Rosenblad, Schwartz are 1, 2 as Webb School val-sal seniors
Expressing his joy about earning valedictorian honors at Webb School of Knoxville, senior Grayson Rosenblad immediately cited two reasons.
“I felt rewarded for my hard work, but mostly I was excited to be granted the opportunity to address my class at graduation,” said Rosenblad, who is joined at the top by Ryan Schwartz, Webb salutatorian.
“Webb School has introduced me to the most wonderful community of peers and teachers, who all have helped me grow in a way that I cannot possibly articulate accurately,” he added.
The son of Minna and Peter Rosenblad, “I have worked through so many challenges as a Webb student, whether academic, social, athletic, etc., and that was truly only made possible with the support I found in this community, this family,” the valedictorian said.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named salutatorian,” said Schwartz, daughter of Anne and Dan Schwartz. “While I am proud of the effort I have put in, I am especially thankful for the support from my teachers, family and classmates who’ve helped me grow over the years.
“My experience at Webb has shaped me into the person I am today,” she added. “Webb has taught me the importance of hard work, resilience and meaningful connection.
“The culture at Webb consistently challenges students to give 100 percent, not only academically but in all their endeavors.”
Rosenblad’s detailed path
The accomplishments of Rosenblad, whose grade-point average was above 5.0, could literally fill a book: he received the Rensselaer Medal for excellence in mathematics and science; Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award; Webb’s John W. Green Award for Scholarship, for which he is a three-time recipient; Webb’s William R. Webb III Citizenship Award; President’s Volunteer Service Award; Webb’s George Turley Award for excellence in mathematics — and he earned a perfect ACT score.
He is a National Merit finalist and National Merit Scholar for UT Battelle; is a member of National Honor Society; National English Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society for excellence in mathematics; CuLaude Society; and he is founder and co-president of HOSA among many other accomplishments.
He attended a Webb MD medical mission trip twice; assisting his teacher, Laura Kile, in coordinating this year’s trip to Mingo County in West Virginia. “I am nearing completion of a phlebotomy certification curriculum to hopefully work as a phlebotomist to get clinical experience for medical school while I am an undergrad,” Rosenblad said.
Schwartz’s detailed path
Schwartz is a member of National Hispanic Honor Society; National Art Honor Society; National Honor Society; President’s Volunteer Service Award; Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society for Outstanding Scholarship in Mathematics; Cum Laude Society; and National Merit Commended Scholar.
She has received Webb School’s John W. Green Award for Scholarship and Webb School’s George Turley Award for excellence in mathematics.
Additionally, Schwartz was Current Events Club co-founder and president; Dossett House Junior prefect; Webb Math Lab peer tutor and a member of Youth Leadership Knoxville; ALA Volunteer Girls State; Model United Nations Youth in Government; and Camp Webb summer camp counselor-in-training.
Schwartz plans to attend University of Virginia to study political science.
“My career plans are undecided, but right now I am considering pursuing a career in law or politics,” she said
