The school year of 2023-2024 can be a special for many people like arriving at high school for the first time. Getting a Play Station 4, getting a new wardrobe, and meeting new people. But, for Shiloh Lewis, a senior at Cardozo High School, this school year is very special for her. Lewis has been announced as the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2024.
What is Salutatorian? It is the student who has the second highest grade in their graduating class. Lewis is the first Black salutatorian at Cardozo High School, a true honor for her. “I’m overjoyed to be the first black salutatorian. I’m proud that I get to be a role model to other African Americans in the school and let them know that they are seen and that their hard work is always rewarded just as it was for me,” Lewis shared.
This title means so much to Lewis and shows Black students at Cardozo that they can accomplish anything that they put their minds to. For Lewis, grades are extremely important. “I take pride in achieving high grades. It removes any stigmas or negative thoughts saying that I can’t do something,” she explained.
“Part of my identity is rooted in doing my best in school and aiming high because there’s a special kind of satisfaction and contention that comes from pushing your limits and growing any way you know how.”
Lewis had high hopes of being either the valedictorian or salutatorian. She had been working towards this from the end of her junior year at Cardozo. Lewis says she viewed that title as a “badge of honor.”
“Prior to then, I mainly focused on doing my best in all my classes and establishing routines to do so.” Lewis’ character shows that she organizes her time wisely and does a great job at staying on top of her schoolwork. But, what does Lewis want to do in her life after high school?
“My career-oriented goal is to become an anesthesiologist, so after high school, I plan on attending college and medical school, and completing my residency to become a doctor.” Anesthesiologists usually spend 12-14 years of schooling but for Lewis, that won’t be a problem.
For any seniors and Cardozo students, that may be reading this and feeling envy or sadness about not accomplishing anything this school year just know that your time will come. Just because someone else is succeeding before you, doesn’t diminish the things you can achieve.
