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2012 02 03

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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v09n03)

BRMHS student on track for valedictorian - by Arriel Vinson

posted: Feb. 03, 2012

by Arriel Vinson

Just 9 years ago, she could not speak any English. Now, she is leading the 2012 class with a 4.2 grade point average. Petra Carillo, the expected BRMHS 2012 valedictorian of Broad Ripple Magnet High School, was born in Mexico. She has excelled in school all of her life, regardless of the language barrier she had in the beginning.

Petra Carillo of Broad Ripple Magnet High School

image courtesy of Arriel Vinson

"I speak Spanish all the time at home with my parents," Petra said. "My mom doesn't speak any English. I am 100 percent Mexican. My parents were born in Mexico; I was born in Mexico."

Coming to the United States, the basic subject Petra knew was math. Learning the language was somewhat hard for her.

"It was really hard; the spelling part. That's really complicated," Petra said. "It took 3 years [to learn English] during elementary school. I had a friend who I always talked with to practice my English."

In elementary school, Petra took an ESL (English as a Second Language) class to learn English, but says she mostly learned English from watching television.

Petra's grades were never below average. She maintained good grades in Mexico, and her lowest grade in the United States was a C, which was in Health Class because she was always in her ESL class.

But that did not set her back at all. For some BRMHS seniors, Petra and her good grades give them the challenge they need.

Blake Miller, a senior and friend of Petra, said "Personally, Petra definitely sets the bar higher. It's sometimes discouraging, but it makes me work harder."

Griselda Aleman, also a senior and Petra's best friend, believes that as a student, Petra is a good listener and does work even though sometimes she doesn't enjoy it.

How does Petra keep up these excellent grades?

"I prioritize," Petra explained. "For example, I do work on the bus because it's almost a 2 hour ride. I don't waste that time."

Petra also tries not to over-work. She will sometimes just relax and watch TV, and "refresh" her mind.

Not only has she been maintaining good grades for all her life, but she also manages to balance her social life.

Her friends say that in class she is focused, but on the phone with her friends she is not shy at all.

"She's really funny and sarcastic once you get to know her," Griselda said.

She also finds time to practice her music.

Petra has played the flute since 6th grade. She is now in the music magnet at BRMHS.

When practicing her flute, she repeatedly goes over a part in her music she is struggling with until she gets the part perfect. Petra also knows how to play the piccolo, but does not like it as much, and knows the basics on the keyboard.

"It makes me a better rounded person. And it [playing the flute] has become a hobby that I can enjoy when I'm not busy," Petra said.

But she does not plan to major in Music in college. Math and Science hold Petra's interest a little bit more.

"Currently, I am thinking of going to college, majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and minoring in French," Petra said. "I really like math and science. And since I'm doing well in French, I want to continue. Maybe along the way I'll pick up another language."

BRMHS teachers and friends of Petra also believe Petra will go far in life after she graduates.

Ali Morguson, a BRMHS English teacher, had Petra for Junior Honors English (last school year).

"Petra will succeed in whatever she wants to do. No question," Mrs. Morguson said. "She has excellent study skills, a supportive home environment, and has her priorities in line."

Kelly Hershey, the band director, agrees.

Focused and deliberate in her planning is how Ms. Hershey describes Petra.

"The example she sets is different than what you normally think," Ms. Hershey said. "With her, she's a perfect example of self control. Also, she's so humble. I didn't even realize she was the expected 2012 Valedictorian at first. She's not into the 'show' or a bunch of fuss being made over her."

Petra is not the type of student to show off, and can be overly shy at times.

Ms. Morguson said, "I think when Petra's comfortable in an environment, she is quite capable of making friends and asking questions. She is shy, but it's not going to be a hindrance for her."

Since she is the expected 2012 Valedictorian, she is nervous about the speech she will have to create.

"I have no idea what I'm going to say. The salutatorian's [speech] is probably going to be really good," she said with a laugh.

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