Belton High School’s top graduates excited about future plans

BY KAReN RuDOlPh SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Belton High School’s top graduating seniors say working smarter, not harder, was a secret to their success in achieving the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the class of over 700 students.

Valedictorian Jackson Belobrajdic and salutatorian Matthew Salazar were called to Principal Ben Smith’s office on Tuesday morning, where they learned the good news.

“School is for learning how to solve problems rather than just solving the example problem,” Belobrajdic said. “So sometimes finding shortcuts is not always the best way to go. I also think it makes it easier when your main motivation to learn is coming from yourself and not someone else.” Relationships were also important. Belobrajdic and Salazar credit teachers, friends and family for supporting them throughout their academic careers.

“I’ve had a lot of great teachers along the way in high school and even before then that have prepared me to do all this,” Belobrajdic said. “It’s really nice to have teachers you can talk to one-on-one or before or after school.”

Belobrajdic, the son of DJ and Lindsay Belobrajdic, participated in orchestra, UIL Academics and the National Honor Society. He made history twice this year by being the first Belton ISD student to earn a place in the All-State Orchestra and the first