Going into the Honors Assembly on Friday, February 2, senior Randy Graebner knew he had a good chance at earning one of the top academic accolades– valedictorian, salutatorian, or STAR Student– but he didn’t know which. 

When the announcement came in front of the entire faculty, student body, and dozens of parents that he was the valedictorian, the crowd erupted in cheers. 

The salutatorian is senior Molly Pitra and the STAR Student is senior Vincent Casal. He chose math teacher Mrs. Lesley Bowman as his STAR Teacher.  

Their three names had been thrown around since the beginning of sophomore year, with each of them participating in extracurriculars beyond their classwork, whether that’s Robotics, Advanced Drama, or football. 

While the three will likely part ways at the end of the school year– Graebner to the University of Alabama, Casal to Miami University or NYU, and Pitra deciding– they still found time to share some of the tips and tricks they learned along the way. 

Graebner said that his achievement was “a result of good habits along the way.” 

“I believe that being able to teach the material is sort of the greatest way to learn something,” Graebner said. “That’s what makes teachers so incredible.” 

His recommendation– build a support group. And, Graebner added, to always “be willing to help others too.” 

As the salutatorian, Pitra suggests finding a study method that works for you and making sure to sleep.

“No matter how much you studied, if you’re so tired the day of the test, you won’t be able to recall anything,” Pitra said.  

Committing herself to earning a 95 or above in all her classes since elementary school, Pitra said, “I pushed myself to get there because I knew I could.” 

And then she had one more thing to add. 

“Cramming doesn’t work.” 

Casal credits his accomplishment as the STAR Student to his parents, who encouraged him to read when he was younger and supported him all the way from kindergarten to now. 

“The intelligence that you get when you’re really young goes a long way, rather than studying hard right before the actual exam,” Casal said. 

Although he’d already taken the ACT and done well, Casal decided to take the SAT after realizing he could become the STAR Student.

Referring to the STAR Teacher, Ms. Bowman, Casal said, “She does a great job of teaching not only the subject material but also how to think about things in a broader context.” 

Casal plans on studying music in college, while Pitra and Graebner intend to major in engineering. 

As much as St. Pius will miss these talented students, we can’t wait to see what they’ll do in the future.