Students reacted positively today when they were called out of their R7 classes to attend an assembly in the auditorium, where they were informed by Principal Vince Randazzo that they had been selected to attend Michelle Obama’s speech on October 13.
401 students were selected to be in the audience. They had to be Atoms in Good Standing to even be considered, which means that they must have As, Bs and Cs in all of their classes, in addition to no disciplinary infractions. The names were then drawn randomly. 12 students were also selected at random to lead Obama around school before she makes her speech.
“I think it’s a great honor. She recognizes the importance of other cultures,” senior Bernard Cholub-Frau said. Cholub-Frau was one of the students selected to attend the event.
The students will miss their R5 class to attend the ceremony. They will then head the to cafeteria during R7 to eat lunch and take part in reflection activities.
Students with last names starting with S-Z were not in the assembly, as they will be informed at a later date of their possible selection to attend the speech.
Missing from the list were most of the IB Diploma candidates, and many voiced their concerns to IB Diploma coordinator Shirley Campbell.
“Honestly I was a bit surprised [that IB Diploma candidates weren’t invited] because I had heard rumors that IB Diploma candidates would be able to go. It was disappointing at first but I tried to stay positive,” senior and IB Diploma candidate Carolyn Hartley said.
After the assembly, all of the senior and junior candidates were informed in an e-mail that they would be able to attend.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to see Mrs. Obama speak to AHS. It’s almost overwhelming in a way. I see her on TV and in the newspaper all the time and now she is coming to AHS,” Hartley said. “No matter anyone’s political views I think this is a great event for AHS.”
Tricia • Oct 18, 2011 at 6:30 am
I agree with Elizabeth, welcome to the real world where when you work hard and reap the benefits of it. IB diploma students work hard and there is no reason why they shouldn’t be picked first to go.
Saad Cheema • Oct 13, 2011 at 11:06 am
I graduated with an IB Diploma about five years ago, it is always astounding the sense of entitlement we felt. Being IB Diploma candidate does not mean you get special treatment, everyone should have an equal shot, whether ESOL, IB or regular. In fact, I think even people who did not have good grades, should have been able to attend. This is a huge event, and all atoms should be treated equally.
Even though I would have felt back in the day that as an IB kid i should have the red carpet rolled out back in the day too.
allie • Oct 12, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Students were selected both at random and by exibiting academical ability. So, it was a fair run for IB diploma candidates, who no doubt deserved to be acknowledged, leaders, and the rest of the atoms in good standing.
Elizabeth Wilson • Oct 12, 2011 at 9:44 am
I don’t think that’s unfair at all. The students who were chosen are deeply involved in the school and clearly care about AHS a lot. Who better to introduce the school to Michelle Obama than the students who are the leaders in various programs at the school. In a sense, these students have earned the right to represent their school because they’ve been so involved.
Toby • Oct 12, 2011 at 9:34 am
The people to lead Mrs. Obama around were not “chosen at random” just letting you know. It’s actually unfair in a way: they’re all heads of some club or IB Diploma candidates. Honestly, the whole thing isn’t fair, since why have Michelle Obama come to your school if not everyone can see her?