May 27, 2020 // Uncategorized

Bishop Dwenger High School — Valedictorian David LaMaster

Todays Catholic

David LaMaster

The development of a strong spiritual life is one of the blessings of attending a Catholic high school like Bishop Dwenger, an opportunity for which valedictorian David LaMaster is deeply grateful.

“Dwenger has not only given me a top-notch education, but it has also gifted me with a chance to experience my faith from a new dimension,” he said. “Every semester, I was shown a different angle of Fort Wayne through service in the city. Whether it was at Community Harvest Food Bank or Franke Park, I was able to help those who were not as lucky as I have been. Dwenger has inspired me to put my faith into action, and even now they are setting a fantastic example in the city of Fort Wayne by conducting coronavirus testing in their parking lot.

“Even when there is no school in session, they serve as an example of what it is like to show your faith to the world.”

The St. Jude School graduate and parishioner has been a Scout since first grade. Last year, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. LaMaster has been captain of Bishop Dwenger’s math academic team for the last two years, having been a member throughout all of high school. Last year, the team placed fifth at the state competition.

He has enjoyed membership in National Honor Society for two years and was elected president of National Honor Society this year. He has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America since his sophomore year; he is also a senior editor in the Newspaper Club, in which he has participated since his junior year, and in his senior year was vice president of the Spanish Club, in which he was also participating for the second year. Outside of school, LaMaster is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council, and he has been an Euell A. Wilson Community Center tutor for four years.

The formals he attended and “Junior Day” were memorable events of LaMaster’s high school experience. “Now that I’m in quarantine, though, the things I miss the most about high school are just the day-to-day classes. I really have loved all of my classes at Dwenger, as each one was a fantastic opportunity to spend time with my friends.

“While I may be valedictorian, that did not stop me from having as much fun as possible during school. The most memorable moments that I have are the ones made with friends during classes,” he added.

LaMaster will graduate with a 4.517 GPA, landing him first out of 252 students. He plans to attend the University of Notre Dame this fall to major in economics.

Among his hobbies, LaMaster loves to go biking, skiing, and hiking. “I enjoy seeing different parts of the world, and I can’t wait for the next part of my life where I am able to explore. I find any outdoor activity to be lots of fun, so I hope I can study abroad in a foreign country throughout my years of college to come.”