William Byrne of Riverside Jr./Sr. High School
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
A: I am most proud of being able to maintain a high academic standard for myself, while balancing school with sports, volunteer work, and spending time with family and friends. I was able to travel, run cross country and track, tutor in our elementary school, and keep meaningful relationships outside of school, while remaining at the top of my class.
Q: Whom do you most admire and why?
A: I most admire my mom and dad because they support me in everything I do. They always help me strive to be the best person that I can be. Since I was young, they taught me the importance of hard work. I am grateful for their love and guidance.
Q: What were your most rewarding school or community activities? Why?
A: One of the most rewarding school activities I have experienced was traveling to Spain and Italy for 10 days with our World Languages and Cultures Club in my junior year. I was able to experience different parts of the world and the fascinating cultures associated with them. It was the first major trip I have taken without my family. It gave me a unique sense of independence and the feeling of being able to do things on my own.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: The hobby I most enjoy is playing the guitar. I have played the guitar since age 6. I also enjoy traveling, playing chess, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Q: What are your plans after high school graduation? Why did you choose this path?
A: I plan to attend the University of Pittsburgh and major in architecture. After graduation from Pitt, I would like to attend law school and become an attorney. I am inspired by my father, who is an attorney, and how rewarding his work is to him.
Q: What is your advice to younger students?
A: My advice to younger students is to work hard at accomplishing your goals. Sometimes hard work is superior to natural talent. I would also recommend not being influenced by people that don’t support and care for you. The people that care about you most will support you in almost everything you take on in life.
Q: Finish this sentence: The most interesting thing about me is …
A: I am an avid Philadelphia sports fan without liking the Philadelphia Eagles. My favorite teams are the Philadelphia Phillies, the Flyers, and Villanova basketball. However, during football season I root against Philly, and support the New York Giants.
A little about William Byrne
William Byrne won two of the five awards offered by the Challenge Program, a nonprofit organization that uses financial incentives to motivate students. He was honored for academics and community service. His school says William is never satisfied with average and stands out for his willingness to go outside his comfort zone.
The Taylor resident is the son of Bill and Helen Byrne.
His activities include six years each on the track and cross country teams and the presidencies of both the National Honor Society and the World Languages and Cultures Club. William’s extensive volunteer work includes tutoring elementary students twice a week for two years. He joined in other groups, including the Future Business Leaders of America, Aevidum club, math club and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference.
William Byrne (COURTESY OF WILLIAM BYRNE)