By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Somehow, the youngest member of Dowagiac's Class of 2005 ended up with the highest grade-point average (GPA).
Union High Valedictorian Kristin M. Smith said in her address at the 141st Commencement Sunday, "For some reason, (ranking first) is supposed to mean I know more about life and I should impart some vital wisdom on all of you before I run off with my diploma clutched tightly in my hand."
Rather than fame and fortune, most people prefer more time with people they love, she said.
Kristin, daughter of James V. and Linda Smith, plans on attending Michigan State University to major in biochemistry and molecular biology with a concentration in genetics, with possible minors in psychology, English or art history.
Salutatorian Jesse Cox, who will study law at The University of Michigan, intended to be a good student, but finishing second in his class "was not a goal of mine. I wanted to enjoy the experiences that high school can bring. To do that, I knew I must get involved. There are countless ways for Dowagiac students to get involved. Sports, clubs and volunteer work are readily available."
Jesse, son of Kurtis and Melissa Cox, also made memories to carry with him the rest of his life, such as the pep rally where he dressed as Britney Spears and danced before the student body.
He walks away from DUHS "knowing I did all I wanted to, leaving nothing to regret."
His advice for those climbing the academic ladder behind him: "Learn the importance of time management, organization and sacrifice," Cox suggested. "I'll be the first to admit it was difficult to balance term papers with meetings during seminar and a basketball game in South Haven, but with a little bit of organization, a little self-discipline and a lot of determination, you can accomplish any task high school throws your way.
The 147-member DUHS Class of 2005, with men in black gowns and women wearing white, received diplomas June 5 from Dowagiac Board of Education President Randy Cuthbert and Secretary Faye Edwards and had their tassels turned at Chris Taylor-Alumni Field by Union High secretary Brenda Smith for her first time.
Commencement took place outdoors for the fourth year in a row. Temperatures hit 90 degrees. It grew overcast as the ceremony approached, but storms held off until 4:30.
Nineteen students graduated with high honors. Twenty-seven graduated with honors. That's 30 percent of the class with a B average or better.
Abigail Pacheco was named outstanding 2004-2005 student at Van Buren County Vocational Technical Center in Lawrence.
Three students achieved perfect attendance all four years of high school, with 14 percent of the senior class with two absences or less.
Sixty-percent of the Class of 2005 participated in interscholastic athletics.
Twenty of those athletes earned All-Conference honors their senior year.
Four athletes earned All-Conference in two sports. One made All-Conference in three sports.
The class totaled 47 members earning All-Conference awards during their high school careers.
Senior athletes broke school records four times.
Nine academic All-Conference athletes and two Detroit Free Press scholar-athlete nominees were members of the Class of 2005. There were three Michigan High School Athletic Association scholar-athlete nominees.
Teams were division champions three times, district champions six times and regional champions two times. These athletes were also members of teams that qualified for state final competition three times. Two athletes earned All-State honorable mention.
Members of the class in the Chieftain Marching Band earned I at festival last fall.
Fifty-two seniors earned college credit during high school totaling 709 semester hours. Ninety-one percent of the Class of 2005 will be advancing to college. Three percent will be attending trade or technical school. Two percent are entering the military.
The Class of 2005 earned $580,681 in scholarship offers for college tuition.
John Lehigh, retiring from the high school after 17 years with the district, received an ovation from the audience.
It was the first graduation for Principal Paul Hartsig and Assistant Principal Edgar Wilson.