Sure, some teachers have made it difficult for Yohon Sinclair to maintain his sterling academic record.
“Mr. Hermstein gave me a run for my money in history class,” Sinclair said. “Mr. Daugharthy (chemistry) has made me work pretty hard.”
Were there any classes that gave Sinclair reason to fret that he might lose his 4.0 grade-point average?
“Right now, that’s how I’m feeling about calculus and Mrs. Kauth,” he replied with a chuckle. “I have one more little push this week to make sure I get an A. I think I can do it.”
Sinclair will walk across the stage with 89 of his classmates at 2 p.m. Sunday for the IHS senior commencement.
He’s one of eight graduating seniors to maintain all A’s throughout high school.
“It’s been kind of a goal,” he said. “I got through sixth and seventh grade, and then eighth grade, with all A’s. I thought, OK, let’s go for it.”
HIS HIGH school studies have prepared Sinclair for what promises to be a rigorous college schedule.
He is moving on to Wichita State University to major in aerospace engineering.
Sinclair loaded up on classes such as calculus, physics and chemistry.
“We took an aptitude test in seventh or eighth grade, where they tell you what fields you should consider,” he recalled. “I had two: architecture and aerospace engineering. I thought, engineering sounds kinda neat, and airplanes are cool. Let’s go with that.”
Sinclair’s easy-going demeanor belies a steely determination to succeed in the classroom.
For that, he thanks his parents, Bob and Heather Sinclair.
“They did a good job of influencing me,” he said. “My dad always told me, God gave you two feet for a reason. If you don’t like your situation, change it.”
He also points to his teachers — especially the tough ones — as another key.
“The teachers who push you the hardest,” Sinclair noted, “are usually the ones willing to help you the most.”
