BETHEL — Adam Mahar and Emily Bellinger, valedictorian and salutatorian for the Telstar High School Class of 2012, both work hard and like to write novels.

In addition to their many school-related activities over the years, both have also taken part in National Novel Writing Month in November. At that time, they write 50,000-word novels. Mahar’s last one was about taking over the government, while Bellinger’s told a story about Poland during World War II.

“You can watch peoples’ progress with their writing. It’s fun,” Bellinger said.

Mahar also enjoys the challenge and gets lots of writing ideas from the website.

Prizes aren’t awarded, they said. Novel writing is just a fun thing to do.

Finding the time must be a challenge for both young people. They are involved in a multitude of school activities.

For Bellinger, who has had to work harder than some because of her visual impairment, music is her first love.

She plans to attend Nyack College in New York to study music education.

She is in the high school chorus, the band where she plays flute, drama club and participated in the Allstate Festival Chorus. She also portrayed “Sandy” in the school’s recent musical, “Grease.”

When she’s not playing an instrument or singing, Bellinger serves on the Student Council, is a member of the National Honor Society, and serves in children’s ministry at Bethel Alliance Church.

She is the daughter of Kevin and Nancy Bellinger of Bethel.

Mahar wants to be a history professor. He plans to attend Cornell University in the fall.

“I enjoy the breadth of history and the stories are fascinating,” he said.

He participates in cross-country running and skiing, track and field, the National Honor Society, the student council, and the Future Business Leaders of America.

Mahar credits the almost private school atmosphere of Andover Elementary School where students often receive one-on-one instruction with enforcing his academic achievements.

He is the son of Anne Marie and Joseph Mahar of Andover.

Both Mahar and Bellinger also thank Telstar history teacher, William Morton, with helping to further instill a sense of hard work in them.

“He has very high expectations and cares about his students,” Bellinger said.

Both students also have an innate desire to do well.

Mahar said putting school work first is how people can get somewhere in the world.

“It’s how to get to the next level. Dedication pays off. My goal was to be at the top of the class,” he said.

Bellinger likes to learn.

“I enjoy reading and getting things done. I’ve had my goals for a while and knew I wanted to be in music and had to work hard,” she said.

Telstar’s seniors graduate at 7 p.m., Friday, June 8 at the high school.

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