Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 28, 2024 TOP STUDENT: Sarah Dorielan, this year’s Valedictorian of Saugus High School, advocates making two years of a foreign language a mandatory part of the school’s curriculum. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ASKS| FROM PAGE 9 too. I think it’s another generation of students who will appreciate it. Q: You mentioned in your Valedictorian Address that you are one of the first if not the first black female Valedictorian. How did you find out? A: I emailed my guidance counselor and talked to some teachers. There’s no record of that, so I mentioned I’m one of the first if not the first black female Valedictorians at Saugus High School. Q: It’s certainly an accomplishment to be proud of. And certainly, you are an inspiration for students of color in the Saugus Public Schools. Well, you have gone through 12 years of the town’s public school system. I know some folks aren’t comfortable talking about it, but do you think things have improved a lot for students of color in the school system? A: I can’t speak for every student of color, but I think things have gotten better. I can remember being the only black student in the class in elementary school. There have been incidents that happen where you don’t feel comfortable, but compared to when I was younger, things have definitely improved. There’s always a way to improve culture and diversity. But I believe positive strides are being taken by the school system. We can always make some improvements. Q: And as far as the students? A: I think there’s an Asian American Pacific Island Club in school. And there are students trying to form a black and brown student union. And there should be. Saugus High’s top four students stand with Superintendent of Schools Michael Hashem after the Scholarship and Academic/Service Awards night. Left to right: Class President Jessica Marianne Bremberg, fourth; Sarah Dorielan, the Valedictorian, first; Kathryn Coelho DeSouza, class marshal, third; Gabriella Lucia Huber, the Salutatorian, second. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) I think we’re all trying to make a change. It’s hard to get people to change. But I think the student body is definitely okay with addressing the challenges. I think it’s up to the adults in the community to address situations that are not okay or make them feel uncomfortable. I think there should be more conversation about the changes we make in the community. Q: From your perspective, as the top academically ranked student in this year’s graduating class, what are the changes that need to be made to make Saugus Public Schools a better school system? A: I think there needs to be more open conversation about what the students need. I think the faculty could be more attentive to what each child really needs. I also think that the people in the education system are underappreciated and overworked. They’ve given me what I’ve had for the past 12 years. All of the teachers have helped to make me the student I am. Q: What would be your major criticism of the school system in Saugus? A: That’s a very difficult question to answer, but I feel like making foreign languages an optional part of the curriculum needs to change. I believe that at least two years of studying a foreign language should be mandatory – not optional. I feel like making it optional is a disservice to the students. Q: Saugus High doesn’t provide many options for students to study a foreign language. A: Right now, it’s just Spanish and Latin. It’s difficult to have a plethora of options because of a shortage of schoolteachers. But I feel that adding more foreign languages would increase the level of interest among students. Q: All things considered, what’s the best thing that Saugus Public Schools has done for you? A: Saugus Public Schools has definitely brought me people that made me better as a student and as a person. It’s put me in touch with students who have made my character better and teachers that have cared for me and my interests. I have a few teachers each year that I love. Saugus High challenges and living in the community have made me who I am. I can’t regret the time I spent here. Q: Anything else that you would like to share about yourself or about Saugus Public Schools? A: I’m very grateful for the opportunities that Saugus High School has given me and I’m very excited about the opportunities ahead. DIPLOMA PRESENTATION: Saugus High School Principal Brendon Sullivan congratulates Sarah Dorielan after presenting her with a Saugus High School diploma. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) PROUD PARENTS: Sarah Dorielan (center) celebrates her Valedictorian night with her parents, Frantz Dorielan and Guerlande Aristil. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
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