Andre Carter doesn’t just walk the halls of Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social Justice. He sets the tone.
Ranked number one in his class with a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA, Andre has shown that excellence is not an accident, but a daily decision. Whether he is solving complex problems in class, leading his peers, or locking in on the court, Andre brings the same quiet intensity and focus to everything he does.
In the classroom, Andre is a standout scholar and a model of consistency. As a dual enrollment student at La Salle University, he is already thriving in college-level coursework, where he also holds a 4.0 GPA. His math teacher and Senior of the Month nominator, Derek Oh, describes him as the kind of student who doesn’t just complete assignments, he masters them.
Mr. Oh recalls a moment in geometry when Andre earned a low 90 on a test. While most students would have been satisfied, Andre was not. That score lit a fire in him. For the rest of the year, he made it his mission to score 100 on every test. And he did.
That is who Andre is: once he sets his mind to something, he follows through. Every time.
Outside the classroom, Andre is just as driven and just as impressive. This season, he will complete his fourth year as a varsity basketball player and serve as captain of the team. His journey on the court mirrors his journey in the classroom. As a freshman, he made the varsity team but saw limited playing time. Instead of complaining, he went to work. He trained during the season and in the off-season, sharpening his skills, improving his game, and studying what it means to be a leader. By his junior year, he had earned a starting spot and was playing significant minutes. Now, as a senior, his role is expected to grow even more, not just as a player, but as the steady, respected voice of his team.
Andre’s leadership stretches far beyond sports. He serves as a leader in Next Man Up, an organization created by former Philadelphia Eagle Rodney McLeod that focuses on developing young men in leadership, mentorship, literacy, healthy lifestyles, and community enrichment. In that space, Andre is not just a participant; he is an example. Younger students look up to him because they see someone who is disciplined, humble, and focused on his future.
He also serves his school community as the student body treasurer, a role that reflects the trust his peers and staff place in him. Whether he is managing responsibilities for student government, representing his school in the community, or lifting up those around him, Andre shows up with integrity and maturity beyond his years.
Mr. Oh summed it up this way: “Andre has the perfect combination of ability and drive. I have never met another student more driven than Andre. I’ve taught for over 20 years, and once he sets his mind on accomplishing something, he gets it done.” He has seen this in the classroom and on the court, watching Andre grow from a little-used freshman on varsity into a starting junior who played significant minutes. This year, his impact is expected to be even greater.
For his academic excellence, his leadership, his work ethic, and his heart for others, Parkway Northwest proudly celebrates Andre Carter as Senior of the Month.
We asked Andre our favorite list of questions:
Why do you think you were nominated as Senior of the Month? I think I was nominated because of my drive for success and my passion for helping the people around me. Constantly moving even when I feel like giving up, lifting others up even when I feel down, and getting involved in stuff that I don’t even think I could do.
You were nominated by Math Teacher, Derek Oh. Explain your relationship to him? Explain their role in your experience at your school. I was nominated by Mr. Oh. He was my 10th-grade geometry teacher and is my current basketball coach for the Parkway Northwest varsity basketball team. To me, he is like a well-rounded mentor who gives thoughtful advice on anything I try to pursue. He looks out for me, not only on the floor, but in life itself, because that’s what matters most.
What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you? I love to fail. I say this because when I fail, I learn new things, and it just makes me grow stronger physically and mentally. People see all the things I achieve but never know how many times I’ve failed to get there, so that’s why I love it.
What do you enjoy most when you are not at school? I enjoy working out, playing basketball, playing the piano, and drums. It keeps my mind active, and it allows me to focus on things other than school.
What is the best thing about attending school at Edison High? I picked Parkway Northwest because it was very close to home. The best thing about attending Parkway is the community. Everyone is so welcoming and connected with each other to the point where it feels like we are all family.
What is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to students? Improve emotional support in most schools. I think this will benefit the students in the long run because their mental well-being is the most valuable part of their learning journey throughout high school.
Andre, we are so excited for you – best of luck in the college and career of your dreams!