4-25-2025 4:50am

FRANKLIN SCHOLAR

Hunt Valley Life Staff

Shawn Do, Franklin High School

BCPS schools attended: Glyndon Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, and Franklin High School

Shawn Do

Tell us about a teacher, assignment, field trip, or extracurricular activity that had a significant impact on you?

Right before the pandemic struck, my engineering teacher told us that in the event the school went into lockdown, it would have only been for two weeks. Well, I think it’s safe to say that two weeks was just a teensy bit of an understatement. I, like most of the current graduating class, lost half of my middle school career, and even as most of us began to return to in-person learning in 9th grade, we were all stuck with masks, and I was stuck with a mask and a headband (don’t ask). If the fear of contracting a potentially lethal disease wasn’t enough, I was also pretty timid entering high school. However, as cliche as it is to say (as if talking about the pandemic isn’t cliche enough), it all changed when I saw the mock trial flyers.

I don’t know if it was the persuasion of my friends or my monumental obsession with “Suits” at the time, but I like to think my journey into Mock Trial was not fortuitous.

Mock Trial taught me the basics–teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, adaptability, the legal process, etc., but for me, I think my biggest takeaway was that it taught me community.

Community goes beyond just being teammates. Community is about more than just reaching a common goal; it’s about helping each other reach our own goals as well. Mock Trial helped me grow as a person, both for my own gain and for the gain of those around me. It is because of Mock Trial that I became a better son, brother, nephew, friend, and teammate. I've made so many memories all thanks to my team and my coach. If there's anything I'll miss, it'll be all the times we snuck extra food or played extra games during our downtime between trials. Plus, getting to graduate as a team captain that helped make Franklin history as regional champions and even state semi-finalists is a pretty niche way to pack things up.

What did you accomplish that you are most proud of?

There are a few awards and trophies that I have to be proud about, but I believe my biggest accomplishment in these last four years was learning how to live in the moment. I think the biggest lightbulb moment for me was that instead of wishing for time to go by faster, I found myself praying for it to slow down. For most of us seniors, I think it’s fair to say we spent most of high school just pleading for it to end.

Then, when senior year hits, we realize that we’re not ready to leave, we’re not ready to say goodbye, and yet we watch everyone around us pack their bags for their next adventure.

I’m not going to say I haven’t been looking forward to graduation (trust that I am), but I have gotten a lot better at just immersing myself every moment I can get. To word it in a pseudo-philosophical way, life is like a road trip; you'll get to your destination eventually, but it's the pit stops that make it worth driving for. I certainly haven't mastered the art of not obsessing over the future, but I'm glad senior year has helped me realize it's okay to take a step back and just admire the view.

Young Shawn and current Shawn

What’s next for you?

I plan to major in psychology on a pre-law track. I haven’t committed, but my top choice is the University of Maryland, College Park.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I’d like to say I can see myself going to trial (as an attorney, obviously), maybe running an experiment, or perhaps doing legal research. To be quite frank, I don’t know where I see myself in 10 years. If you had asked me this question five years ago, I probably would have answered with something in the realm of cybersecurity or online programming.

My idea of “future me” has definitely taken many sharp turns in my life, but I think that’s what makes life beautiful; it’s unpredictable.

No matter what may come of the present, we have no way to see into the future, and if we spend too much time dwelling on the past or looking at what’s ahead, we may blindside ourselves to the life in front of us. As I write this, all I know for certain is that I'm going to college to pursue something in the legal field, but once I get there, I think I'll let the wind guide my sails.

Favorite quote

“The problem is that most people spend their lives looking but not truly seeing. You see, but you do not observe.” – Joe Navarro, author, public speaker, and former FBI agent and supervisor

Favorite book

“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote

Favorite movie

“The Lion King” (1994 animated version, not the live action version)

About Shawn

“Shawn Do is a remarkable senior at Franklin High School, whose intelligence, kindness, and friendly demeanor have made a lasting impact on the school community. A dedicated member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Rho Kappa, Shawn has made the most of the academic opportunities available, earning the distinction of Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction for excelling in some of the most rigorous courses Franklin High offers. As the peer tutor coordinator for the National Honor Society, he has shown exceptional leadership skills by supporting and mentoring fellow students.

“In addition to his academic achievements, Shawn has been an active member of the varsity badminton team for three years and a Franklin High Ambassador, welcoming new students and ensuring they feel comfortable in their new environment. He also enjoys giving back to the community through his participation in the Red Cross Club and Kiwanis International.

“His passion for legal studies shines through in his four-year involvement with the Mock Trial team, where he served as both a witness and attorney, even competing in the state semi-finals this year. His aspirations to pursue a career in law are evident in his dedication, time management, and effective communication, all of which make him an invaluable asset to any team. Shawn is a well-rounded, driven individual whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Franklin High.”

Helene Weisman, Grade 12 school counselor