COURTNEY COLLINS 

Climbing for Success

Seniors reflect on the journey to being a valedictorian

 

    From taking challenging classes to being involved in a handful of extracurriculars and clubs, this year’s 8 valedictorians were well deserving of the prestigious title. Their dedication and commitment shown throughout their four years of high school was seen by their peers and teachers as they worked toward meeting the specific criteria.

    In order to achieve this, students had to take four weighted classes freshman and senior year, then five weighted classes their junior and senior year, while receiving no less than 93 percent in each course they were enrolled in.

    Coming into high school, Joshua Woodman (12) knew this was something he would work toward, among other ambitions. He hoped to invest in not only his academic life, but also in the lives of those around him.

“Besides being a valedictorian, I wanted to make a difference and try to make good friends, and be there for my friends,” Woodman said. “I know that sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the academic and competitive sides, but I’ve done the best I can and grown really close to a lot of people, and I’m glad for those friends that I had and the relationships I made.”

Being involved in several extracurriculars such as Science Olympiad, Social Dance Club, Boys Service Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society (NHS), Woodman had to learn how to time-manage everything so that he would stay on track to being a valedictorian. He offered a piece of advice for juggling all of this.

“Set your goals and then focus on achieving them,” Woodman said. “If you want to be a valedictorian or you’re on track, figure out a system or plan to help you stay organized with stuff that’s going to be due. Don’t procrastinate, because you need sleep.”

Also having the aspiration to excel in various areas at Glendale, valedictorian Alexys Carroll (12) had numerous involvements during high school. She was president of Girls Service Society, a varsity tennis player every year, and a member of NHS, World Language Club and FBLA. She reflected on achieving her goal of being a valedictorian and what all of her achievements meant to her.

“It’s the reward after all of the hard work I put in over the last four years,” Carroll said. “It’s kind of like the validation that I did work hard and there’s a reward, and something that I could get out of it.”

    Taking her achievements from high school into the future, Carroll was hopeful about the new challenges and opportunities that awaited her. Besides being a valedictorian, she explained how other factors could play a role in the success of a student.

“There’s a lot of kids that aren’t valedictorians but have the same qualities,” Carroll said. “I think that being dedicated, working hard and taking it upon yourself to do things will help shape a person’s future and provide opportunities during college and after.”

    This year’s valedictorians were capable of meeting any challenge they came across, revealing their dedication and worthiness of the title. Their commitment maintained throughout high school would carry with them into their bright futures.