Valedictorian: Yashvi Patel

What advice would you give to younger students that you wish someone gave to you?

Everything will work itself out. While it sounds cliché, I spent way too much time worrying about my grades and my future, constantly overthinking whether I was making the right decisions and wishing I had more guidance. Looking back, the things I stressed over rarely mattered as much as I thought they would. As long as you’re working hard and taking advantage of any and all opportunities that genuinely interest you, your path will lay itself out for you and you will end up where you are meant to be. You’ll hear this a lot, but high school really does go by much faster than you expect, so spend less time worrying and make sure to enjoy it while you're here.

Who inspired/encouraged/guided you throughout your journey at NBTHS? How?

Whether I wanted to rant about our robotics team, ask for advice, use his printer, or borrow a hot glue gun, Mr. Weiss was always there for me. As one of the most encouraging and uplifting adults I met throughout high school, far beyond just the classroom, without him pushing me to become a better leader and engineer, I would not be the person I am today. I also owe so much to my friends, teammates, my adorable parents, and my biggest cheerleader, my younger brother. They all constantly supported me and never doubted me even as I failed, helping me get through countless late-night work sessions and making even the most stressful moments feel manageable. I wouldn't have accomplished nearly as much without them.

What college are you planning to attend and what will be your major? Why did you choose this school/major?

I will be attending Johns Hopkins University and majoring in biomedical engineering. I have always been interested in helping people in general and have loved the intersection between engineering and medicine. While physicians make an incredible impact on individual patients every day, I've always been fascinated by the idea of creating technologies and innovations that can improve the lives of thousands or even millions of people. JHU, with its incredible opportunities in both engineering and healthcare, stood out to me as a place I could pursue these interests.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully, I will be working in the medical field and making a difference in people’s lives, whether that is through direct patient care, medical research, or developing technologies that reach those in need.

What was your favorite memory from your time at NBTHS?

My favorite memories were performing in the annual Christmas in the Commons celebrations each year, as well as participating in the Rockathon the last 2 years. I can’t believe I will never be running to join a conga-line to scream the lyrics to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” ever again, or that this March was the very last time I’d be (very willingly) confined to a rocking chair having a My Little Pony marathon with 5 of my friends; I will cherish these small moments and many others forever.

How do you feel about graduating?

I’m so excited, but it’s also a mix of nostalgia and fear. I'm excited for the friendships and experiences that come next, as well as all the opportunities I will have at Johns Hopkins. Even though the challenge of college is slightly daunting academically and socially, I’m ultimately excited to push myself and grow as a student and a person. At the same time, it's difficult to leave behind the people, routines, and experiences that have been such an integral part of my life here. While I'll definitely miss high school, I can’t wait to start over and build a community just as prominent as NBTHS was in my life in the next 4 years.

What has been the biggest challenge throughout your high school career?

One of my biggest struggles throughout high school were with time management and procrastination. Between demanding classes, sports, clubs, research, volunteering, and robotics, there were definitely times when it felt like there weren't enough hours in the day. Initially, my personal life was sacrificed to countless late night work sessions during my junior year. Eventually learning how to balance multiple commitments and prioritize tasks efficiently was one of the most valuable lessons high school taught me and something I will certainly be carrying to college.

What advice would you give to anyone hoping to earn your same achievement (Valedictorian/Salutatorian/Class President/Senior Speaker)?

Don't focus too much on the title itself. During my time in high school, becoming Valedictorian was never a specific goal of mine, and I think the destination shouldn’t be glamorized. Instead, remember to focus on the journey. I achieved a variety of things due to constantly challenging myself, pursuing activities that I genuinely enjoyed, and learning the most I could from everything I committed to. The title ended up being a result of those choices, not the reason for them. Set goals that are meaningful to you, work hard, and trust that the rest will follow.

Were you involved in any clubs or sports? If so, how did you manage to maintain good grades throughout the year?

Yes, I was involved in several school clubs and sports, such as cross country, orchestra, our school’s FIRST robotics team Raider Robotix, Waksman Student Scholars, as well as several organizations outside of NBTHS. To-do lists and calendars were my best friend while balancing these commitments, and I wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for my love of organization and planning ahead. More importantly, I learned that it's okay to ask for help and that you don't have to do everything perfectly.

What do you think the biggest challenge students will face in the future?

I think one of the biggest challenges students will face is dealing with increasing competitiveness and pressure to succeed. Many students already feel like they need to excel in academics, extracurriculars, sports, and other activities all at once, and that pressure will increase exponentially in the coming years. Balancing ambition with personal well-being is vital, so learning how to set realistic goals and handle setbacks will be more important than ever.

What is your favorite memory from the 2025-2026 school year?

It's hard to choose just one. Rock-a-thon, our robotics regional championships, senior prom, and all the little moments in between made this year unforgettable. If I had to pick, it would probably be spending time with my friends at the end of senior prom, realizing that after years of classes, competitions, practices, and late nights, our time together in high school was coming to an end. It was one of those moments that made me stop and appreciate everything these past four years had given me.