High school is just another step in the long road of education. But to many it is much more. It is a place where young people develop into unique individuals, establish life-long relationships, and broaden their horizons.

Schoolwork has always been my focus from the minute I entered Uni’s doors. My brother was my role model as a child. If Gabe played a certain video game, I wanted to play that same game. If Gabe was a wiz at math, I would try to emulate him, even if math was my weakest subject. With the path to college clearly paved for me by my brother, I knew what my priorities were in high school.

I would not go out on weekends as much as other students in order to complete the AP course work. Those nights I spent sitting at home over a textbook taught me self-discipline and gave me the confidence to know that I could complete any goal I set myself to. Some ask why I don’t take it easy once in a while, but once hard work and determination has been instilled in someone, there is nothing that can deter that individual from achieving greatness. I’ve seen this drive in many of my classmates and believe that high school has brought out the best in those who let it.

I have also been fortunate to spend my four years with quality teachers. I remember being extremely frustrated and confused by math. The day I failed Mr. Nakabara’s test, I knew I had to do something. I would go to Mr. Nakabara after school all the time to try to understand where I was going wrong. He was extremely patient with me and I ended up earning an A in his class. I am grateful to Mr. Nakabara for whipping me into shape in Algebra, and thank you Mrs. Ishimaru for pushing me to take AP Calculus.

For all the dedicated teachers who feel passionate about their jobs, part of this salutatorian award goes to you.

Students at Uni also have made me the accomplished young man I am today. Whether it is that charming person I sat next to in class, my close friends who always kept me humble by telling me I study too much, or that romantic interest which made school all the more exciting; thank you. My day-to-day routine at Uni has been enhanced by students who are not only concerned with earning the grades, but who also care about the well-being of others and remember to take a minute out of the high school grind to enjoy the experience. I have met many students at Uni, and I am honored to have spent four years with students who are not only intelligent but who are also classy individuals all around.

To everyone who has shared a laugh or a memory with me, thanks for making my high school experience come alive.

Don’t get me wrong, it is time for me and the class of 2004 to move on. But high school is always going to be a place where I know I matured by leaps and bounds and established a canon of knowledge. Being Salutatorian is truly an honor, but no accolade can compare to the experiences I have shared with all those close to me at Uni. The future looks bright when one encounters teachers who put their students first and young adults who are determined and dedicated.