CHRISTIAN HERRON’S JOURNEY

By D’Aysia Jackson Feature Editor

Senior Valedictorian Christian Herron has worked hard to get where he is today. With a GPA of 4.211, his success is worth acknowledging and praising. The young man is a scholar athlete, and shows great leadership with keeping up on schoolwork while participating in sports at the same time. Herron’s achievements gave him confidence that keeps him motivated and de termined to strive for his goals.

“Being Valedictorian is an amazing feeling, especially since I have set myself to achieve this goal since middle school. It gives me an unimaginable level of confidence that reminds me every day that I can achieve anything that I put my mind towards,”

Herron said.

The responsibilities of being valedictorian can be challenging at times. You have to stay up on things, even when it gets hard to stay motivated.

“The most difficult thing I faced through my journey includes finding time to juggle all my AP classes while doing two sports and many other extracurriculars,” Herron said.

Being valedictorian is an achievement in itself, but the things leading up to it are just as important. His hard work and dedication have traveled from middle school with receiving a Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year award to now and he has earned awards to acknowledge that.

Herron has represented what it is like to strive for excellence. His hard work has paid off in the long run and has shaped him into the person he is today. Some of his biggest achievements leading up to his position of valedictorian include being a Rising Star of Indiana, a 2023 Regional Academic All-Star Award winner, an African American Recognition Award winner, a Brilliant Firefly Award winner

(given by the Lieutenant Governor), and many more.

“I am truly nothing without my hard work and dedication. Hard work has made me the career-focused, intelligent, physically fit, and strong-willed individual I am today. You can be as talented as you want, but hard work truly is the difference maker,” Herron said.

Throughout Herron’s journey, he gives credit to his mom, pushing him to strive for more and has helped him along his journey.

“My mother was especially my main inspiration through my journey. She never discouraged me or believed I couldn’t achieve the high goals I set. Instead, she always held me up and pushed me to improve, attain my goals, and accomplish more,” Herron said.

His graduation speech will be about the hard work it took to get where he is, and if one puts their mind to something it can happen.

“My speech will be about all the hard work and perseverance that was required to be valedictorian and graduate and about what the future holds for everyone,” Herron said.

Herron’s journey is the definition of hard work always pays off. Going for your dreams and achieving them with no hesitation will only lead you to success.

“Consistent hard work and dedication can get you far anywhere. Especially if you want to be valedictorian or successful, you need to understand that laziness even for a dull moment just won’t do it. If you want to be a part of the 1%, you need to be doing what the other 99% aren’t. And this most likely falls under the level of effort you place into achieving your goals,” Herron said.