Bowie High Valedictorian and Salutatorian Reflect on High School Experience

Before she was awarded, Bowie High School graduate Tierra Langley didn’t even like the concept of a valedictorian.

“I thought they weren’t really well-rounded people,” Langley said. “If someone has the privilege to speak in front of the class, it should be someone we should all try to be.”

If Langley thought the valedictorian should be well rounded, she certainly proved it. During her time at Bowie, Langley was a member of the National Honor Society, Ladies with Class, Best Buddies, Model UN, and Anti-Destruction Alliance, which focused on social justice issues and raised money for Haiti and Japan.

Langley was most proud of her work with Ladies with Class, a sorority that tried “to establish a sisterhood and give back to the community … and be there for anyone who needs us,” Langley said.

As president, Langley led the group’s Women’s Empowerment Week, which focused on issues such as domestic violence, equal pay and self-esteem.

The group hosted speakers throughout the week, including Prince George's County Council Chair Ingrid Turner, who spoke about the importance about women finding a good career. The group also passed around petitions to promote its causes and inform students about women’s issues.

Despite being “overwhelmed” by the end of the week, Langley said she felt she was really doing something good, and she loved it.

Steve McIntyre, moderator of National Honor Society and history teacher at Bowie, said Langley’s caring attitude extended beyond her involvement with Ladies with Class and into his classroom where she helped other students.

 “She always gives herself to other students,” McIntyre said. “She is very compassionate. She really cares about her fellow students.”

Math teacher Denise Swann echoed McIntyre’s comments, saying Langley has “the kindest heart” and “she cares so much for others.” She also admired Langley’s humility, she said. 

“She was in my AP Calculus class, and I didn’t even realize she was valedictorian,” Swann said. “She lets other students get all the credit.”

Langley said her motivation to do well in high school was to go to college. She plans to attend Johns Hopkins University in the fall to study biology to maybe become a teacher, she said.

“When I was at Bowie, I had a really energetic biology teacher, and I loved the class so much,” Langley said. “It really inspired me to thinking about becoming a teacher.” 

The other Bowie graduation student speaker also earned a reputation during his years for being caring, especially in regards to his community service activities.

Salutatorian Brandon Caplan “is very much involved in service,” McIntyre said. “He carries his ideas through. He didn’t just talk about it; he’ll actually do it. That was something I always appreciated.”

Throughout his time at Bowie, Caplan volunteered at the Bowie Food Bank by sorting food items for about two to six hours a week.

“Whenever I wasn’t in school, I would go over and help out,” Caplan said. “It was close to home. They needed the help. It’s a nice thing to be able to help out people in need.”

Caplan plans to attend the University of Maryland, College Park, in the fall and study history in preparation for law school.

“I’m interested in how the legal system works, why we can and can’t do certain things, how people argue cases,” Caplan said. “It’s always fascinated me.”