Seth Mayhue, Valedictorian

Seth Mayhue is FWCD’s Class of 2023 Valedictorian. He will attend Texas A&M University, where he plans to major in computer science. “I look forward to exploring the different facets of computer science and know that, throughout my career, I will continue learning and continue improving because of how rapidly technology changes,” he said.

An FWCD Malone Scholar and National Merit Scholar, Mayhue joined the Falcon family as a fifth-grader. Since then, he has distinguished himself as a hard-working, engaged and compassionate student who thrives as he learns and is committed to fostering relationships with classmates, peers and teachers. 

His academic courseload this year reflected that of a young intellectual pursuing excellence and included AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, Data Structures, AP Comparative Government, Music History (first semester), and AP Macroeconomics (second semester). His goal this year was to enroll in courses that interested and challenged him instead of creating a schedule to impress others. Over the course of his Upper School years, Mayhue completed seven of FWCD’s 11 Honors courses and nine AP courses. As a result of his dedication to his studies, he was inducted into Cum Laude Society as a junior. 

Mayhue’s classmates know him for his dry sense of humor and his ability to bring people together. He is as comfortable in a large group as he is behind his computer working through code or playing the saxophone, which he did as a member of the FWCD band until sophomore year. To keep his passion for music alive, he plays saxophone with friends at Studio C Dance and recently formed a band called Unexpected Guest, where he plays bass guitar. A role model and mentor to many, Mayhue is a two-year Link Crew Leader, a prestigious role in the Upper School that requires an application and interview for selection. In this position, Mayhue works with a faculty member to teach a variety of freshman programs, including the ins and outs of the Upper School, social media wellness and conflict management, among others. “I remember coming in as a freshman and seeing all the Link Crew Leaders,” Mayhue said. “They were truly inspiring … to see them taking time out of their schedule to make sure we are cared for and understand how high school works inspired me to join.” 

A gifted writer, Mayhue was honored with the Senior English Award. He has shared his insights as a Writing Center Volunteer for the past two years, reading and discussing papers and providing feedback and constructive criticism to improve writing skills. His gift transcends English: Mayhue is passionate about French and earned a Société Honoraire de Français Creative Writing Award as a freshman. The submission was published in the spring Élan magazine. He also was a member of the White Whale Reading Club and the Diplomacy Club. 

Promoting a sense of belonging is important to Mayhue. He has been involved with Fort Worth Sister Cities for many years, serving on its Youth Board and as a member at large. He also participated in the Sister Cities International Leadership Academy. This year over spring break, he traveled to Italy with other FWCD students who traced the impact of Roman civilization from its beginnings. He visited the excavated ruins of first‐century Pompeii, the Colosseum, the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, and experienced a first‐of‐its‐kind virtual reality reconstruction of Nero’s Palace, the Domus Aurea. 

Middle School is near and dear to Mayhue’s heart. “The trips to Sky Ranch, Austin, Vicksburg and Big Bend are great memories,” he said. Some of Mayhue’s fondest Upper School memories include the faculty. “The teachers in high school care so much about your well-being and your work and really push you to be your best,” he said. Falcon football games top the list as well. “Almost the entire grade showed up to each one, and it was a ton of fun to support my peers and school,” he said. Mayhue’s FWCD takeaway: My biggest takeaway … is simply that my connections in high school don’t have to end,” he said. “Seeing alumni visit the School this year has made me realize just how strong the Falcon connection truly is.”