As the 2008 graduating class nears the end of the year, only one can be named valedictorian. Brittany Lauber will represent the senior class as valedictorian, as her GPA, as well as achievement, stands out above the rest.

Rose: How long have you attended FC?

Lauber: I have attended Fresno Christian for 13 years, ever since the first day of kindergarten.

Rose: What is it like being active in school?

Lauber: Attending Fresno Christian has given me the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities that I may not have at another school. I have been involved in band, sports, journalism and AcaDec while taking all sorts of classes. Being active in a range of extracurricular has enabled me to meet more people and experience new things.

Rose: What was your first reaction when you heard you were the valedictorian? Did you think you were going to get it?

Lauber: I was aware that I would most likely be valedictorian, because I knew what my grades were but it was nice to have a confirmation of that idea and a commendation of four years worth of schoolwork.

Rose: Was it ever difficult to maintain your grades?

Lauber: It was never too difficult to maintain my grades, but it did require a consistent effort to stay focused, especially in the last month of school.

Rose: How do you feel about leaving FC?

Lauber: Although I will miss my friends, I am ready to leave Fresno Christian. I have gained much from the school, but after 13 years I am excited to experience a new environment, expand my horizons and test myself to see how I adapt to situations I have not been in.

Rose: How do you feel about giving a speech at graduation in front of large audiences?

Lauber: I had practice with speaking in AcaDec this year and that made me more confident. However, we only gave our speeches in front of three judges, so I am a bit nervous, because I have never spoken before a very large audience.

Rose: What is your speech on?

Lauber: At this point I am not sure what the guidelines for the speeches are, so I do not know what I will be talking about.

Rose: What college are you attending?

Lauber: Next year I will be attendingUC Berkeley, because of the academic opportunities available there.

Graduation will begin at 7 P.M., in the Peoples Church Sanctuary, May 23.