Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Eastside High School's 2009 valedictorian Leaha Wynn has big plans this summer - she's preparing for a move to Harvard University.

But instead of being nervous about heading off to a totally new experience, attending Harvard is almost a homecoming.

"I'm originally from New Jersey, so I'm used to the cold weather," said Wynn, 17, daughter of Daphene Gittens of Covington. "I'm looking forward to enjoying the snow, rather than having to shovel it."

Although it is relatively rare for local students to attend Harvard, Wynn aimed to achieve something different from her peers.

"I said, 'I'm going to try,'" she said. "I was pleasantly surprised (to find out I got accepted)."

She even got a university scholarship at the school.

While at Harvard, she plans to study classics and voice and eventually head to law school. She wants to practice law or have a performing career, which she pointed out having a law background could help with understanding contracts.

She said Harvard is a place that will allow her to mix both her love of Latin and classics and performance.

"They have a great language program and wonderful a cappella groups," said Wynn, who's been involved in the Latin club and show choir while at Eastside. "The a cappella groups are so amazing ... one of them made me want to cry."

This summer, she plans to attend a National Latin Convention in California before she heads to Massachusetts for orientation.

Michelle Floyd can be reached at michelle.floyd@newtoncitizen.com.