Ben Datsko
Parents: Aimee & Mike Datsko
GPA: 4.2 Favorite Subject: AP Computer Science

Plans after graduation: I will be studying Computer Science at the University of Michigan.

Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society, high school swim team, Link Crew

Outside Interests and Hobbies: Competitive club swimming with Lake Orion Liquid Lightning, coaching swimming, mountain biking, programming, filmmaking

What did you learn about yourself during lockdown? The pandemic helped me realize that it is okay to feel lost sometimes. It also helped me realize how ridiculous hustle culture is, how important it is to build relationships, and how crucial it is to carve out time to call my own so I can recharge my batteries.

How have you grown as an individual during your time at OHS? While at OHS, I feel I witnessed the most development in my social life, as I have been able to (as my previous teachers put it) “come out of my shell,” which I have struggled to do for years.

What change in the world would you make? If I could, I would unify our divided world. Seldom do we listen to what the other side has to say, which only drives us farther apart as a species. Perhaps there is some way to help us realize that we all share a common goal, but approach achieving it differently.

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if the topic at hand isn’t strictly academic. Your teachers and peers are all very knowledgeable people, and I guarantee you each one of them knows at least one thing that you don’t.

My greatest achievement so far has been: My most considerable achievements so far have been becoming an All-State athlete and completing the IB Diploma Program.

I look forward to contributing to my community by: I look forward to contributing to my community by creating software, and other technologies, that not only help make our lives easier, but contribute to making our planet a better place.