Valedictorian #3 Valerie Ridenour
Post Secondary School: OSU College
Field of Study: Computer Science
Began at CPS: Kindergarten
What advice would you give your freshman self?
"Say yes as much as possible; fun things happen when you agree to it. Memorize the rules and know your rights. Always keep supplies in your backpack. Don't give up, climb to the top, and do not get distracted. You go, girl."
What has the journey to this honor taught you about yourself?
"That I should have tried harder and not been so careless. Also, I should have looked at scholarships sooner."
What does this accomplishment mean to you?
"Not much, but it means in my speech I can hopefully talk about the environment."
What was the hardest part (challenges) you had to overcome to achieve this honor?
"I have a really bad immune system. I also feel cheated sometimes, so it is a life lesson to note that I must know my rights and read the fine print. I took a college class in the summer so I could exercise my brain all year long, got an A, and it lowered my GPA. I then took an on-level class since I thought everyone else was too, but as it turns out, theirs was weighted, so I got left in the dust. Another hardship was teachers leaving. All of my favorite subjects began to leave, and eventually, our AP classes started dwindling."
What are you most proud of in your high school career?
"Getting straight A's, despite getting C's and D's in elementary and junior high."
Looking back, what does being a Zebra mean to you?
"Being a Zebra means connecting with others, being kind, and trying your hardest."
What ELEMENTARY staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?
"Mrs. Smith, my 3rd grade teacher. I struggled with reading, and she helped me practice and improve while giving me extra support."
What JUNIOR HIGH staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?
"Ms. Wood (or Woods), my 6th grade computer teacher. We did typing and pseudo coding, and her class was always fun and memorable."
What HIGH SCHOOL staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?
"Mrs. Johnson taught me responsibility, respect, and how to work a camera. She has been a great influence on students."
Activities you have been involved in:
"Athletics (Basketball), Math Club (Mu Alpha Theta), National Honor Society, World Language Club, Concurrent, ZTV, Astronomy Club, Dinosaur Club, Psychology Club"
Honors / Awards:
"NHS, Z Awards in all subjects except computers, AP Scholar"
Scholarships Awarded:
"Cowboy Scholarship"
What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college?
"One mental thing I will take is my sense of community; one physical thing is my backpack."