Schools

LBHS Valedictorian Wants to Talk Politics

Top student Jennifer Nash is an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate.


Story by Rosemary Leonetti

If life is a banquet, Long Beach High School Class of 2013 valedictorian Jennifer Nash has filled her plate with an extraordinary smorgasbord of experiences. 


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An International Baccalaureate diploma candidate, Jennifer is a member of the National Honor Society and the Newspaper Club. The secretary of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, she plays in the orchestra and chamber orchestra, and has earned both All-County and LISFA music honors. A county championship qualifier, Jennifer has been a member of the varsity swimming and diving team since seventh grade. She is also an accomplished dancer with a passion for politics and a desire to make the world a better place.

One of Jennifer’s dreams for the future is to one day host a segment on a political talk show. Her interest in politics grew in part from a class trip to hear Chris Matthews speak at Hofstra University prior to the Hofstra presidential debate.

“I am passionate about the economic issues that are debated in the political world,” she explained. “I hope that I will have the opportunity in my life to involve myself with the resolution of our nation’s economic issues.”

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During her time at Long Beach High School, Jennifer dedicated more than 150 hours to community service, including fundraising for Relay for Life and working with the Long Beach Polar Bears to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. But the volunteer work that brought the most meaning to her life was performing with fellow Tri-M members for senior citizens at the Komanoff Center. “That experience showed me the power of music to bring spirit into places that need it most,” she said.

Jennifer believes that she benefited from the microcosmic environment of Long Beach High School. “Our school is filled with students who come from all walks of life,” she said. “Meeting so many people from other cultures helped me to be more prepared for life after graduation.”

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When thinking back on the challenges of the past four years, Jennifer would most like to be remembered for her ability to remain positive and lively under pressure. “Too often people can lose sight of happiness when immersed in the stress of school and life,” she said. “I find that when I lighten my mood, it helps me and my friends approach situations in a calm, confident manner.”

Of her many achievements, Jennifer is most proud of being named valedictorian. “My parents have shared their life stories with me and showed me how hard work was essential to bettering their lives,” she said. “My mother, who grew up on public assistance, is now a registered nurse at NYU Medical Center. My father built a successful career on Wall Street. I am inspired by their accomplishments and hope to continue to impress them throughout my life.”

Jennifer’s parents have also given her strength to face adversity with hope. Six years ago, her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She watched him suffer as he transitioned from a healthy, vibrant bond analyst to a man who struggles to complete the acts of daily living. “I look back on myself at the very beginning of his journey with shame,” she recalled. “My fears were fully focused on our financial future. Since then, I have immersed myself in my faith and prayed for the strength to be a better, more supportive daughter. I no longer worry about myself, but instead about his future health and the role I can play in motivating him to fight this battle day in and day out.”

In the fall, Jennifer will be heading off to her father’s alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., where she hopes to find the perfect combination of academic rigor and intellectual interaction in an environment in which she can continue to strengthen her faith. As she strives to reach her full academic, cultural and spiritual potential, there is no doubt that she will continue to feast at the banquet of life.


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