On the average day, senior Tommy Ahlin balances a challenging course load, leadership positions in several clubs, and varsity athletics.
Most of Ahlin’s involvement stems from his love for math and science, he said. He serves as president of the Math League and the Science Club.
“I love math, especially word problems. I enjoy Math League because I like the challenge of taking the backgrounds from algebra and geometry,” he said.
Physics teacher Rachel Neil believes that Ahlin’s passion for math and science helps him academically as well.
“He shows personal initiative for learning new things, even outside the classroom,” Neil said.
In addition to Math League and Science Club, Ahlin holds the position of vice president of tutoring in the National Honor Society.
“I wanted this position because I know the importance of a good tutor, thanks to all the people who have helped me throughout school,” he said. “I want to have that effect on someone else.”
History teacher and National Honor Society sponsor Christopher Reilsono thinks Ahlin’s desire to help others makes him a good leader.
“He shows compassion for those looking to better themselves and their grades, and he goes above and beyond,” Reilsono siad.
Ahlin also holds leadership positions in the Special Olympics Club, as well as participating in varsity tennis and golf.
These activities are his inspiration for his future career, he said. Ahlin plans to major in chemistry and go on to become an orthopedic physician.
“I love meeting the athletes in Special Olympics, and I love sports in general. I remember seeing a doctor come out onto the field with the Pirates, and I want to do something like that,” he said.
In addition to his many activities, Ahlin was named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist for his score on the PSAT.
“I’ve completed my application to become a finalist, and I’m really hoping I do because a lot of schools offer scholarships to National Merit scholars, and that would help me with paying for college,” he said.
Ahlin also manages to handle a schedule full of difficult classes. However, despite his demanding schedule, Ahlin finds ways to fit everything in by using time-management skills, he said.
“You have to list what’s most important to you and what will benefit you the most, and then you have to have a schedule week by week,” he said.