SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- Yvonne Agyapong had a week she will never forget.
It started last Saturday when the junior at Union Catholic placed first in Original Oratory for the Forensic Team at the first Newark Catholic Forensics League Tournament of the season.
Then this past Wednesday night, Agyapong was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Agyapong said she’s still stunned by what she accomplished.
“Induction into the NHS and a win at the NCFL tournament so closely together gives me much to appreciate and take in,’’ said Agyapong. “I’m still in shock! But I think the two events give me a lot to be grateful for when I think I have nothing to be grateful for. Being inducted into the NHS is an honor than I’m so lucky to take part in, especially continuing on from having been in the NJHS in middle school.’’
Agyapong chose a topic for her speech at the Forensics Tournament that’s very close to her heart.
“The topic was the systemic burdens and societal neglect of African-American women in the United States, and the mistreatment they face in spite of constantly being put in a position to serve others due to intersectionality,’’ said Agyapong,’’ who lives in Woodbridge. “This topic is near and dear to my heart as not only a Ghanaian-American young woman, but also for the fact that I have so many inspiring women in my life who have worked so hard but repeatedly encounter limitations due to factors they cannot control.’’
Finishing first at the Forensics Tournament meant a lot to Agaypong.
“It means so much to place first because so much work and collaboration had been put into perfecting my speech,’’ said Agyapong. “What I always tell people I love most is the adrenaline rush of being in the competition rooms and not knowing whether a judge will rank you among competitors. I also love seeing at every tournament that people my age are just as passionate as I am about modern issues.’’
What are Agyapong’s goals for the rest of the season?
“In all honesty, I personally hope that I would be able to get my message out there since this issue is not frequently discussed. I would also hope to rank highly at every competition, as well as my teammates being able to do the same in the numerous categories they compete in,’’ said Agyapong, whose recent achievements have added to a remarkable resume that she has built here at Union Catholic.
Agyapong was ranked No.1 in her class as a freshman and sophomore, and has made the Honor Roll in every marking period. As a freshman, she received the Union Catholic Mathematics League Geometry Award, and the National Language Arts League Award. She is one of the most active students at Union Catholic. She also is a Student Ambassador, the Vice President of the Junior Class, President of the Multicultural Club, and is a member of Students For Human Dignity, the Student Advisory Board, the African-American Appreciation Club, the Connection Crew, and the Environmental Club.
Agyapong is also a very talented writer. She finished as the runner-up in the 2019 Newark Archdiocesan St. Patrick's Day Parade Essay Contest.
How does she balance her school work and all her extracurricular activities?
“It’s surely a task to balance everything at once and I really have to cram extracurricular activities where I can,'' she said. "Being busy is the responsibility I accept as someone who has to make it in the world one day, someone who will one day change it drastically. And that begins with me being busy all the time at sixteen years old.’’
What does Agyapong love the most about being a student at Union Catholic?
“What I love most about UC, and what drew me to the school in the first place, was that you can meet people from everywhere,’’ she said. “Our school has a diversity that not many other private schools can boast.’’
How did Agyapong know UC was the right place for her?
“UC became the place for me after visiting here several times during middle school, especially at Forensics competitions,’’ said Agyapong. “I think the students radiated a sense of community and spirit that made me want to be a part of it. Also, the aforementioned diversity.’’
What kind of advice would Agyapong give to younger students who are considering attending UC?
“My advice to younger students is work to the best of your abilities, but do not push yourself over the edge,’’ said Agyapong. “And be kind to the other freshmen because they are just as nervous and new as you are. You won’t be able to find another school that sets you up for the real world in the way that UC does, in terms of curriculum, students, staff, available opportunities and more. I have most benefited from the help and comfort of the friends I have made at Union Catholic, as well as the personal guidance I’ve received from teachers over the years outside of the realm of academics.’’
What are Agyapong’s goals for the future?
“I am currently at a crossroads, but I am considering becoming an international human rights lawyer, criminal justice lawyer, or a cardiothoracic surgeon,’’ said Agyapong. “I would like to major in psychology or biology.’’
October 31, 2020 at 09:08PM
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/scotch-plains-slash-fanwood/sections/education/articles/union-catholic-s-yvonne-agyapong-had-a-week-she-will-never-forget
Union Catholic's Yvonne Agyapong Had a Week She Will Never Forget - TAPinto.net
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