By Elizabeth Tlatelpa—

In some cultures the number 13 is projected as having some kind of superstitious power. In our society the number 13 has become a symbol of bad fortune. Thus, it has become clear that something very strange revolves around the number 13, and it sure does in the case of the Class of 2013.

This year’s graduating class will be represented by not one, but two valedictorians; Diana Rodriguez and Ariana Velez. Talk about strange happenings, for the lucky class of number 13. Other strange coincidences about the Valedictorians are that these two young women, come from the same ethnic background, they are from the same gender and are pursuing a career in the same field!

Rodriguez and Velez are pleased to share such an honorary position, because it makes them both proud to represent not only their class and PHS, but their Mexican culture as well. Diana stated: “I am glad that I can say that there are two of us that were able to make our culture, our parents and ourselves proud, two of us that were able to elate those around us” While Ariana said: “ It is an honor having her beside me”. Thus, this comes to show that there is no rivalry whatsoever among these two young scholars with bright futures ahead of them.

Education was always stressed to Diana; therefore she valued it and knew that it would get her places. What motivated her to strive for success was her family. Rodriguez told me the struggle her parents went through by immigrating to the United States, the only reason encouraging them to come to the states was to ensure that their children would have better opportunities than they did. Consequently Diana replies “I work hard in order to show them that their efforts were worth it. Because I am the oldest of three children, I strive to be the best role model I can be for my younger siblings, which is another reason why I work so hard.”

On the other hand our other valedictorian, Ariana states otherwise. Her motivation comes from within. For years Velez attempted to gather the attention of her parents, but she realized that she should not do well in school for them; rather she should do well in school for herself. “I realized that I had to accomplish things solely because I desired it and not because I had to show it, I had to do it for one person only, that person was ME”. Eventually, Velez grew a deep strong interest in her studies, worked hard and as a result she proudly stands next to Rodriguez.

What do these two young girls share in common, besides the title of Valedictorian? Well, when Rodriguez and Velez say “work hard” they mean what many of her classmates fail to do. “Working hard means giving up weekends, parties, hanging out with friends and sometimes even sleep, precious sleep!” both Ariana and Diana stated. This is the formula both of these scholars share.

Nonetheless, in the fall of 2013 each will be off to their respective universities. Rodriguez will be attending The College of New Jersey, majoring in biomedical engineering, hoping to follow a pre-med track, ultimately pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist. Velez on the other hand will be majoring in physical therapy and will be attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick this upcoming fall.

Rodriguez and Velez are very happy with their position as Valedictorians of the class of 2013 and had the pleasure to give a word or two to our lowerclassmen. “For any student that wishes to be at the top, or that wants to be successful in general, it is important to prioritize what is taken care of every day. If one is ready to be successful, one must be ready to sacrifice as well. Sometimes, one must be willing to sacrifice hours of sleep or a day out with friends in order to complete homework or perhaps volunteer somewhere to aid others” said Diana. Arianna’s adds “Say no, to distractions, especially social use and remember the most important drive to continue your education is yourself, also have a life because high school is about having fun but learn to balance your academics with your leisure time”.

They leave Passaic High School with these wise words that hopefully will lead the upcoming students that will walk through the hallways of PHS. Whatever these girls set their minds to accomplish, I am one hundred percent sure they will achieve it. They will shine their light, making their class, their school, their families and their friends proud. It is an honor to be friends with such academically successful young ladies.

Diana Rodriguez and Ariana Velez have surely made history here in Passaic high school; for making the class of 2013 the only class to have not one, but two valedictorians. Best wishes and good luck ladies!