For Michael Vescio, the dream to become Statesboro High School’s valedictorian began with an academic honor he received in sixth grade.  His significant achievements since then are a testament to his work ethic and determination to strive for excellence.  His parents, Michael and Carrie Vescio, moved their family to Georgia from Philadelphia 11 years ago due to the HOPE Scholarship program and the educational opportunities it could give Michael and his three siblings.  Michael’s achievement is the fulfillment of his parents’ belief that education is a major key to their children’s future success. 

Vescio said he found out about his top-graduate honor in February.  He knew it would be close between himself and his good friend Sarah Conner, who is SHS’ salutatorian. 

“I don’t see it (valedictorian) as super special,” Vescio said humbly.  “I had the will to do better and committed myself to that mindset.  Anyone can do that and achieve what they want in life. I just really tried to keep my head down and do my very best.”

Vescio’s sixth grade Social Studies teacher, Felecia George Prince, at William James Middle School predicted his success.  She was one of his favorite teachers, and he fondly remembers her gift of using music to help students learn.

“I encouraged him in sixth grade, and told him he could get the highest GPA, and he did,” Prince said.  

After Vescio achieved the highest GPA in seventh and eighth grade too, Prince told him to keep it up, and he’d be valedictorian.  

“He did it, and I’m so proud of him,” she said.  

Another of his favorite teachers had this to say: “It's not that he's the smartest student but he doesn’t accept anything but his best effort,” said 1st Sgt. David Redwine, who was both Vescio’s JROTC instructor and REACH Georgia Scholar faculty mentor for four years.  

The goals that Vescio has now are to major in Chemistry, obtain a doctorate degree in Biochemistry, and eventually own his own dietary supplement company.  He’s already learning what he can about the industry by working part-time at GNC in the Statesboro Mall. 

“I have a passion for fitness and health, especially weightlifting,” Vescio said.  “My mother became very sick last year, and seeing the effect it had on her body made me want to make changes in my own health.”

Vescio’s been accepted into the honors program at Georgia Southern University, where he has been dual-enrolled and  where he will continue his classes this fall.  He’s looking forward to the rigor of the program requirements, and he wants to become active in the Wesley Foundation.  He also wants to compete in the Show of Strength competition at GSU’s Recreation Activity Center. 

With these new activities, he says he’s learned to maintain balance.  He rose to second in command as Statesboro’s JROTC brigade executive officer his senior year in addition to serving on the Raider Team and J-Lav Academic Team.  He played on the varsity soccer team for two years, and was active in the SECME and Science Quiz Bowl clubs and National Honor Society.

Michael is a REACH Georgia Scholar for Bulloch County and the second scholar to be named a valedictorian. Bulloch County Schools identified Vescio in seventh grade as a student who would be committed to the program’s requirements and ideals.  Now in addition to his HOPE scholarship, he will receive $30,000 in REACH scholarships.