Valedictorian Ready to Address Class of 2012

Jenny Shan has always been interested in science, and she says it’s something she has always done well at in school. In the fall, she’ll be heading to Rutgers University to study pharmacy.

“Since I’ve always liked science, I thought this would be a good career choice for me. It combines science with working with people, which I also like to do.”

Before she leaves , however, Shan will be delivering the valedictory speech to the class of 2012 at Friday night’s graduation ceremony.

Shan said she is looking forward to addressing the class, as public speaking is also something she enjoys.

“I’m on the debate team at school, so I’m used to speaking in public settings,” she said.

Shan had a wealth of other interests that she pursued in high school, including playing in the band and art.

“I wasn’t able to fit art into my schedule until this year, when I finally got to take advanced art. I loved the class. It was very relaxing and a great outlet for me.”

Her art skills are so advanced that she is in the process of completing a mural on a wall outside the school’s guidance office.

The mural is based on Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Less Traveled.” It depicts two paths with a tree in between them, and footprints going up the tree.

“I wanted to leave it up to the imagination which path the footprints were taking,” Shan said.

The mural is not quite finished yet, as Shan wants to add lines from the poem at the bottom.