A Valedictorian is an honored title, often accompanied by an award and recognition, to high school students who give the final farewell speech upon graduating from four years of hard work.

Almost always, the Valedictorian achieves the highest cumulative grade point average out of the entire student body.

Nicole Manosh, Valedictorian of Class of 2012 here at John I. Leonard says, “It feels great to be Valedictorian. I feel like all my hard work and dedication over these past four years has finally paid off. To me, being Valedictorian is such an honor, it’s nice for people like me who enjoy school and excel at it to also be honored and recognized in some sort of way.”

To be Valedictorian, one has to achieve the highest grades in the hardest courses at school, like AP, dual enrollment, or honor courses. The class Valedictorian is simply decided by the highest HPA.

“In the fall I’m going to be attending the University of Florida to study neurobiological science, and in the future I hope to become a neurosurgeon,” said Manosh.

As the year of 2012 seemed to pass by quickly, seniors made hard decisions whether it was what college they would be attending, or getting jobs, or even what the future has in store for them after high school.

This is the new beginning of freedom, independence, and new adventures.  Congratulations to Nicole and the entire class of 2012.