The standard grading system used in area secondary schools consists of the five letters A, B, C, D and F.
However, the valedictorian and salutatorian of Point Loma High School’s class of 2015 have never seen the last four on a report card. Not in required courses, not in honors, advanced placement or college credit courses.
From their entry as freshmen at PLHS in 2011, both valedictorian Jaclyn Estrin and salutatorian Kayla Meyer have earned As in every course undertaken.
Their academic records are virtually identical.
Estrin compiled a 4.85 grade point average when certain advanced placement and honors courses used a scale awarding five points for an A.
And Meyer was right behind at 4.82, the only difference being a calculus math class she took at Mesa College for extra credit that did not go on her transcript.
Estrin is the daughter of Doreen and Marvin Estrin. Meyer’s parents are Kari and Scott Meyer.
Both honorees have ambitious plans.
Estrin will enter UC Berkeley, where she plans to major in sustainable environmental design.
“I think our generation has an opportunity to make a difference in the world,” Estrin said, “and I think through this major I can add to making that difference with a career in corporate sustainability or environmental law.”
Meyer is headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, where she will major in biology with tentative plans to enter medical school afterwards.
“I really want to experience seasons and see snow while in a big city on the East Coast,” Meyer said.
Both singled out veteran advanced placement English instructor Jon Posternack as a teacher who influenced their success.
“He taught the class as if was a college class,” Estrin recalls, “and introduced us to what a freshman seminar would look like.”
Meyer also fondly recalls her junior-year calculus teacher, Dr. Hughes, who is no longer on the Pointer staff.
“She was amazing,” Meyer said. “In class, she offered great support and helped me through the college application process. I had a great connection with her.”
Competing against other schools as part of the PLHS Academic League stood out in Estrin’s memory because “We took first in our division and region, and it was televised.”
“I loved Spirit Week!” Meyer said. “I dressed up every day, including Harry Potter Day, when I was ‘The Snitch.’ I also loved the sports events. I’m a huge Point Loma fan, and I have so many awesome memories of being on the field hockey team.”
Both offered encouraging words for future Pointers.
“The staff is really supportive; the students are great. We all educate each other; we all work together,” Estrin observed.
Both agreed entering high school as a freshman can be very intimidating with the older seniors on campus, but don’t worry, they advise. Just be yourself and things will work out.
Estrin and Meyer, in white caps and gowns, will lead the maroon-clad class of 2015 into Pete Ross Stadium for PLHS’ 90th commencement next Monday, June 15, at 3 p.m. Each will speak during the ceremony as their families savor the moment from prime reserved seats, a perk that accompanies their students’ hard-earned titles.