Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Palm Beach County high schools.
American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus, Top Scholars
Jesse Brodtman
Hometown: Wellington
GPA: 4.5166
HPA: 6.0072
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist; National Merit Finalist; perfect score AP Computer Science A Exam; five-time AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) Qualifier; ranked Top 4 in national Mu Alpha Theta math competitions; student delegate president of both Mu Alpha Theta National High School & Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society and Florida Association of Mu Alpha Theta; president of Math Competition Club
Planned college: Harvard College
Inspirational quote: “Good times become good memories, but bad times become good lessons.” — Uncle Iroh
Bradley Frishman
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 4.5884
HPA: 5.9484
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Finalist; National Merit Semifinalist; elected region president of HOSA-Future Health Professionals Treasure Coast; National Merit Finalist; first place at HOSA International Leadership Conference; first place (team captain) at Regional Science Bowl; chair of CPR/Stop the Bleed-AHS Pre Medical Society; member of five National Honor Societies (NHS, Science, Spanish, English, Social Studies)
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” — Louis Pasteur
Branden Frishman
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 4.5478
HPA: 5.9078
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; first place, HOSA International Leadership Conference (EMT)
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or out.” — Pat Riley
Isidoro Lapidot
Hometown: Miami
GPA: 4.4468
HPA: 5.8996
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate; South Florida Regional Science Bowl winner
Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Inspirational quote: “If something’s important enough, you should try. Even if the probable outcome is failure.” — Elon Musk
Sara Meran
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 4.555
HPA: 5.955
Accomplishments: Founded STEM Workshop program for Fuller Center; National Merit Scholar Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Project Lead the Way Distinguished Designation in engineering; National Speech and Debate Association Degree of Special Distinction; three-time Nationals qualifier in speech and debate; captain of Varsity Girls’ Golf Team for two years
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” — Walt Disney
Yuhan Niu
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 4.5108
HPA: 5.9225
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; qualifying for USA Physics Olympiad
Planned college: Georgia Tech
Inspirational quote: “There’s no pressure. There’s no pressure at all. I’ve been getting pressured since I was 10 years old. I don’t think there’s no pressure for me because I’m doing something that I love to do, and that’s to play the game of basketball.” — LeBron James
Ramez Ortiz
Hometown: Lake Worth Beach
GPA:4.5008
HPA:6.0392
Accomplishments:National Merit Finalist
Planned college:Stanford University
Inspirational quote:“Define the moment, or the moment defines you.” — Walt Whitman
Ryan Rao
Hometown:Boca Raton
GPA:4.5761
HPA:6.1131
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate; National Merit Finalist; perfect score on AP Computer Science Principles exam; first place in Mu Alpha Theta national convention mystery test; Math Competition Club copresident; solo pianist performed at carnegie hall; Varsity Tennis State Championship
Planned college:Carnegie Mellon University
Inspirational quote:“A winner doesn’t win some of the time, a winner wins all the time!” — Derek Rampal
Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts, West Palm Beach
Valedictorian:Dylan Nguyen
Hometown:Palm Beach Gardens
GPA:4.0
HPA:5.5090
Accomplishments: Regeneron International Science and Engineer Fair Grand Award Winner in Biomedical Health Sciences; 61st and 62nd National Junior Science and Humanities Symposia Finalist; Amazon Future Engineers Scholarship Recipient; U.S. Computing Olympiad Gold Medalist; Yale Science & Engineering Association Award; Kovner Opportunity Scholarship Recipient; Carson Scholarship Recipient; MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science Scholar; Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience intern
Planned college:Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Inspirational quote:“Work hard, be kind and amazing things will happen.” — Conan O’Brien
Salutatorian:Jason Huang
Hometown:Wellington
GPA: 3.967
HPA: 5.401
Accomplishments: Selection at various film festivals; semifinalist at Los Angeles film Awards; award from Wellington film festival for super short films; Award of Merit from Global Accolade Film Festival
Planned college: Columbia University or Cornell University
Inspirational quote: “Life cannot be determined with a black or white, yes-no question. We’re constantly adding onto our canvas, different colors and outlines, that we can’t necessarily quantify as a misnomer or a virtue unless we truly have lived and suffered for what we believe in.”
Atlantic Community High School, Delray Beach
Valedictorian:Matthew Cai
Hometown:Delray Beach
GPA:4.00
HPA:5.55
Accomplishments: Five-time American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) Qualification through AMC; two-time winner of University of Central Florida High School Programming Tournament; conducted Federated Machine Learning Research with Florida State University’s Young Scholars Program; Sunshine State Scholars; Top 10 high school team for picoCTF 2024
Planned college: UC Berkeley
Inspirational quote: “Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it doesn’t matter. Explore the world. Nearly everything is really interesting if you go into it deeply enough.” ― Richard P. Feynman
Salutatorian: Samuel Mo
Hometown: Delray Beach
GPA: 3.86
HPA: 5.29
Accomplishments: Placed in computer programming competitions; cofounder of Atlantic Coding Club; officer in chess club; Mu Alpha Theta; Model UN
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” ― Oscar Wilde
Boca Raton Community High School
Valedictorian: Celine Zheng
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 5.48
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma, two-time AP Scholar with Distinction; president of Math Honors Society; historian for National Honors Society; nine-time Regional and State Medals from Science Olympiad
Planned college: Cornell University
Inspirational quote: “Some days, doing ‘the best we can’ may still fall short of what we would like to be able to do, but life isn’t perfect on any front — and doing what we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else.” — Fred Rogers
Salutatorian: Ricardo Perez
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.5345
Accomplishments: Science Olympiad Individual National Medalist (sixth in nation); Science Olympiad Overall State Champion (first as a team); two-time Science Olympiad Individual State Champion (first in personal events); National Merit Scholar Finalist; two-time AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; AP Seminar and Research Certificate; National Hispanic Scholar; Palm Beach County Academic Excellence Pathfinder Nominee
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” — Henry Miller
Boynton Beach Community High School
Valedictorian: Samuel Reiter
Hometown: Putnam, New York
GPA: 5.11
HPA: 4.0
Accomplishments: Private pilot license
Planned college:Ohio State
Inspirational quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
Salutatorian: Briana Augustin
Hometown: Haiti
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.10
Accomplishments: First in her family to become salutatorian and attend college
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “You shouldn’t have to dim your light to let another shine.” — Nicki Minaj
Forest Hill Community High School, West Palm Beach
Valedictorian: Avery MacCloud
Hometown: West Palm Beach
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.35
Accomplishments: Dual sport athlete and captain; WPBF Scholar Athlete of the Month (October 2023); Pathfinders Nominee; AICE Diploma Recipient; IB Diploma Candidate
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Salutatorian: Linda Montejo-Bartolon
Hometown: West Palm Beach
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.2
Accomplishments: Selected to exhibit art at Norton Museum of Art; Pathfinder nominee; QuestBridge Match scholarship recipient; IB Diploma Candidate
Planned college: Northwestern University
Inspirational quote: “We are almost there and nowhere near there. All that matters is that we’re going.” — Lorelai Gilmore (“Gilmore Girls”)
Glades Central Community High School, Belle Glade
Valedictorian: Gladysca Metelus
Hometown: Belle Glade
GPA: 3.9873
HPA: 5.2089
Accomplishments: AA degree upon graduation; AICE Diploma; CTE program completer; certified medical assistant; Principal’s A Team; Pathfinder nominee for Academic Excellence; Bright Futures Scholarship recipient; College Board African American Recognition Award; College Board Rural and Small Town Recognition Award
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Salutatorian: Giselle Silvestre
Hometown: Belle Glade
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 4.513
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; AA degree; Principal’s A Team; Pathfinder nominee for Academic Excellence; Bright Futures Scholarship recipient; George Snow Scholarship candidate; member of National Honor Society; treasurer of National Spanish Honor Society; member of Math Honor Society; agritechnology specialist certification
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” — Arthur C. Clarke
John I. Leonard High School, Greenacres
Valedictorian: Briana Ashley Boyd
GPA: 4.0 GPA
HPA: 5.26 HPA
Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE High School Diploma with Merit; Palm Beach State College Associate in Arts Degree; Pathfinder nominee in Academic Excellence; manager of high school girls’ soccer team; vice president of Future Business Leaders of America; National Honor Society member; Student Body Secretary-Student Government; reporter, school event photographer and editor for High School Yearbook Team
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in the person’s determination.” — Tommy Lasorda
Salutatorian: Claira Perez
GPA: 4.0
HPA:5.16
Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE High School Diploma; accounting internship 2023; Principal’s Honor Roll; National Hispanic Recognition Award 2022; varsity tennis captain; varsity golf player; Senior Class Representative-Student Government; Scholarship Pillar Chair-National Honor Society; Future Business Leaders of America member; Spanish Honor Society member
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Jupiter Christian School
Valedictorian: Juliana Tibbs
Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 4.54
Accomplishments: Student of Distinction; Student Ambassador; Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-academic team; Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-state team; Soccer MVP; Mathematics excellence award; Foreign language excellence award; Junior marshal; Principal’s list; AP Scholar award; National Hispanic Recognition Program; Senior prefect; Pathfinder nominee for Academic Excellence
Planned college: University of Miami (School of Nursing)
Inspirational quote: “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” — Suzy Kassem
Salutatorian: Chase Mitchell
Hometown: Stuart
GPA: 4.51
Accomplishments: National Honors Society treasurer, historian; SPAM Robotics; School Government Class of 2024 President; School Government Class of 2024 VP; School Marketing Club member; School Chess Club member; National Merit Scholarship Finalist; Principal’s List; Student of Distinction
Planned college: Purdue University
Inspirational quote:“Do not punish yourself for being imperfect, for not exceedingly already impossibly high expectations. To be flawed is to be human, and being human is not a crime.”
Jupiter Community High School
Valedictorian: Samuel Katz
Hometown: Jupiter
GPA: 3.97
HPA: 5.67
Accomplishments: Four years of Varsity JHS Baseball; Harvard Book Prize; Medical Academy graduate; AICE Diploma recipient; AP Scholar with Distinction; cofounder of Pickleball Club
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do — and I believe that.” — Derek Jeter
Salutatorian: Haylie Fine
Hometown: Jupiter
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.64
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Merit; runner-up at 2023 American Water Resource Association Annual Water Resources Conference Paper Competition undergraduates division; Academic Excellence Nominee for 2024 Palm Beach Post Pathfinder Awards; Top 10 Test Score, DECA States; ICDC DECA Qualifier, DECA States
Planned college: University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business
Inspirational quote: “Don’t give up.”
Lake Worth Community High School, Lake Worth Beach
Valedictorian: Manuel Juan Jose
Hometown: Guatemala
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 4.86
Accomplishments: Full-ride scholarship; several recognitions in JROTC; Latinos in Action
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “It does not matter what path you have chosen, the only thing that matters is that you keep in mind that success is determined by you, not by anyone else.”
Salutatorian: Pamela Miguel Pascual
Hometown: Boynton Beach
GPA: 3.92
HPA: 4.89
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” — 2 Chronicles 15:7
Olympic Heights Community High School, Boca Raton
Valedictorian: Jaden Chan
Hometown: Boynton Beach
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.6
Accomplishments: UF Honors; two-time DECA States Competitor; AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Distinction
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” — Steve Jobs
Salutatorian: Andrew Canter
Hometown: Delray Beach
GPA: 3.99
HPA: 5.31
Accomplishments: Mr. Olympic Heights 23-24; founder and president of two clubs (Sports Media, Music Production); member of four National Honors Societies (National, Math, Technical, Art); AP Scholar; AICE Diploma; NYU Music Business Essentials certified
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “My aim is to etch an indelible impression upon people’s hearts, bringing joy into their lives by embracing compassion, empathy and the notion that a life fulfilled is one dedicated to a purpose greater than oneself.” — Andrew Canter
Pahokee Middle-Senior High School
Valedictorian: Sofia Serrano
Hometown: Pahokee
GPA: 3.9
HPA: 5.16
Accomplishments: FAU Climate Ready Ambassador; state competition on robotics team; University of Washington summer internship; IB Diploma Candidate
Planned college: University of South Florida
Inspirational quote: “Don’t compare your life to others. There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon; they shine when it’s their time.”
Salutatorian: Ajasia Crawford
Hometown: Pahokee
GPA: 3.9
HPA: 5.14
Planned college: Howard University
Inspirational quote: “Success is the sum of small efforts — repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
Palm Beach Central High School, Wellington
Valedictorian: Ryan Snider
Hometown: Wellington
GPA: 3.98
Weighted GPA: 5.56
Accomplishments: Published first book “70 Meters”; Editor-in-Chief, PBC Literary Magazine; PB Central Pathfinder for Literature; appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy; two-year varsity volleyball; National Honor Society, vice president
Planned college: U.S. Air Force Academy
Inspirational quote: “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” — Henry Ford
Salutatorian: Adam Ahmad
Hometown: Royal Palm Beach
GPA: 4.0
Weighted GPA: 5.4123
Accomplishments: 15 college-level courses; eight dual-enrolled college classes; more than 100 hours of math tutoring services; straight A’s/Honor Roll for entire educational career
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.” — Steve Jobs
Palm Beach Gardens Community High School
Valedictorian: Sunny Cheung
Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.34
Accomplishments: Planned, purchased parts for and built more than five computers; continuously debugs and solves problems for family and friends’ computers
Planned college: Occidental College
Inspirational quote: “Roots ground us, but they don’t define us. They nourish our growth, but they don’t limit our reach.”
Salutatorian: Elisha Jackson
Hometown: Taneytown, Maryland
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.01
Accomplishments: College Board National African American Recognition Program; AP Scholar with Distinction; Mark Cuban Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp; Showcase of Schools representative for PBGHS Medical Program; National Healthcareer Association Medical Administrative Assistant Certification; National Emergency Medical Responder Certification; EKG Technician Certification; Patient Care Technician Assistant Certification
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, West Palm Beach
Valedictorian: Kaylin Hunt
Hometown: West Palm Beach
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 4.83
Accomplishments: Dual Enrollment; Principal Honor Roll; Class of 2024 vice president; Student Government Association member; National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society
Planned college: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Inspirational quote: “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.”
Salutatorian: Torian Watson
Hometown: West Palm Beach
GPA: 3.8
HPA: 4.7
Accomplishments: Pathfinder nominee; Academy Student of the Month; Girls State Delegate; first Youth Board Member of Youth Empowered to Prosper; Golden Apple of the Year; Dual Enrollment; National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; Florida Future Educators of America president and State Public Speaking Competition winner; Junior Achievement volunteer
Planned college: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Inspirational quote: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” — Dr. Seuss
Palm Beach Virtual School
Valedictorian: Raymond Burns Jr.
Hometown: Delray Beach
GPA: 3.64
HPA: 3.71
Accomplishments: Created mascot CHIP
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “An artist’s biggest critic is themselves.”
Salutatorian:Zachary Mountcastle
Hometown: Lake Worth Beach
GPA: 3.36
HPA: 3.44
Accomplishments: Learned welding before entering college
Planned college: Palm Beach State College
Inspirational quote: “If you have an idea that you think is good, don’t let someone talk you out of it.”
Park Vista Community High School, Lake Worth Beach
Valedictorian: Isabella Simon
Hometown: Boynton Beach
GPA: 3.9831
HPA: 5.3644
Accomplishments: Top 5 in class all four years; AICE Diploma with Distinction; Scholastic Achievement Nominee; Sideline Cheer; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Rho Kappa; National Spanish Honor Society; National Science Honor Society; National English Honor Society
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.” — Helen Keller
Salutatorian: Zoe Lester
Hometown: Lake Worth Beach
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.3
Accomplishments: Scholastic Achievement nominee; finalist for Pathfinder scholarship for History and Political Science; three-year varsity basketball; president of Temple Shaarei Shalom’s Youth Group; vice president
of Park Vista Jewish Student Union; AICE Diploma with Distinction; intern for StandWithUs; fellow for Immersive Israel Organization; National Honor Society; youth basketball coach
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I?” — Rabbi Hillel
Royal Palm Beach Community High School
Valedictorian: Ashley Weyer Liranzo
Hometown: Royal Palm Beach
GPA: 3.9412
HPA: 5.5408
Accomplishments: Published two books; president of Mu Alpha Theta; historian of History National Honor Society; member of Caribbean Honor Society; cofounder of BB4C to raise money for cancer patients; third place in Environmental Sciences at regional Science Fair; recognition and award from Florida Atlantic University for conservation research
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “It’s always seen as impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela
Salutatorian: Alexis Dunkley
Hometown: West Palm Beach
GPA: 3.94
HPA: 5.48
Accomplishments: Science Fair fourth place; Math National Honor Society treasurer; Caribbean Club Volunteer Committee; 170 community service hours; Pathfinder nominee
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “It’s better to try and not get anything than not trying at all.”
Santaluces Community High School, Lantana
Valedictorian:Christopher Molina
Hometown: Lantana
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.2
Accomplishments: AA Degree; AICE Diploma; AP Scholar Award; chorus president; more than 1,000 community service hours
Planned college: Florida State College
Inspirational quote: “I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.” — Beyoncé
Salutatorian: Jonathan Rodriguez Gomez
Hometown: Pinar del Rio, Cuba
GPA: 4.00
HPA: 5.6250
Accomplishments: QuestBridge Scholar; McNulty Scholarship winner; ninth place in NCL
Planned college: Washington University in St. Louis
Inspirational quote: “Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep a balance you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein
Seminole Ridge Community High, Loxahatchee
Valedictorian: Kyla Cartwright
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 4.00
HPA: 5.5833
Accomplishments: Pathfinder nominee for forensics/speech; National Speech and Debate Association Degree of Distinction; NCFL National Qualifier for Duo Interpretation, Oral Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation; AP Scholar Award; Cambridge Scholar Award; AICE Diploma with Distinction; Speech and Debate captain
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Your voice and mind are your greatest gifts. Use them to do good.”
Salutatorian:Caitlyn Tripician
Hometown: Loxahatchee
GPA: 3.9459
HPA: 5.5086
Accomplishments: Bright Futures Academic Scholar; NCWIT Regional Honorable Mention and South Florida Affiliate Winner; associate degree from Palm Beach State College; Pathfinder nominee for Computer Engineering
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “The less I know, the better.”
SouthTech Academy, Boynton Beach
Valedictorian: Guisselle Aguirre
Hometown: Boynton Beach
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 4.81
Accomplishments: Certified Nursing Assistant; Certified Medical Assistant; EKG Technician
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “Be the designer of your dreams and the creator of your future.”
Salutatorian: Naftalienne Jerome
Hometown: Boynton Beach
GPA: 3.91
HPA: 4.64
Accomplishments: Various medical certifications; Dual Enrollment
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” — George Addair
Spanish River Community High School, Boca Raton
Valedictorian: Ksh*tij Chaudhari
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 3.9859
HPA: 5.6127
Accomplishments: Milstein Program finalist at Cornell University; internships at tech companies; led dozens of classes for young technology students; raised $5,000 for underprivileged communities and schools; 15 AP Courses
Planned college: Cornell University
Inspirational quote: “Any destination is possible as long as you have the fuel to reach it.”
Salutatorian: Allison Hollander
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.5125
Accomplishments: President of Biotechnology Academy, Key Club, UNICEF and Teens of Pink Ribbon; co-captain of Academic Team; Harvard Book Award recipient; dual varsity athlete (track and bowling)
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “Enjoy the little things in life.”
Suncoast High School, Riviera Beach
Valedictorian: Theodore Ouyang
Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens
GPA: 3.9744
HPA: 5.8846
Accomplishments: Sunshine State Scholar; 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Semifinalist; Pathfinder Science Award Nominee; Kovner Opportunity Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; Academic Games Leagues of America; Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair third place in Environmental Engineering; National Merit Scholarship Finalist; Future Leaders Project Award of the Year
Planned college: Princeton University
Inspirational quote: “The quality of a journey toward highest excellence is defined not by what is achieved during the intermediate but by what is gained for finality.”
Salutatorian: Lukas Abraham
Hometown: Wellington
GPA: 3.9216
HPA: 5.5515
Accomplishments: Patricia Frist Memorial Scholar; Top 10% in U.S. Medicine and Disease Olympiad; National Merit Commended Scholar; International Science and Engineering Fair third place Grand Award Winner; National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Regeneron Biomedical Science Award Recipient; Yale Science & Engineering Award; Kovner Opportunity Scholar
Planned college: University of Notre Dame
Inspirational quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West
The King’s Academy, West Palm Beach
Valedictorian: Joyce Maniquis
Hometown: Boynton Beach
GPA: 4.14
HPA: 4.79
Accomplishments: Member of National Honor Society and five other honor societies; president of Women in STEM; vice president of Math National Honor Society; co-captain of Peer Tutoring; treasurer of King’s Service Organization; AP Scholar with Distinction; DiMino Engineering and Technology program of distinction in technology
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” — Romans 12:2
Salutatorian:Joshua Arockiasamy
Hometown: Royal Palm Beach
GPA: 4.06
HPA: 4.67
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Commended Scholar; member of National Honor Society and four other honor societies; officer of King’s Service Organization; DiMino Engineering and Technology distinction in Technology; The Smith Family Conservatory of the Arts distinction in Instrumental Arts
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Village Academy, Delray Beach
Valedictorian: Jenneysha Joseph
Hometown: Delray Beach
GPA: 3.9
HPA: 4.6
Accomplishments: Women of Tomorrow; Bound for College; Cancer Kids First; National Honors Society; Honor Roll
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “Learn to embrace your own unique beauty, celebrate your unique gifts with confidence. Your imperfections are actually a gift.” — Kerry Washington
Salutatorian: Naderge Francois
Hometown: Delray Beach
GPA: 3.9
HPA: 3.3
Accomplishments: Cancer Kids First; Women of Tomorrow; yearbook; National Honor Society; Honor Roll
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
Wellington Community High School
Valedictorian: Sarah Lizarazo Baez
GPA unweighted:4.0
Val/Sal GPA: 5.5741
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Distinction Recipient; AP Scholar with Honor Recipient; Spanish Honor Society President; Pathfinder Nominee in Academic Excellence; Mu Alpha Theta Vice President; Environmental Club Committee Head in Fundraising; Principal’s Straight A Honor Roll Recipient
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “If you are lucky enough to find something that you love, and you have a shot at being good at it, don’t stop, don’t put it down.” — Taylor Swift
Salutatorian: Ewa Tryniszewski
GPA unweighted: 4.0
Val/Sal GPA:5.2213
Accomplishments: National Congressional Debate Champion in CDI league; two-time State Qualifier in Public Forum Debate; AICE Diploma; WHS Pathfinder Nominee in Forensics; more than 300 community service hours
Planned college: Georgetown University
Inspirational quote: “It is what it is.”
West Boca Raton Community High School
Valedictorian: Nicole Stone
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 3.9770
HPA: 5.4943
Accomplishments: Top 1% of graduating class; Principal’s Honor Roll; Underclassmen Award; President’s Award for Academic Excellence; Palm Beach County Academic Challenge Team District Winner; Palm Beach State College Part-Time Student President’s List; Future Business Leaders of America District Winner in Journalism; Gold Spanish/English Biliteracy Diploma Seal; AP Capstone Diploma Candidate; West Boca High School Palm Beach Post Academic Excellence First Place Award; district varsity soccer and tennis winner
Planned college: University of Notre Dame
Inspirational quote: “While we must accept finite disappointment, we must never lose infinite hope because it is only when it is dark enough that we can see the stars.”
Salutatorian: Ella Prince
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 3.97
HPA: 5.39
Accomplishments: Yearbook editor; George Snow Scholar; captain of girls’ bowling team; AICE Diploma recipient; nationally certified Emergency Medical Responder; certified EKG technician
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” — Robert H. Schuller
William T. Dwyer High School, Palm Beach Gardens
Valedictorian: Giovanni Bruno
Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.50
Accomplishments: Member of National, Spanish National, English National and Science Honor Societies; AP Scholar with Distinction; Scholar Designation; more than 500 community service hours
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Sometimes the questions are complicated but the answers are simple.” — Dr. Seuss
Salutatorian: Dylan Wang
Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.3913
Accomplishments: Four years in IB program; AP Scholar; more than 100 volunteer hours at Palm Beach Gardens Library; seven Dual Enrollment courses
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Just be yourself.”
