PROVO — Becoming valedictorian requires a strictly-disciplined student. David Dewey was no exception . . . if he could get himself up before 10 a.m.
Due to chronic absences during his morning classes, David Dewey transferred to Independence High School, Provo School District's alternative school. There he got on track and moved ahead of the pack.
"It's been a lot of hard work," Dewey said, referring to his valedictorian title. He cites caring teachers and fellow students as his greatest motivators.
More than 30 students graduated Wednesday night from the school, which is home to 372 students who previously struggled in a mainstream school environment.
"I was tagging," said sophomore Dave Aragon, describing what brought him to Independence. "But I haven't done that all this year."
Aragon hopes to transfer next year to Timpview High School, but other students are content to stay put.
"It's a great school," sophomore Caitlin Campbell said. "It's less stressful and the teachers are a lot nicer."
Fellow student David Padeken agrees. He thinks that Independence has something many schools don't offer.
"At other schools you're a student, but here you're a person," he said.
Dewey's closing remarks best summarized just what kind of people they are.
"We are powerful, bold, beautiful, smart, creative, strong, grateful, hardworking, optimistic and enduring," Dewey said. "We have proven ourselves to everyone."
E-mail: lsanderson@desnews.com