The Daily Dispatch

Christina Gage

Christina Gage loves math.

So it’s no surprise to those who know her that she can be found each April 15 at the local H and R Block, helping out her father.

She doesn’t take an active, hands-on approach to tax preparation, but she’s there as a support role for her father, who owns the H and R Block.

“I do a lot of watching and listen of my father, who has been an inspiration and a guide for me,” Gage said.

The watching, the listening, the inspiration and her love of math have lead her to accounting as a major. As of yet she has not chosen a university.

Gage, 18, is the 2008 Valedictorian at Douglas High School and although she has found her studies quite rewarding, she has also found them to be challenging.

“It is difficult to keep your grades up and you do have to work hard at it,” she said. “But it would have been different if I hadn’t had my parents to guide and encourage me with my academics.”

As a way to have a little fun with her studies, Gage and her friends would throw a ‘study party’, where money was pitched in for food, some fun, and of course, lots of study.

And because of her close ties with her family, she was never tempted to participate in late night partying with friends. Instead, she chose to spend time with her family.

And although Gage loves math, she also loves basketball. As a result, she’s uncertain about moving on to the university next year or enrolling at Cochise College, where she can continue playing basketball.

“I just love basketball. It’s been a big part of my life,” she said.

She is the president of the basketball club as well as vice-president of the sophomore class.

For any student hoping for a shot at being the next Valedictorian, Gage suggests taking lots of hard classes, as “many as you can.”

“Study as much as you can and relax. Don’t stress yourself out,” she said.

Those are inspiring words from the top student at DHS.