Samuel Best earned his way to the top of his class at Armstrong High School.

"I did have to work hard," the graduating senior said yesterday at the Science Museum of Virginia, where he and the city's seven other valedictorians were being honored by the school system. He took gradual steps, he said, on his way to the top.

Consider where he started, and you'll understand how he got where he is. After his freshman year, Best was the No. 2 student in his class.

"It just picked up from there," he said.

The message won't be lost when he graduates early next month. With four younger siblings in the city school system, Best has plenty of chances to share his wisdom.

"I tell them to try to exceed in everything," he said. "I want them to be at the top."

Armstrong Principal Dimitric Roseboro said Best has spread that message at school, too.

"He's a great reflection of how young people should be," Roseboro said. "Just by being around the young men at school, it's rubbed off."

Best had plenty of competition as the city's most outstanding student during the brunch, the first systemwide celebration for valedictorians.

"I'm so proud of them," said Superintendent Deborah Jewell-Sherman, who noted that this year's graduating class was in kindergarten during her first year in the school system.

"They're extremely special to me," she said. "I want them to become what exemplifies Richmond public schools."

John Marshall senior Jessica Butler is already thinking about coming back. She'll attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study education with the goal of teaching second grade.

She is leaving high school on a bittersweet note, though.

"I'll miss seeing my friends every day," she said. "They're all going to different colleges."
Contact Zachary Reid at (804) 775-8179 or zreid@timesdispatch.com.