The Making of a Valedictorian: A Q&A with Meredith Harmon '21

The Making of a Valedictorian: A Q&A WITH MEREDITH HARMON ’21

At The Rumson Country Day School, we believe in preparing students for life. Meredith Harmon, RCDS Class of 2021, is a shining example of how an RCDS foundation leads to excellent outcomes. She is a self-described lover of learning, a devoted daughter and sister, and a natural leader inspired by curiosity and faith. Recently named Valedictorian of Trinity Hall’s Class of 2025 and inducted into the Cum Laude Society, Meredith reflects on the foundation that RCDS gave her, her academic journey, and what’s next.

Q: What was your initial reaction when you found out you were named valedictorian?

Meredith: I was a little surprised, but mostly just excited. When it was announced to the entire community and I went up to receive the award, I remember seeing my parents and my best friend from RCDS and my entire class from Trinity standing and applauding. It was just such a special moment to see the love and the support that I have. It is something that I’ll never forget. I am really grateful.

Q: What do you think has been the key to your academic success?

Meredith: Time management and intellectual curiosity. I pushed myself in school, not because I wanted to do it for the grade, or to be able to say that I was taking hard classes, or because I thought that maybe my GPA would be better weighted for valedictorian. It was because I was genuinely excited to learn. It is a lot of work to take all those challenging classes, and I was also very involved in many other things in my community so all of the things that fall under time management are very

important as well—organization, knowing when to start studying or when to take a break to reset.

Q: How did RCDS help shape who you are today?

Meredith: RCDS played a big role in giving me all the tools that I needed to succeed. Most importantly, it gave me confidence and the ability to feel comfortable being challenged. I learned that I could do hard things. Having the smaller class sizes and being so close with my peers and teachers, many that I still talk to today, gave me the confidence to speak up in class, ask questions, and ask for support. That made my transition from RCDS to Trinity Hall feel seamless.

Q: Were there any teachers or experiences in particular from RCDS that made a lasting impact on you?

Meredith: Oh goodness. I could be here all night talking about that! I had Mrs. Horner as both a teacher and advisor. She helped me grow into myself, not only as a writer and as a student, but also as a person. The confidence that she helped me find in class translated to my life outside of the classroom as well. And Mr. Horner—his class was probably one of the most challenging classes that I’ve taken to date. The standard that  he set for us—it instilled work ethic in me. And Madam Ronzier. She gave me the lowest grade that I’ve ever received, and I  still remember it because it was such an important lesson for me. She was one of the first teachers that taught me the importance of mistakes. That’s something that I’ve struggled with, striving for perfection, and she taught me that perfection is the enemy of progress. And Campy, of course. He made every student feel like they mattered. That’s the kind of teachers that are at RCDS.

Q: What advice would you give to current RCDS students?

Meredith: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are the best way that any of us learn. If you find joy in the process of learning and don’t just do it to get the 100, you’re going to find yourself much happier and more present in every area of your life. Life is not perfect. So, how can you expect your academic career to be the same?

Q: What’s next for you?

Meredith: I’ll be majoring in mathematics at the University of Virginia and I hope to minor in French. I would love to go to medical school and not only continue my learning, because I love school and I love to learn, but also be in a role where I can serve others. I unfortunately lost my younger cousin to a very rare disease and the doctors made what was one of the darkest times for my family a better experience. If I could become a doctor and make what is really hard for someone just a little bit easier—that’s my goal right now.

Q: What does being an RCDS alumna mean to you?

Meredith: Being part of the RCDS community was one of the biggest blessings of my life. I met some of my best friends at RCDS and we then went to Trinity Hall together. There’s an unspoken bond between us. I hope someday, if it’s a part of my plan and my purpose to have kids, to hopefully be able to send them to RCDS as well. Once a Gator, always a Gator, right?