Today, while most students were beating the heat in shorts and tees, Linden High School 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐌. 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐢𝐧 was making statements—not sweat.
𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝘁𝗼𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀, 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗹!) 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀.
When Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins spotted him, she had to ask: “What’s the special occasion?”
His answer? “I AM the occasion.”
Mic. Drop.
But what happened next might be even more inspiring:
His classmates surrounded him—cheering him on!
M. Valcin told them:
“I dressed this way because it’s what I like to do. And if my peers enjoy me standing out, then we all win.”
Dr. Perkins was so moved by his self-assurance and authenticity that she recognized him on the spot. Because leadership isn’t always about titles—it’s about knowing who you are and lifting others as you go.
Thank you, M.V, for reminding us all: Confidence is contagious. And being yourself is always in style.