Harvard bound
Student body president makes way to Ivy League
Senior Stefan Petrovic poses with a statue of the founder, John Harvard, on the Harvard University campus. Petrovic notes that the right toe of the statue is worn gold due to tradition. “Visitors like to rub it for good luck, but they are often unaware that by the time they graduate, nearly every Harvard undergrad has urinated on the statue, so I chose to not touch the foot,” he said. Photo courtesy of Stefan Petrovic.
May 13, 2016
Senior Stefan Petrovic definitely has his future in mind, and in August he will be attending Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.
After applying for KU honors, Minnesota honors and Harvard through the early action program, all three schools accepted Petrovic, but Harvard was the first to accept him.
“I actually wasn’t there [when he was accepted], but he was really happy afterwards,” Stefan’s younger sister Vera said.
Petrovic describes his recent visit to Harvard as an amazing experience.
He explored the campus, attending a variety of club meetings and orientations to get a feel for college life. His excitement only grew as he continued to become involved.
“I’m excited to start,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to my time there, but obviously it has nothing on Lawrence High.”
At Lawrence High, Petrovic took part in debate and forensics, student council, and geography club. Recently, he took second at the state forensics tournament for international extemporaneous speaking and exceeded the former previous record for National Forensics League points at LHS.
“Like any teen, he has matured,” debate coach Jeff Plinsky said. “He was always smart, but what has developed is his gravitas and charisma. He has become a more complete competitor, and a more compelling speaker. In addition, his knowledge base has expanded dramatically, as happens with most teens. When you put all of those things together, he has become an exceptional young man.”
In addition to debate and forensics, Petrovic has been involved in student council for four years. His natural ability for leadership landed him the position of student body president.
Rounding out his resume, Petrovic is also the president of the LHS chapter of the National Honor Society.
“His work ethic and excellence in performance have shown younger students what is possible,” Plinsky said. “Once they see it, and emulate it, the entire program gets better.”
