Meet the Valedictorian: Ward Melville's Kathryn Barnitt Shines

She just really likes flash cards.

That was the answer to the question "What's your approach to schoolwork and studying?" that Patch posed to 18-year-old Kathryn Barnitt, who was named Ward Melville High School's valedictorian of the Class of 2013. 

You may have seen her in the role of "The Fiddler" in the school production of "Fiddler on the Roof" earlier this school year, or heard her play in the chamber orchestra (where she has served as associate-concertmaster) and the pit orchestra (where she has served as concertmaster). She is the secretary of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the drama club Ward Melville Players, and a member and former editor of the school newspaper, Kaleidoscope.

Outside of Ward Melville, Kathryn is a four-year member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, the secretary and student leader of the St. James Church Youth Music Ministry, an intern and student teacher at Brookhaven Art and Music Summer Camp, and works part time at Kumon Math and Reading Learning Center in Stony Brook.

Next year, Kathryn will attend Williams College, where she plans on pursuing a double major in English and statistics. 

Patch had the chance to ask Kathryn a few questions about her experiences at Ward Melville.

Patch: Favorite class at Ward Melville?
Kathryn: By far, my favorite class at Ward Melville was the Shakespeare elective I took in the fall semester of my junior year. Originally, I signed up for it because I absolutely loved the teacher, Ms. Favre; I had her as my English teacher the year before and wanted to take as many classes as possible with her. But, aside from already being a fond student of hers, her passion for the subject material engrained in me an enthusiasm for Shakespeare's works that I still possess. That class truly taught to me the importance of learning, not achievement. 

Patch: What will you miss about high school?
Kathryn: I have a great group of friends that I will truly miss; not being able to see them everyday will take some getting used to. I will also definitely miss my three English teachers, Ms. Favre, Ms. DiIorio, and Ms. Etheridge. They were my favorite teachers at Ward Melville, and they gave me a very special, well-rounded education. Also, my experiences with the Chamber Orchestra over the last three years were great. I'll miss playing with the same kids and conductor every day since 10th grade. 

Patch: What are you looking forward to in college?
Kathryn: Everyone at Williams is extremely laid back, but at the same time they're also smart. There are really small class sizes, which give the opportunity to forge personal connections with your professors. Additionally, when I visited campus, the social environment there was very engaging and supportive; everyone was really proud of everyone else's accomplishments. I'm looking forward to that type of an academic and social culture. 

Patch: Outside of academics, what's the most important thing you learned in high school?
Kathryn: I've learned that you can't worry about what everyone else is doing. You have to focus on yourself. 

Patch: What advice would you give to younger students?
Kathryn: Don't get caught up in the competition. There's this rat race for perfection that exists at Ward Melville, and I don't think it's healthy. Do what you love, because you love it. 

Great job, Kathryn! Patch wishes you all the best in college.