Lukose will attend Florida A&M University in the fall.
Where are you going to college and what will your major be?
I’m going to Florida A&M University and I’ll major in chemistry.
What about college are you most excited for?
I think I’m more excited, at least in the first year, about more time. More free time and a more relaxed setting than this.
When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?
In IB, they don’t really tell you what your rank is until your senior year. It’s kind of a secret. I had a feeling that I would be salutatorian second semester (of senior year)…but I ultimately found out at the top 10 breakfast. I wasn’t that surprised, but it felt really nice.
What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?
I took summer classes at HCC. That was mainly what I did. I didn’t have time to take extra AP courses. I did chorus all four years.
What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?
I would say don’t stress too much. You should probably spread the workload over the four years, maybe start early and take classes in the summer. If you take classes during the school year — especially during junior year, second semester — it’s really tough. That’s when IB gets really tough. Take more when you’re in ninth and 10th grade because it’ll be easier to balance with IB.
What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?
I wish I knew that it was gonna be really tough. I should have enjoyed my time in middle school more and, like, savored that time.
What was your favorite moment of high school?
I think, in general, gaining all my friends. In IB, there’s only 97 of us and it’s pretty close-knit. Also gaining knowledge, those “a-ha!” moments are always great. Especially ones you share with your friends.
How are you going to spend this summer?
I’m not going to take any summer classes, finally. I’m gonna maybe get a summer job and relax.
What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?
Like Kim said, Mr. H, his entire dogma. He’s one to actually prioritize our health. In the beginning, ninth and 10th grade, we had a reputation like we weren’t as smart as other classes. When he realized it, he defended us against the other teachers. It was really nice to feel appreciated.
What do you hope to do in life after college?
I hope to become a physician. I am going to be in a med program, four years at FAMU and four years at FAU. I’m not sure if I’ll get my M.D. or my Ph.D, but I hope to become a doctor and help people.
