Owen Carso, Delaware Valley High School
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
A: In high school, I self-published three novels on Amazon. In the winter of 2024, my school’s drama club performed my first novel as a one-act play, and I got to star in the lead role.
Q: What were your most rewarding school or community activities?
A: The most rewarding school activity for me has been mock trial. The program has steadily improved each year. I was co-president this year, and we won our district for the first time.
Owen Carso (Owen Carso)
Owen Carso (Owen Carso)
Q: What is something you do to relax?
A: To relax, I write fiction. I have always been a writer. After several hours of writing and editing, taking a step back and reading what I’ve written is deeply rewarding.
Q: Plans after high school graduation?
A: Williams College, to major in English. I hope to become a professor of English so I can teach what I’m passionate about and continue to write.
Q: Who do you most admire and why?
A: I admire the writer George Saunders. His short stories are uplifting, and his sense of humor is delightful. I aspire to be both a writer and a professor, just like Saunders. I recently met him at a guest lecture at Wilkes University, and his writing tips were deeply insightful.
Q: What advice do you have for younger students?
A: Read and write. I recently visited the local elementary school and spoke to the fifth grade classes about the importance of these two habits, and I was delighted by their enthusiasm. Hold on to it!
A little about Owen Carso
Hometown: Matamoras
Parents: Brian Carso and Kerry Carso
Some of his honors: National Honor Society; Scholastic Art and Writing awards; multiple district, regional and state band and orchestra qualifications; National Merit Scholarship Program, letter of commendation; AP Scholar with Distinction; College Board National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award; Monroe County Bar Association Mock Trial Invitational Best Attorney; Humanities and Social Sciences Award, Rochester Institute of Technology.
Some of his activities: Drama club, Concert Band, mock trial, school newspaper, Scholastic Bowl, Model United Nations, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, freshman mentor.
Some of his athletics: tennis team.
Some of his community service: food pantry volunteer, tennis camp volunteer.
What his nominator said: “His combination of hard work, humility, and a helpful attitude makes him an outstanding role model for his peers.”