Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 9, 1990 TAG: 9006090386
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Four seniors graduated Friday with 4.0 grade point averages. A weighted course system, based on level of difficulty, decided who would assume those prized valedictorian and salutatorian slots.
Under the system, points are assigned to courses, higher values to the more difficult courses. Hence, a B in an advanced-placement English course carries more weight than an A in a general English 12 course.
For Robyn Smith, valedictorian of the 1990 Salem High School graduating class, the advanced-placement courses and independent studies she opted for carried not only their weight in points but their weight in class ranking.
"It was kind of just by chance," Smith said on the eve of her graduation. "You don't start out thinking, `I'll take these hard classes so I can be valedictorian.' "
Smith joined her 239 classmates Friday at the Salem Civic Center for the graduation of what School Superintendent Wayne Tripp called "the first class of a new decade."
The commencement exercises were typical - flashes popped, video cameras whirred, friends and family cheered and jeered. The only glitch came when the procession halted temporarily as graduates-to-be realized they were two rows short of chairs, sending spectators scrambling for new seats.
Smith and salutatorian Michael Hunt delivered a two-part commencement address titled "Social Tremors" - one they had written a month ago and rehearsed, videotaped, edited and re-edited earlier this week.
The Salem Educational Foundation awarded $17,500 in scholarships to 18 students. The Salem Sports Foundation awarded two $1,500 scholarships.
A $500 scholarship in memory of Salem High student Darrin Bailey was awarded to Sherry Wright. Bailey's family presented a $500 U.S. Savings Bond to the entire class.
Also, Brent Munsey was named the outstanding senior.
by CNB