InspireNOLA Charter Schools congratulates Eleanor McMain Secondary School’s Class of 2020 Valedictorian, Catia Gordon and Salutatorian, Destiny Davis.
Gordon had her sights set on the title of Valedictorian since eighth grade, when she received an award for having the highest GPA in her class.
“Ever since then, I made a vow to myself to continue to strive for it,” she said, adding receiving the news that she was valedictorian was amazing. “I was overwhelmed to find out I have accomplished such a pronounced achievement that I have been working so hard to attain.”
Gordon, who’s cumulative GPA is 4.0356 said her family was overjoyed as well.
“They were extremely proud to see all my hard work and dedication pay off,” she said.
Gordon was vice president of McMain’s student leadership team, Senior Class officer, and a member of National Honor Society. She also served as Miss Freshman during her ninth grade year and Homecoming Queen her senior year.
“A couple of my fondest high school memories were entering McMain my seventh grade year. Although I adjusted quickly, It was a big change for me transitioning from elementary and middle school,” she said. “Another was the ring ceremony during my junior year. My class and I were so excited to be announced seniors and receive our rings. Lastly was winning Homecoming Queen. This was a goal I wanted to achieve ever since my seventh grade year.”
Gordon will continue to achieve her goals as she heads of to The University of Louisiana at Lafayette this fall where she will major in either kinesiology or biology.
“I look forward to meeting people of different backgrounds and cultures other than myself,” she said.
As for current McMain students, Gordon tells them high school is what you make it.
“Have a goal in mind and do not stop until you achieve it. Find a study skill that works for you and study as much as you can. Turn in all your work on time and pay attention in class,” she advises. “Stay focused but still enjoy your time there, because it will be over in a blink of an eye.”
Destiny Davis, Eleanor McMain’s Class of 2020 Salutatorian said she is very proud of her accomplishment of finishing her high school career at Eleanor McMain as Salutatorian.
“It felt really good. My family was beyond proud of me and very excited,” she said. “I feel like all of my hard work and dedication in high school paid off.”
Davis said she’s looking forward to giving her speech at graduation on July 1, when she and her classmates will have an in-person ceremony at The Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center.
“I didn’t think I would ever get a chance to speak at a large event in front of my classmates,” she said. “I’m used to going to graduations that only involve the valedictorian giving a speech.”
Davis admits it wasn’t easy to stay on track for this honor.
“I was involved in many activities around the school. Some challenges I had to overcome was growing up with a single parent, coming home late from practice but still having to do homework, and passing my AP and Dual Enrollment courses,” she said. “My motivation was staying focused to complete my main goal which was succeeding academically. Also, I had a very strong support system from my family and teachers.”
Davis said she particularly enjoyed her English classes because she enjoys writing.
“We had many creative projects, which I enjoyed,” she said, adding her other favorite class was Talented in Theater. “It gave me an opportunity to relieve stress I had during the week. It also gave me a chance to express myself freely.”
She was a member of the dance team, the superintendent student advisory committee, and the student leadership committee, where she served as president for two consecutive years. She also participated in Talented Music and Talented Theater.
“My fondest high school memories include making the dance team, becoming the dance team captain for two years, becoming a part of the student leadership committee and being announced the president, and becoming the salutatorian of my class,” she said.
Davis advises her McMain underclassmen to stay on top of all of their work.
“It’s okay to be a person who would rather stay home and do their school work rather than go to a party,” she assures them. “Also, take all of the advanced courses given, so that you will be able to earn college credit. Take the ACT test as many times as possible. Lastly, study and always be prepared.”
Davis, no doubt, will continue her drive for academic excellence as she enters Xavier University’s biology pre-med program this fall.
“The school has a great pre-med program, and they have connections with prestigious medical schools,” she said of her choice. “I would like to become a pediatrician and work with children.
I’m looking forward to meeting new people and getting the education needed to become a pediatrician.”