William T. Dwyer High School held commencement this past Tuesday morning. Darryl Chamberlain earned the distinction of class valedictorian.
Chamberlain took thirteen advanced placement and dual enrollment classes in order to become and remain Dwyer's valedictorian of the class of 2007.
"I was ranked second in freshman year because several students had the same GPA and first was determined alphabetically," Chamberlain said. He has been valedictorian of Dwyer's class of 2007 since his sophomore year when the ranking changed.
It wasn't hard for Chamberlain to achieve near perfect grades. "I'm a quick learner," said Chamberlain. He especially excelled in mathematics and physics, subjects in which he plans to double-major at the University of Florida. Chamberlain's goal is to become a professor.
Chamberlain was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society at Dwyer. He spent one to two afternoons a week tutoring math students of all levels, from Algebra I to AP Calculus. Chamberlain was Dwyer's Mathematics Pathfinder nominee.
Among Chamberlain's many achievements are the Yale Book Award, Student of the Month for Jupiter/Tequesta/Juno Beach in October 2006, and the Sunshine State Scholars math and science competition. He was also inducted into Dwyer's Senior Hall of Fame.
Eric Hultgren ranked second in Dwyer's class of 2007. He was one of the several students tied with the highest GPA his freshman year. Hultgren has been the salutatorian since his sophomore year.
Though he excelled in many academic areas, Hultgren was especially proficient in science. He acted as the vice president of the Science Honor Society, which participated in Saturday morning beach cleanups throughout the year. Hultgren was also Dwyer's Science Pathfinder nominee. He is majoring in pre-med or biology at the University of Florida. Hultgren plans on becoming a doctor.
Aside from his academic extracurricular activities, Hultgren competed with the Academic Team and received the Harvard Book Award.
Both Chamberlain and Hultgren received the Bright Futures scholarship.
At graduation, Chamberlain and Hultgren offered excellent valedictory and salutatory speeches. "Today we celebrate a mile marker on the trail that is life," Hultgren said. Chamberlain concluded his speech with hope for the class. "I may be the one at this podium making this speech, but I will not be the only person to walk out of these doors and change the world; we all will."