Every school year, students work tirelessly to perform their best. Paying attention in class, studying outside of school and turning in work on time are all examples of what students practice to achieve academic success. The Principal Awards Breakfast, which was hosted May 22, invited students who achieved 4.0 GPA’s, National Merit Honors or IB Diplomas to enjoy a meal before school. According to LaNisha Paddock, Park hosted the annual event in order to recognize students’ efforts.
“It’s always a very joyous occasion when we celebrate the academic excellence of our students. The students have worked exceptionally hard. It’s hard to get a 4.0, earn National Merit Honors or even take that IB diploma track,” Paddock said. “It’s just about celebrating the hard work that students have put in to receive the academic awards.”
Senior John Tuite said he has felt pressure throughout high school to perform highly, mainly because of the self motivation he holds himself to.
“(I have felt pressure) mainly because it’s pressure I put on myself. I have been taking harder honors level classes the entire time, so that makes it more difficult. I really want to be the best for myself and want to prove that I can maintain quasi perfection or something.”
Senior Elena Colacci said although she did not maintain a 4.0 GPA, because of a lower grade she could achieve a better mindset about her education and doing well.
“Before I lost my 4.0 I did experience a lot of pressure. I got an A minus in sophomore year, but honestly after that it was kind of a big relief,” Colacci said. “I could just focus on doing well and not on a particular number.”
Paddock said her best piece of advice for high school students would be finding a passion to focus on and then translate it into future post-secondary education and careers.
“Looking back to my high school days, I would say find a pathway you love. We offer so many pathways in high school, and if you really love what you’re studying, that is a way to really engage deeply in your learning,” Paddock said. “Also explore your options because it’ll give you a better idea of what you want to do post secondary.”
According to Tuite, he maintained a high GPA in order to display his strengths to colleges and universities he was applying to.
“I really did want to at least show a post-secondary institution with my GPA that I’m a very motivated student,” Tuite said. “I’m someone who’s gonna work very hard on whatever I end up doing at that specific college or university.”
Colacci said her academics in high school have gone relatively smoothly because at the end of the day, she really likes to learn and holds herself to a certain standard.
“Honestly I really like to learn, I am someone who generally enjoys school, even if I don’t like doing all of the assignments,” Colacci said. “I recognize the value in the majority of them so I’m sort of self motivated to do them. I just want to keep up a certain standard for myself.”
