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 Jaren Davis |
Washington Math Science Technology High School graduate Jaren Davis, who will start Georgetown University in the fall, got an extra special gift Wednesday when first lady Michelle Obama gave him a shout out for being class valedictorian.
The distinction of being the best performing student at the renowned urban magnet school was the manifestation of a dream that Davis has been working towards — and praying about — since he started high school four years ago.
“That’s what’s so crazy. When I started high school in Marshall, Texas, I wanted to be the valedictorian of my class,” he says. “I’m a strong believer in God. That’s one thing that I prayed on. I said, ‘God, if I work hard, please allow me to be valedictorian. And I know that I can’t just pray for it and get it. But if I worked towards [it], if I take that one step, will You take the next step?’ And I feel like that’s what happened. And it goes to show [that] God is real. And whatever you pray for, it will come to pass.”
Davis’ journey towards valedictorian at WMST in Washington, D.C., began years ago when his family told him in kindergarten that he had to attend to his studies every day. Davis obeyed that family mandate and began to develop a craving for learning and giving teachers the right answer.
“As I grew older, education became more competitive. And I wanted to be on top. I’ve always wanted to be on top. And that’s where I get my drive. So that’s why I study and try to be the best in my education,” he says.
Davis is not only the best at WMST in 2009; he is the best at what the first lady called “one of the best schools in the country.” And Davis is the best of a crop of students who have procured internships with prestigious entities such as The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Washington mayor’s office.
Davis says he is dreaming again, this time to finish biochemistry at Georgetown, attend medical school and become a radiologist.
And no one doubts Davis will achieve his dream. –terry shropshire
