Competitive, determined, hard-working, and brilliant. These words best describe the class of 2024 valedictorian, Colby Parker, a student who works as hard as he can both in and outside of the classroom. Whether it be taking his latest AP class, building up the lacrosse
team, or competing with the Malden Math team, he continues on his legacy.
Parker attributed some of his success to his constant vigilance and hard work during the pandemic. He ensured that his best was given in every class and made sure to take courses that would challenge him but were manageable.
He additionally makes sure to budget his time wisely, ensuring that all his work gets done, but also has enough time to hang out with
friends and enjoy his time at Malden High.
“Are there times when I’m absolutely exhausted from all the different things I do? Yeah, but that’s life and you have to go through that. There’s nothing you can really do about it,” stated Parker.
Parker continued, saying how he first realized he could be valedictorian when he randomly asked for his class rank in senior year. From there, he set his sights on valedictorian as he knew it was well within his power.
With his high GPA and various activities, Parker decided to attend
the University of Florida. While other variables factored into his choice, in the end it just clicked for him.
“But when I was down there, there’s just a moment where it’s just like ‘This is it. This is where I’m meant to be.’ That really cemented the decision for me.”
Marques commented on Parker stating how he is not only a hard worker, but that he has taken every available computer science class at MHS. Marques creates a very unique environment in which Parker was able to thrive, learning how to teach himself and become an independent student.
“He’s stellar, very proactive in his own education. No need to push him, follow him, or chase him around. Matter of fact: he pushes me,” said Marques.
Parker’s classmate and friend, Ivan Wu, mentioned how he and Parker bonded, and how he witnessed his rise to the top. “He had a lot of interest in pursuing more computer science classes and so Mr. Marques had an independent study and he was interested in doing that. I know he was particularly stoked about discrete math,” Wu said.
“There’s a competitive nature to him,” Wu continued “That’s the appeal.” Wu was also able to convince Parker to join the math team in their senior year, which led to the two bonding even more as they focused their competitive natures toward other schools along with their other classmates.
Abigail Morrison, Parker’s friend of four years, chose to describe him as competitive and fair. “He is fair. He won’t give you answers unless you work with him but he won’t just give you things,” said Morrison.
Morrison followed, “He takes a lot of difficult classes and spends hours and hours and hours doing everything he can.” No matter what, the two always pushed each other to be better, either through motivation or competition. One such moment that stuck out to Morrison was when the two took AP Chemistry together as they competed to get the best grades within the class, always going back and forth.
“He’s shown leadership skills since his freshman year. He takes great responsibility for what he does. He works to improve and keeps working to make the team better. He coaches kids on the field and does everything in his max capacity to make sure he does his best in and outside of the classroom,”Copithorne expanded.
All while balancing his AP classes and work, he continues to improve with lacrosse and make time. One such moment, Copithorne described, was when he had an AP exam that would most likely make him miss a game, Parker ensured he had a car ready to go to Haverhill and arrived to make the game.
In addition, Copithorne pushed Parker to do his best inside the classroom. When he found out that Parker was the valedictorian, he made sure to keep reminding him and checking in to ensure he wouldn’t slip.
Parker recommends to other students going for valedictorian to take a lot of computer science classes. He treasures the lessons learned, and since Marques was his teacher, he was able to embrace self-teaching and independent learning.
In junior year, Parker decided to run for Vice President as he had plans and visions for the school but figured a more specialized role like the Vice Presidency would be able to afford him select power to see them through.
“I felt as though the role of Vice President fit my personality the best,” Parker commented. Once he achieved the support of his peers, he decided to join the race. After assimilating into the rest of the student body, Parker was able to help bring prom prices down, the Harlem Wizards to town, and bring everything together for the class of 2024.
Overall Parker’s key to success is to challenge yourself, but know your limits. Strive to be the best possible version of yourself and keep your commitments sacred. Be stubborn and enjoy the company of your friends. Finally, he encourages anyone looking to be valedictorian to try as hard as they can but not without losing themselves along the way.
