Graduation 2012: Salutatorian Kyle McGuire

Kyle McGuire loves photography—the ability to freeze a moment in time and treasure that moment for as long as he keeps the photo, he said. And he’ll be able to do so tonight as cameras flash away during high school graduation.

The high school senior was announced as salutatorian earlier this month at the Academic Awards with a grade point average of 4.793. McGuire said that moment was the highlight of his high school career.

“The thunderous applause from the crowd was unlike anything I have ever experienced, and it felt so nice for my hard work and dedication to be paying off,” he said.

His speech for tonight’s graduation ceremony will parallel the day seniors received their yearbooks. He added that a few days after receiving his yearbook, he read an article by an inspirational (but unnamed) young woman—the focus of the second half of his speech.

McGuire has been involved in the Student Government Association as treasurer, Interact as historian, Peer Mediation, Math Team, National Honor Society, Association Against Drugs and Alcohol and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

“I have always enjoyed playing a role in my community, and I find nothing more rewarding than knowing that what I am doing is making someone else’s life a little easier,” he said.

McGuire could not pick a favorite subject although he enjoys mathematics, calculus physics and writing.

His greatest challenge of high school came during his senior year with a demanding schedule of four AP courses and an honors course.

“I definitely found it challenging to manage my time accordingly,” McGuire said. “However, the experience taught me that I could handle a lot more than I originally thought I could, and will be valuable for me in the future.”

McGuire will be attending the University of Virginia and plans to major in commerce with a concentration in finance.

“I was very impressed by the school’s academics, rigor, and opportunities, and absolutely swept away by the sheer beauty and history of the campus,” he said. “On the car ride home, there was no doubt in my mind that it was where I wanted to spend my next four years.”

During the next four years, McGuire hopes to establish friendships that will last a lifetime and meet people of different backgrounds. He would also like to study abroad and to get involved in both the Charlottesville and university communities.

Currently, McGuire is leaning towards a career in the financial industry but is open to other options. 

“My first year of college will allow me to pinpoint my passions and to see where I want to go from there,” McGuire said.