A Texas high school cheerleader was excluded from valedictorian honors and could lose her scholarship because of a calculation error while her family was booking plane tickets to attend the speech.
Maya Veliz, a senior at Blue Ridge High School in northeast Texas, was officially announced as the school’s top student in March after working hard to achieve the feat over the past four years.
“That was the only goal I set for myself going into my freshman year, was to be able to do it,” Veliz told WFAA.
Veliz played on the school’s cheerleading team and was recognized by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program for her academic achievements.
As Veliz progressed toward her dream, administrators allegedly constantly told the student that she was on track to become valedictorian as long as she did not fail a course.
Veliz’s family also prepared for the unique moment of graduation.
The senior had written her speech and her family members abroad had purchased their plane tickets. But the plans were scrapped after Blue Ridge High School Principal Trent Hamilton called the high school student about the mistake.
Hamilton informed Veliz of a calculation error with her grade point average and transfer of credits from another school, which meant she was third in her class instead of valedictorian.
“Hearing those words just 30 days before graduation was heartbreaking,” she cried.
Veliz, who was taking dual credits and AP honors throughout high school, had transferred from a Frisco school in 2022 as a junior and some of the courses offered at her former institute were not offered at Blue Ridge High, according to People.
The credits Veliz earned at her previous school were not counted under the district’s transfer policy that has been in place for seven years, according to WFAA.
“I would understand if this was a policy that has been in place for a year or two and they don’t know about it,” said the high school student’s father, Jorge Veliz.
Veliz, who planned to attend the University of Texas, could also lose the scholarship she was supposed to receive.
Students who graduate at the top of their class from accredited Texas high schools receive a tuition waiver for their first year of college, according to the Texas Education Agency.
“I don’t have that stability now,” she told the outlet.
“It’s something I wouldn’t want any child or parent to have to deal with,” added Jorge Veliz.
The frustrated father said he had been in contact with the school over the last year, to ensure his daughter’s transfer would not affect her position in her class.
He even asked if his daughter should take summer school to maintain her rank in the class.
The school district said it completed reviewing Veliz’s grades to comply with state law.
“Blue Ridge ISD has investigated this private student matter and has communicated with parents. The district reviews academic performance, grade calculations, and class standing during that period annually in accordance with applicable state law and EIC and EIC Local board policies,” a a district spokesperson told WFAA.
“Calculation errors were originally made in finalizing the GPA and class ranking; then corrected to ensure compliance with these two board policies. All affected students have been informed. Furthermore, plans have been initiated to ensure that such an error does not occur again in the future. Any other specific student information cannot be discussed in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
The heartbroken student says she has no plans to attend graduation ceremonies.
“It affects my future,” she said. “And I wouldn’t wish that on anyone else.”
New York Post
