Q: What grade are you in?

A: I am in 12th grade at Salisbury High School.

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: My favorite subject is physics with Mr. Koba because he creates lessons that include labs and other activities. These allow us as students to engage with the material we are learning and get a hands-on perspective.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: Over the past couple of years myself and other students from SHS competed in various Future Business Leaders of America contests, placing first in banking and financial systems and parliamentary procedure. I am also a member of National Honor Society at Salisbury.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: I was part of the JV/varsity basketball program over the last four years. I plan on playing baseball this spring season after giving it up a few years ago. I was involved with the environmental club for two years and FBLA club for two years. I also helped volunteer at various Key Club events.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A: My goal after high school is to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and later earn a master’s degree in automotive engineering.

Q: What would you say your biggest challenge has been so far?

A: The biggest challenge I have faced so far is balancing sports, school work and my job. I challenged myself to take honors and Advanced Placement courses in order to prepare myself for college. This led to many late nights after practices working on assignments and trying to balance sports and school. Another part of this challenge was trying to work in order to pay for various expenses such as phone bills and car insurance.

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

A: I want to be remembered as someone who had great character and someone who worked hard and could be trusted with completing any task.

Q: Who is in your family?

A: My mother, Cindi Kannan; my father, Tom Sylvester; my stepfather, Dev Kannan; my sister, Nicole Sylvester; my brothers, Nick and Luke Kannan and my dog Snowi.

Q: Do you have someone you look up to?

A: I look up to my father and my stepfather. They both possess a work ethic that I strive to have. Over the years they were both forced to work multiple jobs and countless hours to support my aspirations with sports and other activities. They both made it a point to try and give me the best upbringing they could despite tough financial times. I want to be just like them in the future. I want to have a family and work hard to provide the best life for them and hopefully someday I can repay them for all they have done for me.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: My only advice is to continue working hard in all you do and live with the mindset of “why not”? Don’t ever question your dreams because anything can happen if you have a vision and put the work in. Most importantly make the most of senior year and just have fun.