Marchenko locks out a year early

Solon High School junior Nikol Marchenko has accomplished a lot in her three years of high school. Enough to allow her to graduate a year early and begin a new journey into college.

Marchenko’s hard work and commitment throughout both her middle school and high school career have presented her with this opportunity after she obtained all of her credits needed to graduate by her junior year of high school.

“I didn’t really see a point of another year of high school when I had received all of the credits,” Marchenko said, “ I didn’t think that I would gain anything educationally.”

Marchenko originally set up her high school schedule to be an exchange student in France by her senior year; however, when that did not work out as planned, she realized that she had enough credits to graduate early and decided to do so.

“It wasn’t that hard to earn all of my credits,” Marchenko said, “I took Geometry and Algebra in middle school and doubled up on English this year.”

Marchenko’s determination and work ethic played a huge role in her ability to graduate early.

Mr. Sanson, Marchenko’s AP Chemistry teacher, described her work ethic in class as being incredible and exemplary.

“She is very hardworking, attentive and willing to help others in class,” Sanson said.

Marchenko’s helpful attitude and determination in her schoolwork has not gone unnoticed by her peers either. Classmate of Marchenko, Jenny Ahn, describes Marchenko as having a positive and eager attitude in class.

“She’s very dedicated to her school work and in helping those around her who may be having a hard time,” Ahn said.

Marchenko’s hard-working qualities and team working abilities will continue to aid her in her plans after high school. After Marchenko graduates she plans to further her education by attending college.

“I hope to get into college and study biology and then get into medical school,” Marchenko said. “My dream [is] to attend NYU or Columbia.”

On top of being involved in her classes and school work, Marchenko also takes part in Track, Pre-Med Society, French Culture Club, Lorax, SADD, Rotary Interact, and AFS. Marchenko says that although being involved in many activities could be stressful at times, they are enjoyable for her and help the school year to be fun.

“They all make the school year more interesting, they teach me time management, and I learn a lot from their respective fields,” Marchenko said. “They give me experiences that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.”

While Marchenko will not be around for her senior year, she is still close to those in her class and says that she will miss her friends after she graduates.

“I recommend graduating early only if someone is willing to give up having a traditional senior year,” Marchenko said. “That’s something that I have to give up.”

Marchenko is very excited to begin the next chapter of her life outside of high school and is proud of all that she has accomplished during her years at school.

“Having an extra year out of high school will help in the long run because it will allow me to spend an extra year doing research or studying abroad at college.” Marchenko said, “I think it will teach me to be more versatile and independent as I embark on this new chapter of my life.”