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Xu leads 352 graduates from Hopwood
Hopwood Junior High School promoted about 352 eighth graders in a ceremony yesterday.
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- The top three students of Hopwood Junior High School pose with education leaders and House representatives yesterday during their promotion ceremony on the school campus. In the first row, from left, are valedictorian Karen Xu, Principal’s Leadership awardee Joshalynn Flores, and salutatorian Natalie Montano. (Dennis B. Chan)
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- Karen Hou Yin Xu Valedictorian
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- Natalie medrano montano Salutatorian
The class of 2015’s valedictorian was Karen Hou Yin Xu. Salutatorian was Natalie Medrano Montano, while the Principal’s Leadership Award went to Joshalynn Duenas Flores.
In her speech, Xu said her last two years at the school have been “very emotional.”
“I experienced a lot of stress but I also experienced a lot of great times,” she said.
But, she said, whenever she got upset, she would always have friends and family by her side.
She told the crowd that she eventually came to realize that this was one of her “keys to success,” getting advice and confidence from people.
“Those people could be your peers, parents, teachers—pretty much anyone you can trust. They help you build motivation and encourage you to do better.”
“With the mindset of “I can do anything,” you’d naturally try harder. That was how I got where I am today,” Xu said.
School principal Jonas Barcinas urged students to strive for their dreams, in his message to students.
“Our graduates, this is not the end, but another beginning,” he said.
“Don’t forget your Hilitai [school mascot] Spirit and take it wherever you go in your educational endeavors. As you strive to achieve your dreams, don’t forget the people around you who have helped make a profound impact in your life. Take the time say thank you and give them a hug,” he said.
Lawmakers, education officials, and a large crowd of parents, family, and friends attended the ceremony yesterday on the school campus.
