Q&A: Hoover High Valedictorian Kate Pelini

senior Kate Pelini, who was named valedictorian of her class, shared with us her insight into surving high school by balancing schoolwork and a social life, who her favorite teacher is and a little something that makes her unique.

She will attend Ohio State University this fall and major in business (either accounting or business administration) and pursue a minor in theater.

Read on to find out more about her, and make sure to leave your congrats in the comments section for Pelini and the rest of her classmates who will graduate at 3 p.m. Sunday inside .

North Canton Patch: What will you miss most about high school?

Pelini: It's kind of cliche, but definitely the people. I've made such great friends the last four years and we have so much fun just goofing around together that I'm going to miss seeing them every day.

North Canton Patch: What are you looking forward to in moving on to college?

Pelini: Even though it's a little scary, I love that I'm going to have so much more independence. It's almost like I get to start with a blank slate and get involved in whatever interests me and and become the person I want to be. Like my physics teacher, Mr. Woods, said, there are very few times in life that we have the opportunity to do that.

North Canton Patch: What advice would you give to underclassmen?

Pelini: I'd tell them to find a balance between schoolwork and having fun, because I didn't find that until my junior year. Know that there is more to life than just schoolwork, but it's important to buckle down and study too. I promise it pays off.

North Canton Patch: What was your favorite high school class?

Pelini: Being a self-proclaimed nerd, I genuinely liked all of my classes, but one of my favorites was AP Calculus. But it is the best class I have ever taken and it made me realize how much I love math.

North Canton Patch: What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?

Pelini: Probably too many to count, but my favorites were the school musicals, Hi-Los (musical ensemble), being president of National Honor Society, being a part of Teen Board, a board member of Teen Institute, and Ohio Reads volunteer and peer tutoring.

North Canton Patch: What teacher has been most helpful?

Pelini: This is difficult, because I've been lucky to have so many great teachers that I love. I think my junior year AP Government teacher Mr. Cummings has been the most helpful. He introduced me to Buckeye Girls State, one of the greatest experiences of my life, written his fair share of recommendation letters, and has always been there with his wise words of advice when I needed them. He has definitely gone above and beyond the call of duty as a teacher for me.

North Canton Patch: Tell us a fun fact about you.

Pelini: I am absolutely obsessed with all things Harry Potter, especially the books. I own three sets of the series, hardcover, paperback and the British version. It's almost a problem.