Trinity grad headed to Princeton

Ivy League schools are among the most competitive universities in the country. With Princeton University accepting less than 7 percent of their applicants, it is almost unheard-of for a local student to be accepted. Recent Trinity High School graduate Zachary Dinch, though, made the cut.
“There are a number of reasons why Princeton proved the best fit for me. It has an incredibly ambitious study abroad program, which means I’ll have the option of spending a semester at places like Oxford, Zurich or Budapest. Its student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1 means that I’ll have the opportunity to work closely alongside some of the smartest people in the world – Nobel Prize laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners,” Dinch said. “The fact that my family is expected to pay the school less than $200 per year doesn’t hurt either!”
With planning to earn a bachelor’s of science degree in computer science, Dinch recognizes how many teachers have made an impact on his exceptional accomplishment.
“The teacher who has made the largest impact on me is undoubtedly Mrs. (Alyssa) Cotton. Long story short, I’m only able to do what I do through her continued support. It’s because of her that I’m majoring in computer science, that I’m a valedictorian of the Class of 2018 and that I’m going to Princeton; without her, I wouldn’t have had the courage to even apply,” he said. “She’s completely changed my life, encouraging me to be the best possible version of myself, and I’ll be forever grateful for the unrivaled compassion she’s showed me over the last two years.”
While Dinch has been influenced by Cotton, he has also made a mark on her as well.
“As a teacher, you try to motivate all of your students daily. You remind them that the results they achieve are a reflection of the work they put in. Zach worked incredibly hard in my classes and deserves all the success he’s achieved. When you have a student show you that they are willing to work hard, you would break your back to get them every opportunity you could,” Cotton said. “I am so proud of Zach and I wish him all the best.”
As involved as he has been in academics, Dinch still managed to derive enjoyable memories.
When asked to pick his favorite class, Dinch said, “I might have to pick Mrs. (Melanie) Rush’s honors chemistry class. In the name of fun, we put that poor woman through an ungodly amount of torment … accidentally breaking all of the glassware, ignoring all of the proper safety procedures because we’re idiot teenagers … Good times!”
Excited to start his next path in life, Zach is thrilled to meet new people and also study with the brightest minds across the country.
His positive attitude made him a role model to many in Trinity.
His sister, Brianna Dinch, said, “I am so proud of my brother and all that he has accomplished.”
Dinch eagerly gives advice to underclassmen.
“High school is what you make of it. It’s up to you to make every day count. Not only should you push yourself academically, but become an active member of the community – join clubs/teams, go to the sporting events, be a friendly face,” he said. “Absolutely take the time to get to know your teachers as well. Trinity is blessed with an amazing faculty that is here only to help you succeed. My teachers are some of the most important people in my life, and I honestly don’t know who I’d be without them.”
Mackenzie Marino is Opinion Editor for the Trinity High School Hiller newspaper.