James Obermaier enjoyed a spectacular four year run through Huntington High School where he graduated among the top scholars in the Class of 2020. He is moving on to a very demanding academic program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts where he intends to study applied physics.
“Besides the excellent engineering program at WPI, when I visited last fall I just felt comfortable on campus,” Mr. Obermaier said. “I plan on studying applied physics, following my interest in understanding how the world interacts with itself.”
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Mr. Obermaier was inducted into the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, English Honor Society, Science Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society.
“The Advanced Placement courses offered at Huntington gave me a look into the rigor of a college level academic experience,” Mr. Obermaier said. “After completing the AP Chemistry and AP Physics courses, I’d say I feel pretty prepared.”
The teenager has “staying power.” Nothing can keep him down. When Mr. Obermaier faces obstacles, he regroups and presses onward.
“Courses such as AP Chemistry and AP Physics were extremely beneficial to the improvement of my time management skills due to the workload, whereas the AP Micro/Macro Economics courses offered more real life scenarios than other courses,” Mr. Obermaier said.
The new Huntington alum developed many positive relationships with his teachers over the years and they also enjoyed having him in their classes.
“Two of my favorite activities had to be robotics and band,” Mr. Obermaier said. “Robotics allowed me to explore my technical interests with a goal-oriented, hands-on team. I was lucky enough to serve as chief technology officer for the team for two years. Band, on the other hand, allowed my creative side to flourish. My four years in senior band with Mr. [Jason] Giachetti will be sorely missed.”
Mr. Obermaier’s advice to incoming freshmen? “Enjoy high school more than stressing over it,” he said. “Four years may seem like a long time, but you’ll blink and before you know it you’re on your way to college.”
College will present many challenges, but Mr. Obermaier seems well-positioned to handle anything that might come his way. He has used his time wisely throughout high school.
“Some of my biggest mentors have been the adult leaders and helpers for the robotics team, including Mr. [Omar] Santiago, ‘Fish’ (robotics team volunteer mentor Donald Fischer) and Mr. [Brian] Reynolds to name a few.”
WPI isn’t too far away from Huntington, but knowing Mr. Obermaier, he will quickly become immersed with college life. Still, he will surely retain fond memories of his alma mater.
“Huntington High School’s pride is unlike anything I have experienced before,” Mr. Obermaier said. “Whether you’re on the football team, marching band or robotics, every student is proud to be a Blue Devil. For that reason, the community is what I’ll miss most and always remember.”
