It’s a coveted title – valedictorian.  But how exactly do high schools choose valedictorians? The valedictorian is the student in our class who has the highest GPA, but GPA can be measured on more than one scale. Sahuaro use weighted GPAs, meaning students in higher level classes can earn higher GPAs, the valedictorian is virtually guaranteed to be the student who has earned the highest grades in the most difficult classes. Weighted GPAs are typically measured on a 5-point scale, with a 5.0 being equivalent to an A in an Honors or AP class.We talked with  two of Sahuaro’s top scholars, Nathan Shafer and Marlee Raniere, about what it means to be in the running for valedictorian of the 2017-2018 school year.

Question: What is your current GPA?

Nathan’s Answer: I’m not sure, but I believe it is around 4.3

Marlee’s Answer: 4.375

Q: What did it take to become a top scholar and potential valedictorian? 

Nathan: A lot of long nights.

Marlee: You really have to believe that it’s possible and be okay with being in a constant state of dread.

Q: How does it feel and what does it mean to you?

Nathan: I feel very accomplished with my efforts.

Marlee: At this point I’m kind of over it.

Q: What was the hardest class you have ever taken and why?

Nathan: Both AP Calculus and AP Physics for the in-depth concepts I had to learn.

Marlee: AP Calculus because the curriculum was extremely challenging and it was the first class that required me to push my learning limits to succeed. It was also the first class where A’s had to be earned instead of given out.

Q: Who/what was your biggest inspiration? Who supported you the most?

Nathan: My sisters left big shoes for me to fill, and I did my best to fill them.

Marlee: I had to motivate myself, but my biggest supporters were definitely Mr. Rutherford and Mr. Collingwood who showed me what a challenge looks like.

Q: What advice would you give to a student working to be valedictorian of their senior class?

Nathan: Stick with it and keep working hard.

Marlee: Don’t. But if you’re still going to try, don’t give up.