Olympic Heights valedictorian a success in school, business
While in seventh grade, James Fryer started a sneaker company that continues to operate successfully today. He sources, purchases and sells high-end, in-demand sneakers.
“I operate through virtual stores, trade shows, social media and networking,” said Fryer, Olympic Heights’ valedictorian. “I have many clients, including a large international base in the Far East.”
Fryer’s career goals are to become a successful businessman who strongly incorporates ethics in his profession.
For now, he’s preparing for his freshman year this fall at the University of Michigan, where he plans to enter the Ross School of Business, and eventually earn a Bachelor of Business Administration.
“I strongly believe in setting goals and working hard to achieve them,” said Fryer, 18. “It’s worth it to put in the extra effort.”
The Boca Raton resident certainly went the extra mile at Olympic Heights. As a Lion, he earned a 4.0 GPA (5.2 weighted) to rank first out of 500 students.
He took 12 Advanced Placement classes, four Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education classes and was a four-year student in the Finance Academy.
■ Awards included: National AP Scholar with Distinction, AP U.S. History student of the year, Accounting (Future Business Leaders of America) and Pathfinder Business. He also earned Student of the Year Awards in math, AP World History and AP Comparative Government.
Fryer sought experience in business wherever and whenever he could. In the summer of 2017, he secured an internship at an insurance brokerage. There, he analyzed spreadsheets, handled client intake and created proposals with CRQS (client ready quote system) for insurance premiums and benefits comparison.
As far as community service, he volunteered as a mentor and coach for a boy on the autism spectrum once a week through Tops Soccer. He also volunteered at the Special Olympics and for the Elite Writers Club, where he worked with the English Department at Olympic Heights to assist in tutoring students who needed extra help.
His passion for soccer extended far beyond helping others. He played varsity soccer for Olympic Heights, sophomore through senior year, and was team captain as a senior. He learned a lot of lessons about teamwork and working toward a common goal playing his favorite sport.
In addition to his coaches, classmates and teachers, Fryer credits his parents, Michael and Nicole, and his sister, Saffron, for pushing him to become valedictorian.
“I’m grateful for the strong and unwavering support I received from family, teachers and friends,” Fryer said.