The Morris Knolls High School administration has officially announced the 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian titles, sparking excitement, particularly within the Morris Knolls Quill Club, as two of the club’s co-editors have earned these prestigious honors. Both students, who have dedicated countless hours to shaping the club’s success, are recognized not only for their academic excellence but also for their leadership and commitment to their peers. The Quill Club is especially proud to see its co-editors acknowledged for their hard work and dedication over the years. Their achievements reflect both their personal perseverance and the strong academic culture cultivated at Morris Knolls High School.
Grace Ort: Valedictorian
Grace Ort, the 2025 Valedictorian, will be continuing her studies at Yale University, pursuing History and Music. Grace, who has demonstrated a deep passion for both subjects throughout her high school years, plans to explore how historical narratives and musical compositions intersect to shape cultural identity. She looks forward to pursuing her dual interests in a meaningful way.
Reflecting on her high school journey, Grace emphasized the importance of balance. “Balancing everything was tough, but I found that writing everything I had to do in my planner and keeping myself accountable with checklists helped a lot.” Her proudest moment came when she performed at NJPAC for the first time during All-State Orchestra, which is an achievement she reached after years of dedication to her instrument. Outside of academics, Grace’s favorite activity was conducting research with the Denville Historical Society, where she explored local history and preservation.
Looking ahead, Grace aims to complete Yale’s BA/MM program in oboe performance, with dreams of performing in historical venues worldwide. Her advice for future students is simple but powerful: “Stick to your principles and don’t get distracted. Always do what you know is right.”
Timothy Hsu: Co-Salutatorian
Timothy Hsu, who will attend Rutgers University at the Honors College studying Computer Science, attributes his academic success to a disciplined mindset. “Being co-salutatorian means the extra hours I spent studying truly paid off,” he said. His journey, however, was not always defined by top grades. “In middle school, I failed many math tests and was consistently a C student. With just a bit more effort—spending an extra hour studying or simply completing the homework—I was able to turn those consistent C’s into A’s.”
Beyond academics, Timothy found joy in exploring new hobbies, including programming and composing music. His proudest high school moment came at the end of junior year when, free from academic pressure, he spent time exploring his interests without constraints. Looking forward, he is excited to travel and experience new cultures, making his college schedule flexible.
For future students aiming for excellence, Timothy’s advice is clear: “First, focus on why you want to do well. Whether it’s achieving personal goals or proving something, stay grounded in that motivation.”
Abril Rodriguez Calle: Co-Salutatorian
Abril Rodriguez Calle will be pursuing Medical Humanities on the Pre-Med track at Columbia University.
These students’ achievements are a reflection of not only their own hard work but also of the support and guidance they received from family, friends, and educators. As they look back on their highschool experience, may they carry with them the lessons learned, friendships made, and gratitude for those who helped them along the way. Congratulations, Grace, Abril, and Timothy on this well-deserved honor.
