Christopher Martin, Cathedral’s class of 2000 salutatorian, is anything but big-headed.

After being named Star Student, Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete, and a member of the state championship golf team, Martin doesn’t understand all the hoopla over being named salutatorian. &uot;I’ve never been too philosophical, so it’s hard for me to just talk about myself,&uot; he said.

But the crowd which listened on May 26 as he delivered his parting speech may have a different opinion.

Quoting one of his favorite 1980s entertainers, Vanilla Ice, Martin began, &uot;Stop, collaborate and listen,&uot; then continued, &uot;Now that I’ve gotten your attention,&uot; to a captive audience.

&uot;Give 100 percent of your effort … make the most of the talent you have … find something you enjoy and do it well … find humor in what you do … &uot; he told his 46 classmates.

Martin, the son of Deborah and Lee Martin, is taking his own advice, choosing to go to the University of Mississippi to pursue a career in chemical engineering because he enjoys it. &uot;I’ve always liked math and science, and could actually go into any field that uses that,&uot; he said. Martin is the only student at Cathedral to finish two consecutive calculus courses before going on to college.

Martin attributes his abilities to his mother. &uot;She is really smart, and I always liked to learn – since I was 2 or 3,&uot; he said.

Although he lettered in golf six years, baseball three years, basketball four years, Martin has decided not to play collegiate level sports. &uot;I know campus life will be different, and I have to keep my grades up,&uot; he said.

This summer, though, he can be found playing golf at Beau Pr\u00E9 Country Club. Martin will also help his 10-year-old brother Geoffrey’s baseball team.

&uot;I’m trying to teach them to pitch. It sometimes gets a little awkward. I’m left-handed but pitch right handed,&uot; Martin said with a laugh.

&uot;I just want to do the best I can at what I’m doing – and have fun while doing it.&uot;