haverford and is excited about their honor code and student government.

Dalia Smid will leave behind huge shoes to fill. Haverford couldn’t be luckier to have her. Congratulations, Dahlia! We wish you the best of luck!