If I remember right- you were the high school age fella from my neck o' the woods?
If so- a four month thru isn't outta the question for you. (June, July, Aug, Sept.) if that's what you want..
You're too young to drink at the bar- and not interested IIRC- so you won't get bogged down in towns.
You'll miss the spring slog through snow and frequent zeros, you'll move slower getting started, but nowhere near as slow as a typical NOBO.
When you do catch up with folks, they'll be the ones interested in hiking, not so much in partying and you'll make better friends.
Being young, you'll get your trail legs quick enough most likely. 2 MPH for 10 hours is 20 a day.
A plus and minus- you'll feel a bit rushed/pressed to catch up. That'll keep you motivated to move, but the feeling of being in a hurry could take away from the trip.
All that said- it's up to you. I agree with the others on a flip flop if you don't want to push it, but I think you could start as far south as Damascus and still have a good trip and easy to reach spot to finish.
The good news- there is no bad option