Meet Our 2024 CRLS Valedictorian & Salutatorian!
Posted on 06/05/2024
Meet Our Valedictorian: Amy Zhou
Meet Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Amy Zhou. Amy is a former student at Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. School, Peabody School, and Rindge Avenue Upper Campus. She will be attending Harvard University in the fall of 2024.
1. What was your reaction when you found out you were named Valedictorian of your class?
My guidance counselor Mr. Tubinis, some of my favorite teachers, and Learning Community R staff all surprised me with the news a few weeks ago. I think the video and photo say more than I could ever explain.
2. Who is a teacher or mentor that had a significant impact on your academic journey? Please elaborate.
The teachers I've had throughout my time at CPS have been some of the most influential people in my life. I have far too many teachers who have absolutely changed my life, and I cannot possibly only choose one person to highlight. I have to shout out practically the entire CRLS history department, especially my crew: Caroline Berz, Benji Cohen, Duncan MacLaury, and Rachel Otty. Ms. Berz and I met on Zoom school, and her class was the only thing I looked forward to every day, as her humor and passion were so contagious. She challenged me to be a braver, more courageous person, and I'm so glad to have her as an ally, mentor, humorist, and confidant.
Mr. Cohen is the best CM (Falcon Block) advisor ever, and I'm so thankful that he was my graduation project advisor. He is one of the most beloved educators at CRLS, and the minute you step into his classroom and hear him speak, it's obvious why.
Mr. MacLaury is possibly the most organized teacher at CRLS, and the amount of time he puts into his students is insane. He's always available for a chat about anything, whether it be academics or Star Wars.
Finally, Ms. Otty is one of the most serene and empathetic people I know, and her classroom environment totally reflects that and her humor. I deeply admire her dedication to global studies and encouraging students to think critically and explore their passions, all while having fun and cracking jokes.
I also want to thank many of my other educators/staff/guidance counselor: Ms. Jenny Chung, Ms. Xiaoshu Jing (景老师), Dr. Eva Lam, Ms. Elizabeth Menges, Ms. Alexis Regan, Ms. Tobe Stomberg, Mr. Mike Tubinis, Ms. Nora Watson, and Ms. Rachel Williams-Giordano. Of course, I also have to highlight my 7th grade ELA teacher, Ms. Amy Gonzalez, of Rindge Avenue Upper Campus. She has sat through more than a lifetime's worth of my writing and continues to be my mentor and pen pal! All these amazing educators, and others I did not name, have been instrumental in all parts of my life, academic and personal, and I wouldn't be here without them.
3. Do you have any specific study techniques or habits that worked for you that you could share?
The main one: Sleep! I still struggle with this sometimes, but I do think getting enough sleep is the most important thing. For a while in junior year, I would consistently cut myself off by 10 PM or 11 PM to try and get at least 8 hours of sleep, and I found that I was thinking more clearly the next day and could remember more concepts and such. Late-night cramming doesn't do you any good! Set up your own screen time limits or get a phone lockbox, if you must (I do both of those things)!
As for more traditional studying techniques, I really support making connections between concepts—I know that's very vague. There are a plethora of ways to go about this, but I personally like to make silly acronyms or jokes associated with concepts, which helps me remember them because I made them funny! I also support handwriting notes and drawing out concept maps because I remember things better after I physically write them down. I don't really read over notes for review. Instead, I like to rewrite and explain concepts in my own terms, using previous notes to check my understanding at the end, just so I can identify what I need to work on and get a refresher on everything. I prefer active studying over passive studying, like teaching a concept to someone else or making concept maps. I also support using practice problems and old tests/assignments to review/redo incorrect questions, which helps me understand my mistakes and how to avoid them in the future. Use mistakes to your advantage! Keep in mind that everyone's brain works differently, so things that worked for me might not work for someone else. The key is to experiment and find what is best for you.
4. Is there a philosophy or any words of wisdom that guided you through your high school career?
I've had three main personal philosophies during my time at Rindge, and I'm sure I'll keep valuing and improving them in the future.
Love. It may sound cliché, but I really do hold a deep appreciation for everything that makes up our world. I am very conscious about practicing mindfulness: being in the present and really seeing and treasuring all that is here, which includes people and beyond. I try to live by the ‘golden rule’ of treating others the way you want to be treated.
Balance. It's very easy to get caught up in negativity and self-doubt, especially with social media and such. Throughout high school, I've been trying to find that balance of self-love and self-criticism. Be humble but confident. Be modest but proud. You won't be successful if you think you can't or aren't good enough, but you also won't be successful if you're too arrogant or want the easy route.
Risk. Growing up, I was always very shy, and I still kind of am. But many experiences and people, especially Ms. Caroline Berz, have taught me the importance of courage: Growth only comes from taking risks. Do what scares you. If it fails, it fails, and you move on wiser. If it works, there you go! Losses will pass, but what stays is that you tried.
5. As the CRLS Class of 2024 prepares to graduate, what moments are you making the most of?
Spending time with people! CRLS is truly a unique place, and the people—peers, teachers, staff—make it great. Being without this community is a big change, and I'm just trying to preserve and enjoy as much of it as possible.
Meet Our Salutatorian: Stephen Gwon
Meet Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s Class of 2024 Salutatorian, Stephen Gwon. Stephen is a former student at Haggerty and Vassal Lane Upper School. He will be attending Harvard University in the fall of 2024.
1. What was your reaction when you found out you were named Salutatorian of your class?
I was excited!
2. Who is a teacher or mentor that had a significant impact on your academic journey? Please elaborate.
Mr. McGlathery. He was one of the most encouraging and dedicated teachers I had while I was at CRLS.
3. Do you have any specific study techniques or habits that worked for you that you could share?
Have a plan of what to do and do not procrastinate.
4. Is there a philosophy or any words of wisdom that guided you through your high school career?
Do well in school.
5. As the CRLS Class of 2024 prepares to graduate, what moments are you making the most of?
Having fun with family.