On Feb. 28, Bonita Vista High (BVH) Principal Lee Romero announced three salutatorians for the 2023-2024 school year. A Salutatorian is an academic title referred to the student(s) with the second highest Grade Point Average (GPA) ranking among their senior class.
One of the Salutatorians included senior Saul Gonzalez Jr., who is involved in the BVH Hiking club, Key Club and Samahan Club while also enrolled in Advanced Placement and Honors classes. Gonzalez Jr. first learned of his title when Romero, the Assistant Principals (APs) and his family announced the award to him during his first period. Gonzalez Jr. expresses the emotions he felt when first receiving his banner and plaque for his accomplishments.
“I was taking a test, so I was already nervous. But I was happy and excited when I went outside because I didn’t know I was eligible for the award. I was relieved and shocked in a way,” Gonzalez Jr. said.
BVH senior Mia Garcia has a close relationship with Gonzalez Jr. and notes the impact this accomplishment has had on Gonzalez. She further emphasizes the importance of student recognition in academics.
“Now he might be more passionate and have a new value for his work. He has his title and he’s recognized for it, so he’ll put a little more effort into everything,” Garcia said.
Gonzalez Jr.’s father, Saul Gonzalez was one of the several family members who came to support him as he was announced Salutatorian. Gonzalez expresses the qualities that led Gonzalez Jr. to his accomplishment as well as what this means for his son moving forward.
“[Gonzalez Jr.] is a great son, great brother and a terrific friend. He is very trustworthy, applies himself well and has a big heart,” Gonzalez said. “This recognition and opportunities has opened many doors for him.”
Gonzalez Jr. describes the strong support he constantly receives from his family throughout his academic years. He further notes the importance of family support and what their presence meant to him during his journey to Salutatorian.
“I was with my family that morning and I did not suspect anything because I didn’t know I was eligible. It is nice knowing that they were able to go out of their way and take time off of work just for me,” Gonzalez Jr. said.
Moreover, Gonzalez Jr. explains the many habits and routines he created for himself throughout high school in order to be successful. He stresses the importance of working to overcome obstacles and finding a balance in day-to-day life.
“I usually try to do things right away and not procrastinate since procrastinating leads to stacking up a bunch of work. It’s important to keep a well rounded life, and have a schedule of some sort. You also can’t remain too focused on education because then you’re just going to overload yourself and your brain,” Gonzalez Jr. said.
Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of valuing education at a young age and continuing to improve in order to become successful. He then explains how he worked to support Gonzalez Jr. from a young age and taught him to utilize all available resources.
“When Saul was younger in elementary school, I used to help him with his homework. It was important to get into a routine of going home and doing homework before staying up above everything else. If I couldn’t help him, then we would get help from his teachers,” Gonzalez said.
As Gonzalez Jr. continues on to finish off his senior year, he strongly encourages students to set academic goals and set themselves up for success. He explains the importance of encouragement and staying persistent as one of the primary qualities a student should strive to possess as they venture through high school and beyond.
“Sometimes it’s going to be harder but you just gotta push through it. You gotta do everything you can, use your resources, [and] ask other people or teachers for support. It’s also important to not be so focused on education, and give yourself a well rounded life. Even if you’re not motivated, [you] struggle in a class, or your mental state isn’t there, you have to at least try,” Gonzalez Jr. said.
