The old saying, “hard work pays off,” may be overused and forgotten, but not for senior valedictorian, Laurel Jones.
    Jones has never received a B and has successfully completed ten AP classes.
    “My goal was always to be the best I can be, just strive to be the best,” said Jones.
    Although, getting good grades doesn’t always come easy for Jones.
    “There are some quarters where I think I’m getting a B, but it doesn’t turn out like that. I am bit of a perfectionist and my parents tell me that it is okay to get a B, even a C, but sometimes, they don’t really understand my drive,” said Jones.
    Jones volunteers and works at Upper Chesapeake Hospital and is the D.U.C.K.S. club president. This year at the D.U.C.K.S. yard sale, the club raised more than a thousand dollars and brought in the most cans ever for a food drive.
    “I sign up for everything and somehow it gets done,” said Jones.
    Jones is very involved in academics and volunteer work, but at the same time, she enjoys art because it helps keep her calm.
    “She is a really hard worker and deserves to be the valedictorian because she puts a lot of effort into everything she does,” said senior friend, Nicole Racine.
     Jones’ teachers and classmates are very proud of all of her accomplishments and are inspired by her positive attitude and dedication to her schoolwork.
     “I can’t say enough about Laurel-she is one of the most poised and compassionate students; she is beautiful, humble, and cheerful; she has a work ethic off the charts. I will miss her terribly, but we will both be going together [Schler is retiring]; she will be my doctor in the future and I mean that. She inspired us all and there is something calming about her,” said crafts teacher, Sandy Schler.
     Jones will be attending Washington College with an academic scholarship in the fall to major in pre-med, and to become a neurologist and minor in art.
    “I see an extremely, bright future for Laurel in a field of practice where she is helping others and making a difference,” said social studies teacher, Scott Larbalestrier.
    Jones leaves North Harford with a sense of pride for her school and a farewell to all the faculty and staff that help make it one of the best schools in the county.