Duncan d'Hemecourt can put his high school experience up against anyone else's.
He has achieved highest honors every quarter in the classroom since his freshman year. He has served as an MIAA Student-Athlete ambassador. He has been part of back-to-back state championship basketball teams at Danvers High. He's also helped shape the Falcons' football team with his work ethic and commitment to the program, earning Northeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Danvers High principal Susan M. Ambrozavitch says d'Hemecourt simply "represents the best our community has to offer."
Each year of high school, d'Hemecourt's grade-point average has risen because he continually challenges himself intellectually to take the most rigorous course load available. For instance, he will have completed four AP level courses upon graduation.
"He possesses a level of maturity that surpasses most students his age," said his guidance counselor, Susan M. Shawn. "Self-directed and independent, deeply thoughtful and reflective, Duncan is a master of his success."
Athletic Director John Sullivan has long admired d'Hemecourt not only for his sound leadership skills, hard-working ways and good sense of humor, but for always taking full responsibility for his own actions and behavior in and out of the classroom.
"As I observe Duncan travel through many different aspects of our school, I see him demonstrate a sincere interest in others and a polite demeanor that allows him to work effectively with many different groups of people," said Sullivan. "He has earned the respect of his peers and teachers.
His work ethic is tireless and his ability to set priorities has allowed him to balance the multiple demands for his time and effort."
Only three times d'Hemecourt has received less than an 'A' grade in high school; his three 'B's came during his freshman and sophomore years. As a senior, he has already received an 'A-plus' in
Honors English.
"Some students are leaders through their words; others lead through their actions. Duncan has the ability to tailor his leadership to fit the individual at hand," said Sean Rogers, a health education teacher and football coach at Danvers.
