There is enough time to stress out about things in the future, so dont do it now. joined the AJC in 2002 as a features writer. College: University of Florida. Boosting awareness and treatment of mental illness is the goal of Jamila Epps, valedictorian at Glades Central High School. Fulton County's public and private schools recently announced their class of 2021 valedictorians and salutatorians. If you really know whats going on you will carry that knowledge with you the rest of your life and great grades will naturally follow. That's exactly what Angelica Borowy, 2021 valedictorian of Park VistaHigh School in Lake Worth, did. He is the son of Millard and Cheryl James of Belews Creek. Please dont drop out because of me!!! If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. What was the greatest challenge of high school? Walter Woodman Bruno, East Forsyth High School: He graduated with a 5.19 QPA and plans to major in electrical and computer engineering at Duke University. Alpharetta: Grady Etheridge and Samir Duggasani, Atlanta Classical: Caleb Dye and Ashlynn Gannon, Atlanta Girls: Lindsey Geer (the school does not name a salutatorian), Atlanta Jewish: Matthew Minsk and Kira Mermelstein, Banneker: Talia Swanson and KaNiyah Galloway, Blessed Trinity: Ronald Miller and William Dyches, Centennial: Emmanuelle Lamarche and Anika Chawla, Chattahoochee; Jennifer Zhou and Nityam Bhachawat, Creekside: Jacquez Johnson and Luis Lopez Reynoso, Holy Innocents: Madeline Poch and Ella Vail, Holy Spirit: Ainsley Hillman and Sofia Oliver, Independence: Felix Fisch and David Brantley, Kings Ridge: Katie Garcia and Andrea Sherman, Langston Hughes: Victor Carrasco and Samantha Hopkins, McClarin: Carmen January and Guadalupe Miranda, Mount Pisgah: Will Gansereit and Samara Samad, Mount Vernon: Aqil Merchant and Alma Merchant and Anusha Merchant (co-salutatorians), North Atlanta: Emilie Jacobus and Brendan Weinbaum, North Springs: Ariel Frenchman and Tyler McMahon, Northview: Ishita Vaish and Sumanth Kadiyala, St. Pius X: Sarah Halbig and Sophia Ripoll, Tri-Cities: Nadia Jackson and Lorena Salas-Ocampo, Wesleyan: Maggie Simmons and Isabella Martin, Westlake: Nia Gladden and Zamaria Winston, Westminster: Sarah Lao and Anand Srinivasan (co-valedictorians) and Kiran Gadde and Soumia Vellanki (co-salutatorians), Whitefield: Scott Hellier and Kaylee Burnett, Woodward: Lekha Koganti and Patrick Kim and Keller Smith (co-salutatorians), In 2021 Circle for Children, a local nonprofit that supports disadvantaged youth in metro Atlanta and Georgia, is celebrating athletics with i. Keep an open mind for new areas to explore. Download PDF They are, from left, back row: Hunter Nofziger, Tyson Britsch, Mykah Garrison, Noah Becker and front row: Emily Parker and Chelsie Raabe. Salutatorian is Ell We have many more treatments for mental illness. He is the son of Beatrice and Sergia Stefanescu of Clemmons. hb```"f6# af`0p2> @JrWsgwl+bQxsQdr}OE,u(^X$Al r }y5bL{X+lXXY;1ea5jTfn\7[[cC cL .n,A;e3EH3bquAt Xm Fulton County Schools May 2021. 510 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[463 62]/Info 462 0 R/Length 192/Prev 815378/Root 464 0 R/Size 525/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream How USF football coach Alex Golesh affects Hendon Hookers NFL draft stock, Protection for historic coastal properties could be gutted under Florida bill, 3 questions with Flipturn ahead of Gasparilla Music Festival, Class of 2021: Pinellas Countys top private school students take the stage. Questions or Feedback? At the same time, they have that social life and sports and community aspect that I want. Here is the Class of 2021 Palm Beach County high school valedictorians: Dan Wang, a piano player since he was 6 years old and valedictorian at A.W. More:Class of 2021: Tre Hands, Palm Beach Lakes High School valedictorian. What advice would you give to a freshman? Brent Ford Macon, Mount Tabor High School: He graduated with a 5.2453 QPA and plans to major in political science and economics at UNC. Salutatorian. For a small group of these seniors, years of hard work have culminated in them being named the valedictorians of their schools. 470-254-3600. webmaster@fultonschools.org. Don't Threaten. Class of 2021 Update May 2 Graduation and Senior Event Westlake High School "A Legacy of Excellence" #OperationA #OneWestake 2400 Union Road Southwest, Atlanta, GA, USA adamsji@fultonschools.org 470.254.6400 fultonschools.org/westlakehs Westlake AP Testing Administration May 3 - May 17 Hello Westlake Advanced Placement Families, each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Choose wisely! Angelica, first in her graduating class of 717, developed an interest in the environment after watching documentaries about environmental issues. Fulton County's public and private schools recently announced their class of 2021 valedictorians and salutatorians. Early on, Vismay Sharans father introduced his son to math puzzles and games. When will I get my Georgia tax rebate for 2023? Both jobs taught her a lot about humility. There was an error processing your request. 1. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? He is the son of Norma and Juan Alvarado of Pfafftown. Johns Creek valedictorian and salutatorian announced May 13, 2019 Updated Jul 11, 2021 1 of 2 BIERFREUND SONG More than 6,000 diplomas will be handed out this month to the Class of 2019 across the 17 high schools that make up the Fulton County School System. COBB COUNTY, GA The Cobb County School District on Tuesday announced its high-school valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2020-2021 school year. Be Proactive. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Remember to find time to relax. If your high school does not have an Environmental Club, the only thing to do is start one. I was not near the top my freshman year because I did not take the right classes, Logan said. 2023 www.palmbeachdailynews.com. A Rededication: Morrisville-Eaton dedicates baseball field to "Pete" Palmer. Building engines to propel rockets into deep space is the dream of Henry Guzman, the Class of 2021 valedictorian at John I. Leonard High School. Radioactive roads? Get involved in programs at your school early. But we need to be more accepting and less judgmental, said Jamila, 18, a lifelong resident of Belle Glade. https://www.fcnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2021/05/web1_Waus-Valedictorians.jpgWauseon High School held commencement exercises are Sunday. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. More:Class of 2021: Allison Fleming, Boca Raton High School valedictorian. More:Class of 2021: Brooke Sefton, Olympic Heights High School valedictorian. Meet Hillsborough public schools' 2021 valedictorians and salutatorians Sm:)e, because you got this. Look for more on Wauseon's graduation at fcnews.org and the next issue. He is the son of Martha and James Macon of Winston-Salem. Although she attained valedictorian status at Boca Raton High School, Allison Fleming is most proud of her extracurricular activities. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. College: University of South Florida or Alabama State, Subscribe to our free Gradebook newsletter. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, wants to be a physician-scientist? The celebration was to honor the best and brightest in Fulton County. Major: Criminology (pre-law) Salutatorian. They are, from left, back row: Hunter Nofziger, Tyson Britsch, Mykah Garrison, Noah Becker and front row: Emily Parker and Chelsie Raabe. More:Class of 2021: Angelica Borowy, Park Vista High School valedictorian. Thomas Hartwell thartwell@mdjonline.com. Samay Saxena, valedictorian of the William T. Dwyer High School 2020-2021 senior class, always had attaining the achievement in mind. Class of '21: Clark County schools' high-achieving students Editor's note: For each school listed below, the valedictorian is. High school is your playground, so try and try again to reach for those monkey bars. The 18-year-old senior has played center field for the Rams since his freshman year. Fulton County Schools (FCS) is the 4th largest school system in Georgia with more than 14,000 full- Page 1 of 70. Please subscribe to keep reading. 463 0 obj <> endobj Here is a link to that story. Editor's note: The Palm Beach Post is publishingprofiles of Palm Beach County's high school valedictorians on page 3B of the Local news section in print:. Parents: Reginald Holliday and Donteacia Seymore, Parents: Lazaro W. Mengana and Vivia Ferro, Parents: Refugio Cortes and Leticia Calderon, College: Georgia Tech or University of South Florida, Major: Biomedical science or neuro science, Parents: Luis Barrios and Stephanie Kuhns, College: Yale, Princeton, Columbia or University of Florida, College: University of Florida or University of Missouri-Kansas City, College: University of California, Berkeley, Parents: Mohideen Syed and Cuba Chidambaranathan, Parents: Yarianna Castillo Torres and Dicdsan Pena, Parents: Miguel A. Gonzalez and Yanatili Campa, Parents: Jesus E. Yepez and Karla A. Yepez, Parents: Curtlynn K. Harris and Racheal J. Harris, Parents: Khalil Algoul and Mervat Kalbani, Parents: Sherif Ayad and Randa F. Abdelmasieh, Parents: Harsha Cherukuru and Haritha Malepati, College: University of Florida; decision pending on out-of-state school, Parents: Pit-Ling Tjay and Sukirman Tjahjono, Major: Sustainability and the built environment, Parents: Eliodoro Arriaga and Maria Rodriguez, Parents: Jigneshkumar and Arpitaben Patel, Parents: Samuel Rivera and Aracelli Gonzalez. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will meet with Forsyth Technical Community College on Thursday to talk about revisions to its memorandum . It was that or go to jail, Cobb announces 2023 high school graduate dates. Use the 'Report' link on Success is different for every person; compete against your best self. Katherine, who ranked first in her class of 571, earned a 1580 SAT score. Salutatorian Lindsay Burgess will attend Notre Dame University and major in neuroscience or chemistry. It's back! Error! Georgia Institute of Technology. [Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High], [Courtesy of Classical Preparatory School], Dwyane Wade says he left Florida because family would not be accepted, Assembly line of Triple-A arms somehow has kept Rays atop the standings. This article was updated May 24 at 10:19 a.m. with Atlanta Girls' School's valedictorian added. h1Aas>t]l`rs'ePlSV)E eqgB)7X9}|FE2bDb{[L6+>wM+9CJ&;{p,gt1,G{E Gallery: Local 2021 valedictorians and salutatorians Editors note: For each school listed below, the valedictorian is listed first, followed by the salutatorian, unless otherwise noted. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 2 teens charged in fatal shooting of 16-year-old at East Point MARTA station, Atlanta lawmakers request DOJ probe into shooting death of training center protester, BREAKING: Mistrial over murder charge for defendant accused in Gwinnett teens death, No, a bionic bordello isnt coming to rural Georgia, New homes loom larger in Atlanta market. But if we dont enact changes we will disintegrate as a society, said Salim, 18, a resident of Royal Palm Beach. A 12-year career as a student (or 14, if counting PreK and kindergarten) is ending for thousands of seniors in Fulton . If you can do that, theres nothing to stress about because you should not be competing against other people. My whole life, I was a Romanov twin; having a competitive twin sister seemed to make the pair of us a source of comparison for the students in our school. May 22, 2020. Here are the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Fulton County Schools based in Sandy Springs: North Springs High School and Riverwood International Charter School. This year, the group also participated in two beach cleanups at the Boynton Inlet. He is the son of Teresa and John Bruno of Kernersville. Who are valedictorians in Fulton County - ajc Model UNSecretary of Communications. North Springs announced it has named Jeff Phillips as its new head football coach. Also, Galloway and Howard do not designate a valedictorian or salutatorian, and Atlanta International, Brandon Hall, Holy Spirit, Landmark Christian and Pace will announce their valedictorians and salutatorians later this month. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Legislature considers flooding our streets with cancer-causing chemicals | Column, Heres why the Weeki Wachee River needs stronger protections | Editorial, Floridas dental deserts leave millions without access to oral care. endstream endobj 464 0 obj <. What advice would you give to a freshman? Ive always had a vision of what I wanted. Jashly . {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Residents ask school board where is the outrage after drag performance; school system will revise agreement with Forsyth Tech, No new vaccinations would be allowed in North Carolina for 3 years under bill filed in N.C. House, Slice of Napoli closing; new pizza place moving in, Jim Spivey, a former athletics director at Reynolds High School, dies. Threats of harming another What advice would you give to a freshman? The best insight Ive gained over the years is to compete against yourself. I have to wait and stay focused if I want to reach my goals., More:Class of 2021: Boynton Beach High School valedictorian Mauricette Augustin. Johns Creek valedictorian and salutatorian announced She is the daughter of Holly and Mark Bagley of Rural Hall. Keep it Clean. Yes, most people are surprised. Be Nice. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Asia Nobles [ Hillsborough County Public Schools ] GPA: 9.04. Copyright © 2002 - var currentTime = new Date();var year = currentTime.getFullYear();document.write(year); Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Special recognition is given to the two highest performing students, who were named valedictorian and salutatorian at each school. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else. Extracurricular activities: Academic Bowl, Model UN, Math Team, National Honors Society, Chorus, Where are you going to college? or anything. What it takes: Fulton valedictorians share secrets to success Education By Helena Oliviero, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution May 25, 2016 Now that Fulton County high school seniors are. If you work hard your freshman year, there will be less pressure your senior year. Subscribe to our free Gradebook newsletter. More than 6,000 diplomas will be handed out this month to the Class of 2019 across the 17 high schools that make up the Fulton County School System. The growing field of veterinary medicine is the profession that JupiterHigh Schoolvaledictorian Dustin La Platte expects to pursue. This week, Reporter Newspapers is featuring the Class of 2021s top students from our communities. More:Class of 2021: Maci Mowery, Seminole Ridge High School valedictorian. While it was often demoralizing to have people always prying into my personal matters of grades, test scores, and college decisions, I chose to focus on my personal goals, thus making the journey not about some marked success, but simply about growing up. Police charged the driver of a wrong-way vehicle on U.S. 52 with four counts of death by motor vehicle. It was from Princeton. High School: Riverwood International Charter School, Extracurricular activities: Varsity Tennis, President and Co-founder of Science Olympiad Team, Research. Radioactive roads? She is the daughter of Angie and Jim Burgess. Funnel your time and energy into something you truly enjoy those memories will be the ones you treasure most. Eleven graduates of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system were selected last week as valedictorians for having the highest quality-point average at their high schools. Editor's note: For each school listed below, the valedictorian is. I want to be a part of that exploration. %PDF-1.5 % Puzzled looks usually follow when Royal Palm Beach High School valedictorian Salim Moutaouakkil tells family and friends his career goal to become an elected official. He is also an athlete and poet. At the same time, make sure not to relax too much - it is important to find a healthy balance. She is the daughter of Wand Siwei and Ruoyu Xiao of Clemmons. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! Higher wind gusts possible.. Clear skies. Ensure your press release runs prominently on our website and in our E-mail Newsletter. She is the daughter of Lutfun Nessa and Mohammed Firoj, and is an AP National Scholar with Distinction. She started the club in the 10th grade. I tell them the lessons Ive learned practicing piano discipline, perseverance, curiosity will help me in my career, said Dan, 17, a resident of Palm Beach Gardens. PDF Valedictorians and Salutatorians - fultonschools.org Look for more on Wauseons graduation at fcnews.org and the next issue. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Drag is awesome. She is the daughter of Valerie McMillian of Winston-Salem. Valedictorians and Salutatorians 2021 - Rockdale County Public Schools Have respect for your teachers and parents, for both are very wise, know how to succeed, and will enable you to succeed yourself. Honors: Valedictorians are Alexander Forstrom, Gabrielle Steinbrenner, Gage Hay, Kaelyn White, Lane Landas and Mallory Cowl. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 27th Annual Celebration of the Class of 2021 Valedictorians was presented as a virtual event. 1. Pictured above are the Class of 2021 valedictorians. Pictured above are the Class of 2021 valedictorians. More:Class of 2021: Dustin La Platte, Jupiter High School valedictorian. The following Fulton public and private high schools have retiring teachers and staff members this year: Woodward wrestler Matthew Singleton will represent the United States this summer at an international competition. 2021 Gwinnett County vals and sals May 13, 2021. Letsgetstarted. College: Georgia Tech on a Gold Scholarship. Parents: Sara Connolly and Christopher Eberhard, College: University of South Florida or Saint Leo University, Majors: Biomedical sciences/social and behavioral sciences, Parents: Angela Persaud-Reddy and Koushik Reddy, Major: International politics and health care management and policy, Major: Applied physiology and kinesiology, Parents: Patrick and Renee Tara, Kevin Murch, Parents: Meagan Simmons and Ken McCullough. Concert Review: Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' is a jumpy, bouncy, dancy delight, Aging in place options scarce in metro Atlanta, This is the Atlanta Public Schools calendar for 2023-2024 school year, UPDATE: Antisemitic, anti-transgender flyers found in East Atlanta neighborhoods, Perspectives in Architecture: A new era for Oaklands historic bell tower, 20-story apartment tower planned in Buckhead Village, Business Briefs: Heyday, Wolford, Gorjana, and more retail openings, Green Light Art expands installations across Dunwoody, MARTA, DeKalb County make progress in development plans for Kensington Station area, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 1 in the class is to stay on top of things. The AJC wants to celebrate metro Atlanta's valedictorians Legislature considers flooding our streets with cancer-causing chemicals | Column, Heres why the Weeki Wachee River needs stronger protections | Editorial, Floridas dental deserts leave millions without access to oral care. What advice would you give to a freshman? Grade-point averages are calculated on the traditional four-point scale. The most difficult aspect of high school is separating personal goals from the overwhelming expectations of my peers. School superintendents, valedictorians and their parents gathered in . For one Palm Beach County valedictorian in the age of COVID-19, determination takes on a new meaning. Katherine, who lives in Boca Raton with her parents, Rachel and Arthur, said she plays tennis both at school and competitively, and aspires to major in computer or electrical engineering. If you do what you like and are passionate about, everything will work out. Encouraging A-HA! moments, as there is no better sight to see that of the joy students experience when making art with numbers, beginning to enjoy a subject so difficult and mentally cog-turning but also so essential in nature. PHOTOS: 2021 Valedictorians and Salutatorians in Gwinnett County Try and develop an intrinsic desire to learn. Furthermore, as you follow your passions, help people along the way and share your passion with them. The project is open to students from private schools, state charter schools and school districts in Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Olivia Schaeffer [ Pasco County Schools ] Parents: Matthew and Kelley Schaeffer. ", More:Class of 2021: Adam Goldman, West Boca Raton High School valedictorian. Last year, Trestarted writing poetry to cope with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Julie Lorraine Elliott, Parkland High School: She graduated with a 5.1406 QPA and plans to major in nursing at Gardner Webb University. Class of 2021: Palm Beach County high school valedictorians It provides an additional perspective that can be useful in determining what path you want to eventually go on to in the future. Tampa Bay home sales are down. Member of a state champion Science Olympiad team. Valedictorian was definitely the goal going into high school because I always wanted to strive for the best and strive for the top, said Samay, 18, a Jupiter resident. Why are real estate prices still rising? More:Class of 2021: Jamila Epps, Glades Central Community High School valedictorian. She worked at McDonalds for six months during her junior year, and now works at Starbucks as a barista. Phillip Navarro James, Atkins High School: He graduated with a 4.127 QPA and plans to attend Morehouse College. It's both immensely rewarding and will help you in college admissions and beyond with the skills you will acquire in leadership. Meet Cobb County's 2020 valedictorians and salutatorians. Do what you love. Look for more on Wauseons graduation at fcnews.org and the next issue. More:Class of 2021: Jeff Saint Fleur, Santaluces High School valedictorian. He is the son of Kathy and Tim Whicker of Walkertown. Photos of every 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian from Gwinnett County's public and private high schools. Valedictorians and Salutatorians were recognized at the Fulton County Scholars Reception. Valedictorian fact:Sometimes the valedictorian in Palm Beach County and the top-ranked senior in the class arent the same person. The callous Florida Legislature should check it out. More:Class of 2021: Katherine Heller, Spanish River High School valedictorian. Pictures: 2021 Central Florida valedictorians - Orlando Sentinel Guaranteed placement on these platforms is $25. More:Class of 2021: Logan Castellanos, Wellington High School valedictorian. What is the best advice you got about succeeding? 11 valedictorians are chosen at Winston-Salem/Forsyth schools. Sometimes taking a chance, even if it turns out badly, will help to build ones confidence and character. `w*` zN6 Palm Beach County Class of 2020 valedictorians, Piano-playing Dreyfoos valedictorian targets neuroscience career, Class of 2021: Atlantic High School valedictorian Vismay Sharan, Class of 2021: Allison Fleming, Boca Raton High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Boynton Beach High School valedictorian Mauricette Augustin, Class of 2021: Jamila Epps, Glades Central Community High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Henry Guzman, John I. Leonard High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Dustin La Platte, Jupiter High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Brooke Sefton, Olympic Heights High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Asha Patel, Palm Beach Central High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Tre Hands, Palm Beach Lakes High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Angelica Borowy, Park Vista High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Salim Moutaouakkil, Royal Palm Beach High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Jeff Saint Fleur, Santaluces High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Maci Mowery, Seminole Ridge High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Katherine Heller, Spanish River High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Sadat Uddin, valedictorian of Suncoast High School, Class of 2021: Logan Castellanos, Wellington High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Adam Goldman, West Boca Raton High School valedictorian, Class of 2021: Samay Saxena, William T. Dwyer High School valedictorian, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Yes, I know politics is negative. A Winston-Salem man is facing charges after a police chase that ended in the citys southeastern section, authorities said. What is the best advice you got about succeeding? 6201 Powers Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30339. Every story is different and the challenges vary, but in the end they all have one thing in common - they will be speaking for and to their class in one of their final acts of being a high-schooler. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Using brain power, hard work and technology, Santaluces High School valedictorian Jeff Saint Fleur wants to make transportation better. I love the challenge, said Brooke, 18, a lifelong resident of Boca Raton. I have held the valedictorian rank since sophomore year., More:Class of 2021: Samay Saxena, William T. Dwyer High School valedictorian. Class of 2021 Update May 2 - Smore Tre Hands, valedictorian of Palm Beach Lakes High, is a scholar and a gentleman. Tampa Bay home sales are down. You have permission to edit this article. Valedictorians and salutatorians: Fulton County Schools Extracurricular activities: Math Team (President), Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society (President), Georgia ARML, Science Fair, Science Olympiad, Chamber Orchestra (Concertmaster), National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Academic Bowl, Robotics, Girls Interested in Science and Technology (GIST), swimming, College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Intended major: Mathematics and Computer Science/Engineering. Fulton schools announce 2021 valedictorians and salutatorians, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Dont take things far too seriously. These students include a 2020 Harvard Prize Book Award recipient and four-sport varsity athlete, Elle Mezzio, [] Success! He recently published a book of poetry called, Phases,and says this demonstrates that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to do. High school is a huge change, and it is important to not get overwhelmed with work. Ive always had a love for animals. Pressure motivates me. Logan Castellanos, valedictorian of Wellington High School, wasnt close to the top of her class as a freshman, but after taking more AP and other college-level classes, the 18-year-old is grateful and excited about the latest achievement.