Published: June 25, 2008 12:05 am            

GRADUATES: Schuler, McDermott take COHS honors

At the end of the year, very little separated the grades of Cardinal O’Hara High School’s valedictorian Matthew Schuler and salutatorian Matthew McDermott.

“Between Matt, me and Chris, the guy who was third in our class, it was a tough competition,” McDermott said. “It came down to tenths of a percentage point.”

Schuler said his love for school and particularly science came at an early age. As a child, Schuler was fascinated by how things work and took that curiosity with him to school. Reading classic literature and playing chess have sharpened his analytical skills over the years as well.

“I was blessed with a good memory,” Schuler said. “But it still took hard work to get the grades.”

McDermott said he’s no stranger to the concept of studying hard. But in addition to hitting the books, McDermott tried hard to earn the respect of his classmates and further his leadership skills. To do that, he took on as many leadership roles as he could, including president of both the National Honor Society and his senior class.

“I want to be the go-to guy, someone people look to when they need an answer,” McDermott said. “Even if someone’s in trouble, I like to be the one they know they can go to when they need help to bail them out.”

Both intend to move on to Canisius College, where Schuler said he plans to major in biology on his way to medical school.

“I’m looking at neurology and radiology,” Schuler said. “I’ve always been interested in the way the brain works.”

McDermott is taking a different route, starting in economics and seeing where his interests lead him. Given a choice between a bulging bank account and an ear-to-ear grin, McDermott said he’d unquestioningly pick the latter.

“My main goal is to do something I love so that I enjoy waking up and going to work each day,” McDermott said.

Contact reporter Daniel Pyeat 693-1000, ext. 158.

        

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