Editor’s Note: This is the last in a series of stories on the 2014 valedictorians from each of Suffolk’s five high schools.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s 2014 valedictorian says he wants to be at the forefront of the next technological frontier.

John Hogan learned he is NSA’s top student on Tuesday. “I was pretty excited, because it’s definitely been something that my parents (Chris and Angela Hogan) have pushed for,” he said.

Hogan said he was especially happy with the result given his friendly competition with NSA’s salutatorian, Benjamin Wilson.

“We were pretty close, from what I know,” Hogan said. “We definitely joked about it all the time. It was a cool way to bond.”

Math has been his favorite subject throughout school, Hogan said, adding, “I really enjoyed my physics class — it taught me to look at the world in a different perspective. It opened my eyes to the world in a different way.”

In the fall, Hogan will begin studying engineering at the University of Virginia. He said he hopes to concentrate on mechanical engineering.

“I have always felt that I have been more toward engineering, even when I was young,” he said.

Hogan said he decided to pursue a career in engineering after attending the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Students summer camp last year, which connects students with NASA engineers and scientists.

“I got to talk to different people who work at NASA, and it opened my eyes to how diverse engineers can be,” he said.

Asked about his ultimate career goal, Hogan said, “I do know that I want to try to make something that changes the face of how we see modern technology.”

Hogan says he sees great benefits in technological advancement. “We can preserve what we have and still advance ourselves into the future,” he said.

Hogan has attended NSA since the sixth grade. He has played soccer and basketball throughout high school, joined the track team last year, and has captained all three.

He has been involved in the marching, concert and jazz bands, playing first trumpet and leading his section in the marching band.

“I have really tried to get involved in as many organizations as I could so I could express my talents,” Hogan said.

Hogan said his parents were “ecstatic” with his being named valedictorian. “They have been really supportive of me, telling me, ‘Stick with it and do the best in everything that you do,’” he said.

“I have tried to live by doing that, essentially.”