Palm Beach Central valedictorian raced to top to study at UF
Being valedictorian wasn’t on Jacob Fingeret’s radar when he started at Palm Beach Central High School.
But a friendly rivalry with a pal, as well as a burning determination to get into the University of Florida, sparked his top scholastic school ranking.
“My buddy Ian Mutschler and I wanted to avoid senioritis. We didn’t want to slack off as we got closer to graduation. So we competed with each other for grades,” said the 17-year-old Wellington resident.
>>VALEDICTORIANS: Learn about other students who are at the top of their class
Fingeret, whose GPA is 4.0 and HPA is 5.48, remembers the exact moment he learned he was accepted into UF. He was volunteering as a DJ at a dance marathon in the cafeteria at Central High to raise money for UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
“It was 5:30 p.m. on February 28. It was a great day. We raised about $113,000,” said Fingeret.
Attending medical school is Fingeret’s goal. He wants to specialize in radiology and oncology.
While neither of Fingeret’s parents – both UF grads – are in medicine, Fingeret has an aunt, uncle and grandfather who are doctors. Their influence is partly the reason for his career choice.
But a bigger factor was a serious injury his brother Ryan, 15, endured last fall while playing soccer. Ryan dislocated his left knee and had a circulation blockage in his pulmonary artery. After having metal rods implanted and since removed in his knee, Ryan is recovering well.
“I want to do my part and be able to help someone like Ryan run again,” said Fingeret.
A lifelong Palm Beach County resident, Fingeret is looking forward to living in a part of Florida with a different culture and climate. He’ll use the same determination that made him a top scholar at Central High to meet the high standards at UF.
“I never sign up for anything easy. I’m stubborn. When I go after something, I’m determined to get it,” said Fingeret, who has not received a grade less than a B since fourth grade.
That determination helped him this year when he went out for water polo – a sport known for grueling training and below-the-water ferocity.
“It was brutal. I played goalie. I cramped up in both legs. But I stuck it out,” said Fingeret, who was nominated for the 2020 Pathfinders of Palm Beach/Martin County Scholarship Fund.
Besides attending his parents’ alma mater, there’s another advantage to going to school in Gainesville.
Fingeret’s pal Ian was accepted to the honors college at Florida State University in Tallahassee, a two-hour drive from Gainesville. Ian, who wants to be a heart surgeon, is salutatorian at Central High.
“Ian and I have been friends since fourth grade. We’ll stay in touch. He’s a New York Jets fan. I’m a Miami Dolphins fan. We always argue about who has the worst team,” said Fingeret.
Q&A
How do you feel about spending your last days of high school isolated from friends because of the coronavirus?
It is a historic time; and as much as this is not how any of us planned to spend our senior year, it is needed to help the world get back to normal. Even though this was supposed to be a great year, it is just the start of our lives and I am excited for the future.
How do you feel about your graduation ceremony possibly being canceled because of the virus?
We may never meet in person for graduation, but I am sure we will do something knowing the students and staff of Palm Beach Central. Whether it is virtual or a video or something.
Who is your hero?
My mom. She taught me that education can take you anywhere in life and should be done to the best of your ability.
What is your favorite movie?
I love movies so I can't say I have a favorite, but I am a fan of “Spaceballs” because it was a funny movie that I watched with my family.
What are your hobbies?
I watch movies, (play) soccer and try to maintain a social life.
What do you do to get away or take a break?
I play soccer, literally run, work out, listen to podcasts.
Favorite book and why?
“The Day Before Midnight” by Stephen Hunter, because I started reading and then the next time I looked at the clock it was 4 in the morning and I had almost finished the book.
If you could meet any person in history, who would it be and why?
Elon Musk, because he is a man that has balanced and done so much in his life and wants to get to Mars and live there. I would love to talk to him about how he succeeded and maybe get on that list to go to Mars.
Most cherished memory?
The time I went to a Miami Dolphins game and my stepdad called the winning play. It was a punt block that caused a safety and won the game.
Best advice you ever received?
If you are going to do something give it everything you have, and everything in moderation.