Union Local’s Elsa Bretz achieves highest GPA in school history, sets sights on attending Brown
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MORRISTOWN -- It's by no means hyperbole to say that Elsa Bretz is one of the smartest people to ever graduate from Union Local High School.
The numbers, accolades and future plans certainly confirm that idea.
Bretz, the daughter of Alan and Susanne Bretz, put the finishing touches on an expedited high school career this spring, completing her coursework at Ohio University Eastern as part of the College Credit Plus program. She was the valedictorian of Union Local's Class of 2020, accumulating an astounding 5.124 grade point average, which is the best in UL's history.
"My GPA is a (result) of pursuing my personal goals and passions," Bretz said. "It also represents my having blazed a new trail in high school education in the Ohio Valley, and I hope that my achievements can inspire young students to follow their own dreams, no matter what they may be."
Adding another bullet point to the list of accomplishments for Bretz is the fact that -- by age -- she should only be completing her junior year of high school. She actually reclassified into the Class of 2020 in the fall of 2017.
"I was able to (reclassify) with the help of my superintendent, Ben Porter," Bretz admitted. "It was at that point I realized that after four years of coursework at OUE, I would have mostly exhausted the courses I wanted to take and be well-equipped to begin applying to the top schools I had my eyes on."
Bretz not only applied to many of the premier academic institutions in the United States. She was accepted into them, too. She received acceptance letters from the likes of Penn and Columbia.
In the end, however, Bretz opted to attend Brown University, which is located in Providence, Rhode Island.
"Last summer, I was fortunate enough to travel the east coast and tour all of the Ivy League schools and Brown was immediately one of my top choices," Bretz said. "They have a very welcoming atmosphere and a great location in a small city."
At Brown, Bretz will study astrophysics. At this point, she plans to continue into graduate school and eventually complete a doctorate in the program with hopes of working as a researcher and educator.
"With a wide range of opportunities at Brown, though, I accept that my interests and plans may change," Bretz said.
"Many would believe that with 122 hours of college credit already earned during her years at OUE that Bretz is already well on her way to completing her degree. Actually, she's starting at square one along with all of the other incoming freshmen at Brown because the university doesn't accept any transfer credits.
"I had never intended for my credits to transfer," Bretz admitted. "I pursued coursework at OUE for high school credit alone, focusing on math and science in order to best prepare myself for my astrophysics degree. The advanced courses I have taken, and the knowledge I have gained, will enable me to test into higher-level courses at Brown right off the bat and study my interests as extensively as possible within my undergraduate degree."
Bretz, who was a consistent member of the Ohio University Dean's List, finished at OUE with a 3.959 grade point average.
Attending OUE, especially as a junior high student, was an adjustment at first, but one that Bretz had no trouble handling.
"Students within the College Credits Plus Program are all viewed and treated as adults," Bretz said.
"Even though my classmates were much older than me, we were still equals. Most people were actually surprised to discover my age. I don't think age should be a barrier for any student who feels they are ready to pursue (College Credit Plus).
Though quite busy in her studies, Bretz was still a visible member of the Union Local High School community. She actually took shop class through the high school this year and was a three-year member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Jets' marching band and also part of Girl Scout Trop 33069. On top of all that, she's a senior dancer at DG Dance Workshop.
"I do not feel like I missed out on anything (by attending OUE)," Bretz admitted. "Especially through marching band, I was able to stay connected with Union Local. The administration and staff was always supportive and kept me in the loop. I went to every football game, Homecoming and Prom with my friends. Pursuing College Credit Plus simply enriched my experience."
Along with receiving the medal as the valedictorian, Bretz also received the Elks Most Valuable Scholarship, the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award, Bob Evans and Wayne White Legacy Scholarship, Albert Christ Foundation Scholarship, Muller Scholarship and the Union Local High School Alumni Scholarship.
"I have always loved school and academics. I have loved learning since kindergarten," Bretz said. "The pursuit of knowledge of my greatest passion, and that's what has driven me in my education so far. I am extremely grateful and I want to show that you can get anywhere you want to go and be anything you want to be with the resources that are here in Belmont County."