Austin Lim (Right) hangs out with fellow graduate Devin Jack-Haber in their Advanced Placement Government class. (Photo courtesy of Austin Lim)

Every year, hundreds of talented students graduate from Benicia High School. However, only one student ends up having the grades to come out on top. This year, that student is Austin Lim.

Earning the rank of valedictorian was no surprise to Lim who treats his status rather humbly.

“Being valedictorian was not surprising or joyful, which sounds rather harsh but is something I will not deny,” he said. “It has, however, caused me unexpected stress. I have always thought there are many others better qualified to take the spot and thus shied away from praise.”

“I had no doubt that I would be valedictorian from day one,” he added. “The question was whether I wanted to be, and in the end I am, so oh well, no regrets.”

Lim was very productive in his time at Benicia High. His schedules were always filled with Advanced Placement and Honors courses, and he was an active participant in several student clubs. He was a member of Key Club, Chess Club and Christian Club and was also a leader of the school’s Math Club. Additionally, Lim was also a member of the school’s cross country team, and he had participated in Benicia’s annual Run For Education, where in 2014 he had placed 22nd out of 178 runners.

Lim regards Pre-Calculus Honors, taught by Alexander Tuiolosega, as one of his favorite classes.

“Being in a class full of juniors as a freshman had boosted my confidence, especially when I achieved better than all of them,” he said. “Modesty aside, Pre-Cal Honors was a challenging experience I will not forget.”

Moreover, Lim regards Tuiolosega as the teacher he has trusted the most in his four years at Benicia High.

Another favorite class of Lim’s was AP Studio Art 2D. His artistic skills led to Lim winning the Congressional Art Competition for California’s 5th District, led by Rep. Mike Thompson. His piece went on to be displayed in Washington, D.C.

What does Lim attribute his success at Benicia High to? Just doing the work while still having fun.

“I guess goofing around was my secret,” he said. “If you understand what you are doing in each class, you should have no trouble acing it.”

Lim looks back at his time at Benicia High with satisfaction, and he will continue to use his skills at UC Berkeley where he will study mechanical engineering.

“Benicia High is full of a wide array of students distinguishable in their own way,” he said. “I enjoyed the pleasure of meeting many of them and the emotions each of them elicit from me.”

In terms of wisdom he wishes to pass on to fellow classmates and future graduates, he simply says “Live with no regrets in your heart, for everything will turn out alright.”

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