Natalie Lakosil
Douglas Dispatch

Douglas High School Salutatorian Bernardo Teran, Valedictorian, Jose Luis Teran and Salutatorian Cristobal Mariscal lead the Class of 2010

Being top of the class is a hard goal to achieve but for three young men it is only the beginning.

The valedictorian at Douglas High School for the class of 2010 is Jose Luis Teran with a 4.3 grade point average. Two are being awarded with salutatorian this year, Bernardo Teran and Cristobal Mariscal, each with a 4.2 grade point average.

For these three young men the position is more than just a title but an honor. They are all planning to attend the University of Arizona in the fall.

Jose Teran said he did not know he was ranked high in his class until the end of his sophomore year. “I could not believe it.”

I have taken the most challenging courses offered and dedicated a lot of time to them, he said. He said his most challenging class was advanced placement physics. Advanced classes offer weighted grades, allowing students to go beyond a 4.0 gpa.

After graduation, Jose plans to major in computer science and eventually work for a major company like IBM or Raytheon. Jose was DECA Vice President while at Douglas High.

Jose said he could not have achieved valedictorian without the help and support of his family. “My parents pushed me to always do my best and I am thankful to them.”

Jose is not the only Teran celebrating an accomplishment this year. His second cousin, Bernardo Teran has been named one of the salutatorians.

“I feel honored and thankful to my parents, teachers and everyone who helped me to accomplish being salutatorian,” Bernardo said.

Bernardo will be majoring in architecture. “I just want to be successful in whatever I choose to do,” he said.

Freshman year he did not have intentions of being salutatorian but as he saw his class ranking rise during sophomore year he decided to pursue it. He held the positions of yearbook editor and the National Honor Society Vice President while in school.

Cristobal Mariscal is also honored with the title of salutatorian this year. In high school he played baseball, basketball and was National Honor Society President.

“I studied hard and always just tried to do my best,” Mariscal said. “I am very gracious to everyone who helped me get here, to my parents who supported me and my teachers that pushed me.”

Mariscal is planning to major in chemical engineering and eventually attend medical school. His ultimate goal is to become a cardiovascular surgeon or, “something crazy like work for NASA,” he said.

“I am honored to be salutatorian and thankful to my parents for all their help,” Mariscal said. “Being salutatorian means trying your hardest and succeeding in your goals.”

Graduation this year will be held on the field at Douglas High School at 7:30 on May 28.