Meet Alexander Testino â¦
School: Delaware Valley High School
Parents: Anthony and Linda Testino
Plans: To attend the University of Pennsylvania and major in biochemistry with a minor in music.
Focus and ambition drive Alexander Testino's success.
"They are two things that no one can be successful without," said Alexander, who recognizes those two words as his philosophy on life.
Alexander focuses on many things, including his music. An All-State Oboist for the last two years, he competed in the PMEA musical circuit and participated in the Delaware Water Gap COTA Cats Jazz ensemble on tenor saxophone. His participation helped him receive the Ralph Hughes Memorial Scholarship for high academic standing within the band. Alexander also plays flute for various school ensembles and steps outside of the woodwind family to play the violin.
Alexander has consistently been top of his class, currently holding the number one position.
"(He) is one of the most diligent, well-rounded and competent individuals I have had the pleasure to work with during my 28 years at his high school," said John A. Tucker, Delaware Valley's counseling department chairman. "He simply loves to learn, and his enthusiasm to succeed and better himself is an attitude that has been an example for all of our students."
Named Student of the Month multiple times, Alexander is the National Honor Society vice president, and is a member of Student Council and the Junior Historians. Alexander was selected as a Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership ambassador to the 2011 HOBY leadership conference.
He volunteers at the Salvation Army Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and at local senior citizens and veterans dinner. He also helps out with the United Way.
His parents guided his success. "While it sounds a little cliche, both of them have given up a lot (social lives, sleep, sanity) for my siblings and I," he said. "Without their support I would not have been as successful as I have been."
While majoring in biochemistry at Penn, Alexander also plans to take on music as a minor. With hopes that a biochemistry major will lead him into the medical field, in 15 years Alexander said he could see himself finished with school and working on a residency.
"I do not know exactly where I will end up," he said. "I like to think I will go with any opportunities that arise."