the excitement of high school graduations.
The valedictorian, salutatorian and the top ten are the highest academic achievements for high school students.
“Most students do not come into the ninth grade thinking about how to be in the top ten or wanting to be the Valedictorian. Those that do perform above average are doing so more out of self motivation and they enjoy that success,” said Craig Garrison, Vice Principle of Saipan Southern High School.
“There is no, ‘race’ to see who will be in the top ten. When they are a senior and they think they are close to the top, they may start to ask how close and or what can they do to get a higher ranking but they know this information is not released to them so they just continue to try and do the best they can and this is why it is such a good feeling to leave the school with a top ten designation,” he said.
As freshman year starts out for students throughout junior year, they work through high school with a good academic record. When senior year starts to roll around the corner, students then know of their ranking and then the fun starts.
MV Teen chose Saipan Southern High School and Saipan International School to share the students’ perspective about the journey to their academic achievements.
“Katy and I both took extra Advanced Placement courses in our junior year. I took the courses because the subject matter one of which European History interested me. And besides that, I wanted to challenge myself enough that college would not be as much of an adjustment,” said Caroline Leigh Lochabay, co-valedictorian of Saipan International School.
“Education is learning from someone or teaching oneself how the world works, whether it be from a scientific, historical, philosophical or artistic perspective. It is a gift that can be given from either a teacher or simply life itself,” she said.
The names of the honor students from Saipan Southern High School were held upon request as the public school will not announce their names until the graduation ceremony this Saturday.
“Everything was worth it because it’s a good feeling. As for regrets, maybe, because I missed some family meetings and or church,” said one SSHS student.
Though the other SSHS student has no regrets. “It was completely worth it. Though, I would have been involved in more organizing of events or clubs. With my social life, I do a lot of self-evaluation on the benefits and the consequences,” the student said.
Most of the students agreed that their parents support allowed them to achieve their personal best.
“My parents and I don’t have specific agreements. All my parents really ask is that I work as hard as I can in school, and as long as I do that, they deem that I am doing well enough. They pretty much trust me and don’t bother me as far as my social life is concerned,” said SIS co-valedictorian Kathleen Johnson.
“My parents are fantastic. They trust me to make the right decisions. Knowing that they have taught me enough for me to be able to discern the consequences of unwise choices,” said Lochabay.
The SSHS students indicate that their parents trust them as well.
“I make a schedule in my hand book organizer and, really, I have a clear view of what I want to do. I have goals and dreams, therefore I pick activities that help those goals and just realize there shouldn’t be any barriers to your success,” said one SSHS student.
Johnson indicates of how being a valedictorian is a high regard within a student’s academic record. “Everything was all worth it. Being valedictorian of even a class of five students is a huge honor. Additionally, I am now in the running for the CNMI scholarship that is given out each year,” she continues. “Anyone can get good grades, only if they take time to do their homework and study for tests. I just can’t wait for a much more exciting time in my life later, namely college.”
Lochabay says, “Of course anyone could be valedictorian. Any goal can be achieved if the desire is present. It was all definitely worth it. Absolutely no regrets. It’s just, my graduating as a co-valedictorian would have been completely impossible without the support of my parents, David and Latisha, and my teachers, Mr. Keith Tessen and Mrs. Mili Saiki.”
Saipan International School’s graduation for class of 2008 took place at the American Memorial Park Museum Theater last Saturday.
