Written By: Jaidan Slowik, Staff Writer
CELEBRATE: Poly seniors are leaving, so let’s talk about the one and only Maxim Strong.
The Class of 2025 started out their freshman years immediately following the pandemic, their beginning was full of masks and uncertainty, yet here they are now ready to move on to the next chapter of their story. The time has come, AP testing and finals are just about to wrap up, and seniors are preparing to move forward onto bigger and better things. One such student has left a remarkable impression on Poly students and faculty alike. Maxim Strong has been an outstanding student and classmate, continuously striving for excellence. He’s been in orchestra and choir, this school year he has survived an entire schedule of AP classes and he has been dubbed an “Outstanding Student” by the district as a title of honor.
Maxim plans on pursuing his passion and love of music by attending Oberlin College and Conservatory to study Music Composition. As of right now he is unsure of whether or not he will pursue a doctorate. “I love to say that I want to be a composer because all composers love to say that.” He goes on to explain that in the modern world, composers in the music industry often do much more than write music. “Generally it means someone who writes music, probably teaches, maybe plays an instrument… That’s part of the reason I want to go to Oberlin. They have a diverse set of courses and opportunities.” Maxim intends on making the most of his time at Oberlin and he looks forward to seeing what the various fields of the music industry have to offer in the future. Mr. Strong has endured his own difficulties in high school. “On many levels I’m relieved because high school has been difficult and the college application and decision process was also daunting.” He explains the complexities that come from preparing to adjust to such a big change and the mixture of emotions he is feeling as of right now, along with the anxieties that many seniors like himself may feel. “I’m also a little sad.. I’m afraid that I might not see everyone again. I’m also very excited because college is generally, I’ve been told, the best time in anyone’s life.”
He offers his own tidbit of advice to anyone who would like it, “ My advice is to be realistic and to prioritize your health, because that’s something I haven’t been fully successful doing in my high school career.“ Maxim reflects on his time at Poly and urges others not to follow in his footsteps when it comes to such matters. Maxim also explained what he believed to be his most important takeaway from high school, a good work ethic. “I’ve struggled with procrastination and poor planning, like everyone else has. I’ve found that if you have a consistent work ethic, plan things out, make schedules, the benefits never end.” He continues by adding that it can even help to make a person a better citizen. “Even though I still have a long way to go, I know I’ve improved a lot in that and that’s benefited me greatly.” Good luck Max, we are sure that you will accomplish great things. Your legacy will live on at Poly. The Littleworth Theater will not forget you for your orchestra performances and time as MC for this year’s “Slam Off.” Your teachers will not forget the comments you would so graciously add to every discussion. Poly will not forget you as one of the most notable members of the Class of 2025.