For two years I have dedicated my academic life to Bonita Vista High’s (BVH) International Baccalaureate (IB) Program (that is a fact). I chose this academic path because it aligned with my own academic ideology of working my way towards becoming an inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young person—something the IB program aims to do with its students (also a fact).

For me to decide whether the IB or Advanced Placement (AP) program is the better option would not only be an opinion, but a false one. In truth, I have no interest in the debate of which program—IB or AP—is the better choice because there is no sure answer. In reality, both programs are different in their own ways, with two entirely different aims for what they wish their program will instill in their students.

What I can appreciate from this debate, however, is the additional 45 students who will be recognized with a white robe for their achievement in obtaining a 4.2 or higher GPA, or receiving high achievements from the various programs for students with special needs.

Currently, BVH is the only school in the Sweetwater Union High School District that uses the IB program to distinguish their students with the rest of the graduating senior class, rather than basing recognition on California Scholarship Federation status. Expanding the white robes requirement is a good step to encouraging academic performance amongst students. That way, students know that at the end of high school, their hard work will be recognized in front of staff, family and friends at their graduation ceremony.

In this case, I am appreciative of the process in which BVH’s principal Roman Del Rosario, Ed.D., went through to include the BVH community into the conversation. From asking teachers for their input to attending students IB History of the Americas class to gathering students’ perspectives, Del Rosario ensured that a broader conversation was had before any final decisions were made. Not only does this show Del Rosario’s commitment to the students at BVH, but it also demonstrates Del Rosario’s principles of following a democratic system when making decisions for the whole of BVH.

The decision to recognize students aside from IB diploma candidates had its rocky start, however sometimes a little conflict is required to cause real change. With the focus now on recognition of students’ achievements, BVH can expand the requirements to obtain a white robe. That way, once the graduation ceremony comes around, BVH is able to physically showcase the hard-working students who have demonstrated academic excellence throughout their high school years. As for myself, I am excited to walk alongside others who have demonstrated high achievements in high school at the graduation ceremony.