The Class of 2010

Originally published on: October 8, 2009

"This program is especially good if you plan on studying outside the United States, as it focuses on global aspects of learning." Shyamaly Premaraj

Your senior year has begun.  It will be non-stop from the first day of school to the last day of graduation.  You started kindergarten in 1997.

In the last 13 years, the United States has elected the first African-American president; the NASA Pathfinder landed on Mars and is still there; a Scottish embryologist cloned Dolly the sheep, who is not still there; the country survived 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina; the Segway two-wheeled, self-balancing electric personal transport glided onto the scene; Nintendo invented Wii; and the Cornhuskers celebrated their last national championship (1997).

As you leave Lincoln Public Schools, you may be asking – or others may be asking you – what happens now?  Where are you going?  What’s the future?

International Baccalaureate Program

This is Shyamaly’s story.  She’s 15.  When she graduates in June 2010, she will be only 16 years old, having skipped second grade and half of eighth grade.

When Shyamaly moved to Lincoln from Ohio, she enrolled in Scott Middle School.  That’s where she spent one semester in eighth grade and then moved on to ninth grade in the Science Focus Program (aka Zoo School).

Looking back, she says, “The IBP seemed like a good program to get involved with, as it would look good on college applications.”  The unique program also “seemed different from just your AP/Diff (Advanced Placement/Differentiated) classes” that offer accelerated learning.

The International Baccalaureate Program (IBP) is in its second year and Shyamaly will be one of the first to graduate from the new program.  According to John Heineman, Coordinator, “There are 14 seniors working toward their full IBP diploma and eight who are working for individual IBP certificates.”

IBP started in 1965 in Geneva, Switzerland and is recognized as the most academically rigorous high school program in the world.  There are 1,700 IB programs in 115 countries.  LHS is one of two in Nebraska; Millard North High School is the other.

Over 185 North American colleges and universities recognize the program and grant advanced status to students who have earned the IBP degree, including the University of Nebraska.  The IB program is open to LPS juniors and seniors.

To prepare for the program, LPS freshman and sophomores take appropriate courses including Primary Language (English), Second Language, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, and the Arts.  To receive an IBP diploma, students must complete an extended essay of 4,000 words, take a Theory of Knowledge course, and acquire hours in sports, theater, music and community service.

Shyamaly liked the idea that she “would be learning on a global level, instead of just a national level.”  Her parents also appreciate the concept of global education.

In Shyamaly’s afternoon class with instructor Jim Caruso, IBP students are examining the causes of war in “20th Century World History.”  Posted in the classroom is a well-known quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead.  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.”

So, where does a 16 year old go to college … before changing the world?  Shyamaly is looking at Nebraska Wesleyan University, which will keep her in the Premaraj home until she turns 18.  “When I graduate with a Pre-Med major, I plan to apply to medical school, as I am interested in becoming a doctor – perhaps a pediatrician.”

Of her experience as one of the first students in IBP, Shyamaly understands it’s “a good program for any student who is self-motivated and willing to put in the hard work for their grades.”

She explains …
“IBP is for any student who is self-motivated and willing to put in the hard work for their grades.  It takes up a lot of time outside of school with homework, so it would not be advisable if you were involved several other extracurricular activities.  Still, if you have good time management skills, you will be able to have time for IBP and other social activities.”

Heineman, who is pleased with the senior enrollment of 22, as well as 33 juniors (27 full IBP diplomas and six individual certificates), concurs.  “"I am truly impressed with the students who have made the commitment to the International Baccalaureate Program at Lincoln High.  They have made many sacrifices to achieve success.  I know their hard work will pay off for them."