Merrimack High School's Top 10: Abigail Schaefer

MERRIMACK, NH — Abigail Schaefer has been named as the second top student in Merrimack High School's graduating Class of 2019. Over the past four years, she has been recognized at the National History Day finals, received awards in math and English and recited French poetry in the regional competition in Hanover. But her greatest joy, she said, was music — playing clarinet in the school marching band and concert bands, the All-State band and chamber groups, the Solo and Ensemble Festival, the University of New Hampshire Summer Youth Music School Program, and in pit orchestras.

"After years of early mornings, late nights (though never any all-nighters), and more note-taking than I care to remember, I am honored to be ranked second in such a talented senior class," said Abigail. She thanked her parents Jen and Carl Schaefer and her sister Clara Schaefer for the support as she discovered reading and writing, and appreciating the importance of learning for its own sake.

Abigail said she is proud of discovering three things in her time at Merrimack High School: that she is incapable of writing essays within the maximum word limit on the first attempt, that she can survive four years of band camp and after-school rehearsal without drinking any water, and that she can make it through high school without once using her locker, by carrying a backpack that weighs almost as much as she does.

Although she does not yet know what she wants to study in the future, Abigail plans to attend Dartmouth College by next year. She is also planning a trip to Norway.