Name: John Park
School: Callaway High School
Parents: Dong Gu Park and Kyung
Sook Shin
When John Park and his family first
moved to Michigan he didn’t
understand the English language. At
that time he was an elementary school
student who was only familiar with his native South Korean language. At that young
age, he didn’t have time to become fluent in English because his family returned to
Korea during his middle school years. But that wouldn’t be his last time living in the
states because his father began working in Troup County when he started high school.
Now, as Valedictorian at Callaway High School, some might say he has mastered
English as a second language.
At first, it wasn’t very easy. Throughout high school, John had to load up on classes to
graduate. “When I first came back (to the states), I was dropped a grade. I had to
take extra classes so I could graduate in time.”
Always striving to go above and beyond, the future Georgia Bulldog decided to sign up
for several online classes with Georgia Virtual School. He says the Math, Science and
Spanish classes helped him earn the credits he needed towards graduation. The standout tennis player also took an online Calculus class through Georgia Tech. “What
makes me appreciate learning and motivates me the most are the challenges. I
managed to get through the (Calculus) class even though it took a lot of effort to
finish it.”
He says Physics is the subject that speaks to him the most and his Physics teacher, Mr.
Curtis, inspires him because he is explanatory and has a good teaching philosophy.
John says knew he was going to graduate but didn’t realize the sweet surprise that
came with it – he was named Valedictorian. “I couldn’t believe it…even my family
didn’t! It took about a week for it to settle in.” In addition to his academics, John was
a member of the Callaway Tennis team where he made many new friends. He says the
sport has ultimately taught him about teamwork. John also works sound support for his
church.
At University of Georgia he will major in Computers or Business while enjoying his
home away from home. He looks forward to meeting new people and taking
more difficult and challenging classes.