Indian Hill High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian in their own words

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Within the Indian Hill High School (IHHS) Class of 2020, they stand apart as academic leaders. Class of 2020 Valedictorian Jonah Sorscher and Salutatorian Anay Gautham left their mark as Braves.

“Jonah’s remarkable intelligence alone would allow him to succeed in every possible career field, yet Jonah also has a wildly creative side that leads me to believe he could easily be the next hit Broadway composer. Jonah is a Brave with no limits,” said IHHS Teacher Jeff Clark. 

“Anay is a very ambitious young man. He has a passion for success and excellence in all that he pursues. I expect Anay to achieve many great things as he continues his life’s journey,” said IHHS Teacher Dennis Dupps.

Before Sorscher begins Harvard, and Gautham heads to Georgia Institute of Technology, we sat down with the Braves for a Q&A looking back at their time as Indian Hill students.

INDIAN HILL HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN JONAH SORSCHER: (Harvard)
Jonah Sorscher
 
Indian Hill School District (IHSD): What has Indian Hill High School meant to you?

Jonah Sorscher (JS): Being at Indian Hill for the past 13 years, it’s hard to imagine anything different from my school experience, and I often forget just how extraordinary this district is. I think the best thing about IHHS has been the cohesive community between faculty and students. The faculty is constantly listening to the students’ voices, addressing their concerns, and providing resources for students to mount their own ideas – ideas that wouldn’t even be considered at many other schools. The teachers’ doors are always open for us to talk about our struggles, whether they be with the course material or in our personal lives, and they act not only as mentors, but as friends. 

(IHSD): What are your best memories of Indian Hill High School?

(JS): One of my best memories at Indian Hill was when my counselor asked me if I’d be interested in helping start a student chapter of Courageous Conversations — a group dedicated to discussing equity and inclusion in the school. Now, two years later, I’ve opened up to students and teachers in ways I would never have imagined, and I’ve fostered connections that I’ll keep forever. 

(IHSD): What does the future hold?

(JS): I can’t wait to see Courageous Conversations and other groups continuing to promote diversity so that every student can feel welcome at Indian Hill in the way I did. Thank you for everything, Indian Hill!


INDIAN HILL HIGH SCHOOL SALUTATORIAN ANAY GAUTHAM: (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Anay Gautham
 
Indian Hill School District (IHSD): What has Indian Hill High School meant to you?

Anay Gautham (AG): Great school with high standards, platform to mature and grow up, broad class offerings allowing you to explore varied interests and get ready for college, hard-working students who are motivated to push themselves and excel. I really enjoyed the pep rallies at school; it was a great way to wind down after a hectic day. I also enjoyed learning about unique interests of my fellow classmates at the talent shows before winter break. I loved the auditorium because it was like a movie theater, fun and relaxing. And, I liked hanging out at the basketball and tennis courts.

(IHSD): What are your best memories of Indian Hill High School?

(AG): JSA: Enjoyed Washington D.C. trips, especially walking around the city, the hotel and visiting the Capitol, White House, the museums, and the food (especially: “We are the Pizza”), was excited to win the JSA Scholar award to attend Stanford in the summer of 2018. I indulged my passion for computer science at the Ohio supercomputer center, at Mariemont High School, and by volunteering at the Western and Southern Open for the past five years where I successfully built and tested a unique computer program for the tournament). Tennis: I loved being an integral part of Braves tennis since my freshman year, winning the OHSAA silver and golden racquet awards, playing sectionals and districts, and being part of the Indian Hill team that reached the Ohio Division II State team finals in 2018.

(IHSD): What does the future hold?  

(AG): Get to campus, meet new people, learn new things, figure myself out, enjoy warm weather throughout the year.