Class of 2023: Palm Beach County high school vals and sals

Kari Barnett, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
·22 min read

Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Palm Beach County high schools.

American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus, Top Scholars

Olivia Askowitz Hometown: Boca RatonGPA: 4.4649HPA: 5.7361Accomplishments: second place in Ethics Bowl; first chair oboe in band; co-president of the Coding Club; Summer Scientific Research; Math competitionPlanned college: Cornell UniversityInspirational quote: “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales incomparison to what lies inside of you.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pavan Kumar Hometown: ParklandGPA: 4.3735HPA: 5.9041Accomplishments: first place Statistics Team – Mu Alpha Theta; vice president ofAHS Math Competition Club; president of AHS Chess Club; Max Planck Instituteresearch internshipPlanned college: Dartmouth CollegeInspirational quote: “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Deeksha Kumaresh Hometown: Royal Palm BeachGPA: 4.501HPA: 6.0183Accomplishments: Founder of BrightScore Academy, a nonprofit educationalorganization that has hosted over 1,200 virtual sessions for students around thecountry; president of Math Competition; Scientific Research with AHS SummerInstitute and Florida Atlantic University; Bharatanatyam (Indian Classical Dance)Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInspirational quote: “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literallyastound ourselves.” — Thomas A Edison

Dylan McClish Hometown: Delray BeachGPA: 4.4673HPA: 5.9036Accomplishments: Founder of the CALM club, the first meditation club atAmerican Heritage; captain of AHS Varsity Basketball team; Science Research Institutefor 3 years; organizer and volunteer of Feeding South Florida food drivePlanned college: Princeton UniversityInspirational quote: “Before you give up, think of the reason you held on so long.” — Drake

Isaac Wachsman Hometown: WellingtonGPA: 4.5045HPA: 5.7698Accomplishments: State Champion and Competition Captain — Future BusinessLeaders of America; 5 on all 7 AP exams taken; full-time, paid summerinternship at SV Microwave; president and Competition Captain — French Club;first place in state, National Competitor — Math CompetitionPlanned college: University of Florida (Honors College)Inspirational quote: “Learning never exhausts the mind.” — Leonardo da Vinci

Nolan Wen Hometown: Lake WorthGPA: 4.4954HPA: 6.0509Accomplishments: Regeneron Science Talent Search Top 40 Finalist; $27,000 inscholarships; two-time published as first author; two-time Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fairfinalist; two-time first-place State Science Fair Winner and Best in Fair Winner in Chemistry; National Merit Finalist, US Presidential Scholar Semifinalist; inducted into the American Junior Academy of Science three years in arow; Yale Science and Engineering Science Fair Award; vice president of the Model United Nations Club; president of the American Heritage Palm Beach Campus TASSEL Cambodia branch; Scientific Research/Summer research all four years of high schoolPlanned college: University of PennsylvaniaInspirational quote: “People are just like farm equipment. They rust out quicker than they wear out.” — Colonel Sanders

Jin Yang Li Hometown: Boca RatonGPA: 4.2821HPA: 5.859Accomplishments: Performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor inCremona, Italy; president of Math Competition Team; hard worker at Hong Kong Palace (the family’stakeout restaurant)Planned college: Harvard CollegeInspirational quote: “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” — Socrates

Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts, West Palm Beach

Valedictorian: Siya VirojaHometown: WellingtonAccomplishments: National Merit Scholar; Kovner Scholar; founder and president of Premed Club; Dreyfoos girls’ soccer team memberPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational Quote: “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoythe journey.” — Michael Josephson

Salutatorian: Ella PerrasHometown: JupiterAccomplishments: Florida Girls State Delegate; Scholastic Gold Medal; Scholastic Silver Medal; over 400 volunteer hours; artwork selected and displayed in the Norton Museum of Art; National Art Honor Society president; 7 Scholastic Gold Keys; 7 Scholastic Silver Keys; 4 Scholastic Regional Honorable MentionsPlanned college: University of British ColumbiaInspirational Quote: “You aren’t sure if you’re making the right decision — about anything, ever.”— Joan Didion

Atlantic Community High School, Delray Beach

Valedictorian: Stacy PhamHometown: Boynton BeachGPA: 3.99HPA: 5.57Accomplishments: Raised $1,700 for Operation Smile; private pilot’s license student; Florida’s Girls State Delegate; Florida Engineering Society Scholarship recipient; Academic Excellence Pathfinder nomineePlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” — Tim Nortke

Salutatorian: Atishay NarayananHometown: Boynton BeachGPA: 4.00HPA: 5.47Accomplishments: Pathfinder Mathematics Winner; NextEra Energy Inc. National Merit Scholar; first place in Sports and Entertainment Management at Florida FBLA 2022; AP Scholar with Distinction 2021 and 2022; IB Diploma CandidatePlanned college: Princeton UniversityInspirational quote: “Being a nerd really pays off sometimes” — Ken Jennings

Boca Raton Achievement Center

First graduate: Taylor BergmanHometown: Boca RatonNext step: BRAC’s adult programInspirational quote: “[My] story as a special needs student is really challenging. But I now know that I can only make my life change by believing in myself.”

Boca Raton Community High School

Valedictorian: Gabriela QuirosHometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico and Boca RatonGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.78Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Distinction; Outstanding Cambridge Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; AP Scholar with Distinction; Biliteracy Seal Gold; Kathryn Lindgren Scholarship; Scholastic Top 10Planned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Two things will define you: Your determination when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.” — Peng Joon

Salutatorian: Miguel ElieHometown: Caracas, VenezuelaGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.8Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Distinction; Cambridge Scholar Award with Merit; National Honor Society; Math Honor Society President; 2021 AP Scholar with Honor; 2021 AP Seminar and Research Certificate; 2022 AP Capstone Diploma; 2022 AP Scholar with DistinctionPlanned college: University of Florida Honors CollegeInspirational quote: “Success at anything will always come down to this: focus and effort. And we control both.” — Dwayne Johnson

Boca Prep International School, Boca Raton

Valedictorian: Gibelle BeaujonHometown: Willemstad, CuracaoGPA: 3.97HPA: 4.64Accomplishments: Acceptance to Scholars Program at Salisbury and NHS president of Boca PrepPlanned college: Salisbury UniversityInspirational quote: “Be the type of person you want to meet.” — Tom McCallum

Salutatorian: Emily DiamondHometown: Toms River, New JerseyGPA: 3.90HPA: 4.15Accomplishments: Acceptance to Honors College Program at Fairfield University and NHS vice president of Boca PrepPlanned college: Fairfield UniversityInspirational quote: “All that matters is how you see yourself” — Israel Adesanya

Boynton Beach Community High School

Valedictorian: Madison FauntleroyHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 4.00HPA: 5.18Accomplishments: Helen Wessel Endowment Scholarship Recipient; Embry-Riddle Diamond Eagle Scholarship recipient; Alton “Al” Wright Youth Apprentice Scholarship recipient; Florida Academic Bright Futures Scholarship recipient; National Honor Society president; Civil Air Patrol North Palm Beach County Squadron Cadet 1st Lieutenant Aerospace OfficerPlanned college: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach (Aerospace Physiology Major)Inspirational college: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne

Salutatorian: Jessica Rosado Hometown: Lake Worth G PA: 3.9 HPA: 4.9 Accomplishments: BASA; Dual Enrollment; over 100 hours of community service, most helping local small businessesPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “To find what you’re passionate about, do what makes you excited.” — Unknown

Forest Hill Community High School, West Palm Beach

Valedictorian: Taylor BrockmanHometown: West Palm BeachGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.2698Accomplishments: Pathfinder nominee; Flag Football team captain; Land Rover Player of the Week; AICE Diploma candidate; IB Diploma candidate; graduating with over 40 college credits; 1510 SAT scorePlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Some days you are a bug and some days you are a windshield.” — Grandpa

Salutatorian: Maximilian HollidayHometown: West Palm BeachGPA: 3.9677HPA: 5.2581Accomplishments: Pathfinder nominee; National Merit Scholarship recipient; IB Diploma candidate; founding member of Forest Hill High School Debate Club; completed over 100 community service hours for several nonprofit organizations including Little Smiles, Keep America Beautiful and othersPlanned college: University of Florida

Glades Central Community High School, Belle Glade

Valedictorian: Sabrina JacquesHometown: Belle GladeGPA: 3.89HPA: 4.88Accomplishments: George Snow Scholar; FSU Presidential Scholar; Scholastic Achievement at the Breakers; FFA Member of the Year; NHA Certified EKG technician; AEST Associates of Agriculture; Inducted Member of both National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society; first-generation college student; over $80,000 in scholarships as well as two full-tuition scholarshipsPlanned college: Florida State UniversityInspirational quote: “To survive is to stay alive in the face of opposition.”

Salutatorian: Jennicia Simms Hometown: Belle GladeGPA: 3.8HPA: 4.74Accomplishments: AICE Diploma recipient; dual enrollment student; over 200 hours of community service; served at New Life Tabernacle UPC Belle Glade, Bridges at Belle Glade, National Achievers Society; participated in 9 clubs; certified EKG technician; Glades Central’s Principals ‘A’ TeamPlanned college: University of Central FloridaInspirational quote: “Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will change. Everything ends up working out in the end. Sometimes even better than one could imagine. Remember this when you are in a hard place or feel like you’re being challenged the most. Believe in where you are heading.”

Grandview Preparatory School, Boca Raton

Valedictorian: Madison WarrenHometown: Boca RatonGPA: 3.97HPA: 4.5Accomplishments: Cheerleading captain and MVP; Varsity Dance Team captain; Varsity Volleyball captainPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “If you’re happy doing what you’re doing, nobody can tell you you’re not successful.” — Harry Styles

Salutatorian: Elle TesorieroHometown: MiamiUnweighted GPA: 3.95Weighted GPA: 4.41Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Honor; AP Scholar with Distinction; co-president of GPS Student Government Association; member of National Honor Society; Florida Academic Scholars Scholarship recipient; Honors Diploma Recipient; full-time student-athlete at Evert Tennis Academy; FHSAA Tennis Regional finalistPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”

John I. Leonard High School, Greenacres

Valedictorian: Apphia Elizabeth Lall Hometown: West Palm BeachGPA: 3.97HPA: 5.21Accomplishments: Neuroscience Intern at Max Planck; SGA Student Body Vice President; SAC Secretary; SECME Historian; Science Pathfinder Nominee; Equality Club President; AICE Diploma with Merit; National Honor Society; EMR Certification; CMAA Certification; EKG Tech CertificationPlanned college: Duke UniversityInspirational quote: “Never be afraid to try something new because life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know.”

Salutatorian: David B. CampbellHometown: Lake Jackson, TexasGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.19Accomplishments: AICE Diploma Candidate; Python Industry Certification; South Florida Fair Community Service; Student Government Association Food Drives; NJHS member; president of Students Working Against Tobacco Club for nearly 3 years and member of Lancer Court for 1 yearPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “When the fight in the arena seems hopeless, fight harder knowing that you can’t let the sacrifices that others have made for your future success die in vain.” — David Campbell

Jupiter Christian School

Valedictorian: AJ SeymourHometown: Fort MyersGPA: 4.48HPA: 3.96Accomplishments: Maintained straight As throughout high school; named to the Principal’s List every year; Senior Prefect in Athletics, member of the National Honor Society; JCS Student Ambassador; Student Government Representative; National Arts Honor Society; Academic Excellence Award in Math; lettered all four years on the men’s Varsity Baseball teamPlanned college: Rollins CollegeInspirational quote: “I’ll tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, Go, throwyourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says willhappen, it will be done for him.” — Mark 11:23

Co-Salutatorian: Rose BezillaHometown: Hartford, ConnecticutGPA: 4.44HPA: 4.0Accomplishments: Maintained straight As throughout high school career;named on the Principal’s List every year; Senior Prefect in Spiritual Life; member of National Honor Society; member of National Society of High School Scholars; JCS Student Ambassador; vice president of the Latino Club; treasurer of the Marketing Club; Theater Award; Dual Enrollment Psychology Award; Palm Beach Post Pathfinder nomination for Academic Excellence; varsity soccer; varsity golf; junior varsity volleyballPlanned college: University of MiamiInspirational quote: “So we press through the pain, and we dance in the rain, and we change and we grow, we learn how to let go, and it’s these times we show, that we’re more than we know.” — Madeleine Meldrum

Co-Salutatorian: Kennedy KauffHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 4.44HPA: 4.0Accomplishments: Maintained straight As throughout high school; named on the Principal’s List every year; member of National Honor Society; Palm Beach Post Pathfinder nominee for Math; received multiple Academic AwardsPlanned college: Florida Atlantic UniversityInspirational quote: “Don’t pray for better lives, pray to be stronger men.” — John F. Kennedy

Jupiter Community High School

Valedictorian: Zachary ThomasHometown: JupiterGPA: 3.9HPA: 5.5Accomplishments: Over 300 community service hours, private pilotPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Our class has been afforded the best mentors and role models of any institution. I encourage my classmates to serve as a leader to those that require one, as we have looked to so many.”

Salutatorian: Dustin PerronHometown: LoxahatcheeVal/Sal GPA: 5.5538GPA: 4.0HPA: 5.4247Accomplishments: Top 10 since 10th grade; AICE Diploma recipient; logged over 300 community service hours; completed 13 AICE courses and 24 Dual Enrollment courses, graduated with AA degree from Palm Beach State College on May 9Planned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Even if you’re on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there” — Will Rogers

Olympic Heights Community High School, Boca Raton

Valedictorian: Brandon SilverHometown: Boca RatonGPA: 3.9437HPA: 5.5862Accomplishments: National Merit Commendation; NHS; Mu Alpha Theta; Spanish NHS; AP Scholar; AICE Diploma; Bright FuturesPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan

Salutatorian: Emily ZhangHometown: Boca RatonGPA: 3.98HPA: 5.43Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Merit (2022); nominated for 2021-22 Sunshine State Scholars Program; artwork displayed at Norton Museum of Art (2019-20 and 2022); AP Scholar with Distinction (2022); over 150 hours of community service; Award of Merit in Women in the Visual Arts, Inc. (2021); NSHSS member; treasurer (2019-2020) and vice president (2020-21) of National Art Honor Society at OHHSPlanned college: University of MiamiInspirational quote: “A road is something that you make yourself” — Jotaro Kujo

Pahokee Middle-Senior High

Valedictorian: Madison JonesHometown: PahokeeGPA: 3.9HPA: 5.3Accomplishments: 5th place in Incubate Debate tournament; over 300 community service hours; 18 college acceptances; industry certification in information technologyPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity; and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.” — Conan O’Brien

Salutatorian: Karen MelendezHometown: South BayGPA: 3.8824HPA: 5.2255Accomplishments: Honor roll; full tuition for South Carolina State University; Scholastic Achievement Award for Palm Beach State UniversityPlanned college: University of South FloridaInspirational quote: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” — Anatole France

Palm Beach Central High School, Wellington

Valedictorian: Ryan FingeretHometown: WellingtonCumulative GPA: 4.0Weighted GPA: 5.5Accomplishments: Principal’s Honor Roll with Straight As every nine weeks for 3 years; National Honor Society member; AICE Diploma Recipient with distinction; Bright Futures Scholar; Rho Kappa History Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society member; founder and vice president of Students Working Against TobaccoPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Life is like a roller coaster, sometimes all you can do is scream and hold on.”

Salutatorian: Amanda SchininaHometown: WellingtonGPA: 4.0Weighted GPA: 5.4Accomplishments: NHS member; AICE Advisory, Committee member; AICE Diploma with DistinctionPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Scary news is, you’re on your own now. Cool news is, you’re on your own now.” — Taylor Swift (NYU 2022 commencement speech)

Palm Beach Gardens Community High

Valedictorian: Peggy CheungHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 3.99HPA: 5.3Accomplishments: Over 350 community service hours; National Honor Society vice president; Computer Science Honor Society vice president; Asian Student Union vice president; Mu Alpha Theta secretary; HOSA Gift of Life coordinator; Peggy Adams Cat Care volunteer; Science National Honor Society member; National English Honor Society member; Future Business Leaders of America memberPlanned college: Reed CollegeInspirational quote: “Do it scared and unprepared!”

Co-Salutatorian: Paulina LoaizaHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.2Accomplishments: Executive officer of NJROTC; Pathfinder nominee; president of Spanish Honor Society; varsity soccer and bowling; recipient of NROTC Scholarship and Bright Futures Scholarship; AP Scholar; AICE Diploma with Distinction; UF Research Scholar Planned college: University of Florida Honors CollegeInspirational quote: “When we see the Earth from space, we see ourselves as a whole. We see the unity, and not the divisions. It is such a simple image with a compelling message: one planet, one human race.” — Stephen Hawking

Co-Salutatorian: Victoria RoseHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.2Accomplishments: Math Honor Society vice president; National Honor Society president; AICEDiploma recipient; AP Scholar awardPlanned college: Florida State UniversityInspirational quote: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius

Park Vista Community High, Lake Worth

Valedictorian: Erika BastHometown: Lake WorthGPA: 3.9367HPA: 5.440Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE Diploma with Merit; president of HOSA (Future Health Professionals); co-president of the National English Honor Society; member of National Honor Society; event coordinator of Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society); past member of National Science Honor Society; member of the Environmental Club and the Park Vista Dance Team; member of Phi Theta Kappa – Delta Omicron Chapter at Palm Beach State College where she was awarded her AA degree in December 2022.Planned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Salutatorian: Brianna CastroHometown: Lake WorthGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.4231Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE Diploma with Distinction; AP Scholar Award; president of the National Spanish Honor Society; co-vice president of Key Club; member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society), Rho Kappa (National Social Studies Honor Society); volunteer at church and for Speak Up For Kids; recipient of the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Award for Academic Excellence and the Harvard Prize Book Award; prom queenPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Love life. Engage in it. Give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.” — Maya Angelou

Royal Palm Beach Community High School

Valedictorian: Alexander CasalHometown: Royal Palm BeachUnweighted GPA: 4.0Weighted GPA: 5.6020Accomplishments: President of Math and History Academic Games; member of 5 National Honor Societies (National, Science, English, History, and Mu Alpha Theta); treasurer of the National English Honor Society; vice president of Mu Alpha Theta; attended Academic Games, placed second in locals, competed in states and qualified for nationals; two-time Carson Scholar; Triunfo Scholarship recipientPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Never settle for what’s easy, but only for your best because one day only your best will suffice.”

Salutatorian: Sara Dominguez-PerezHometown: Royal Palm BeachGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.5408Accomplishments: Science Pathfinders nominee; member of the National Art Honor Society; International Baccalaureate student; co-founder of RPBHS MSK Arts and Crafts Club; over 100 hours of community service; 7 AICE and 3 AP coursesPlanned college: University of Central FloridaInspirational quote: “Remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.” — Chadwick Boseman

Santaluces Community High School, Lantana

Valedictorian: Janet Charqueno GonzalezHometown: LantanaGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.0Accomplishments: Pathfinder nominee for the Academic Excellence Category; president of the Santaluces Latinos in Action Chapter; officer position in the National Honor Societies (NHS & NAHS); AICE Diploma with Distinction; Cambridge (AICE) Scholar Award with Merit; Bright Futures recipient; Academic Excellence Awards across math, English and science coursesPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Remember that just because you hit bottom doesn’t mean you have to stay there” — Robert Downey Jr.

Salutatorian: Connor BallewHometown: Lake WorthGPA: 3.9HPA: 4.8Accomplishments: Four-year varsity baseball player, two-year NHS and NSHSS memberPlanned college: University of Central FloridaInspirational quote: “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” — John F. Kennedy

Seminole Ridge Community High, Loxahatchee

Valedictorian: Juliana OrtegaHometown: LoxahatcheeGPA: 3.9868HPA: 5.2763Accomplishments: Foreign Language Pathfinder nominee; Questbridge National College Match Scholarship recipient; vice president of Spanish Honor Society; treasurer of National Honor Society; External Overall of Dance Marathon; Dance Marathon Leadership Team Grades 9-12Planned college: Notre Dame UniversityInspirational quote: “Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.”

Salutatorian: Julia NewcombHometown: LoxahatcheeGPA: 4.00HPA: 5.2077Accomplishments: AICE Diploma and top tier Bright Futures; National Honor Society historian; straight As throughout high school; Biotechnology Academy; member of Mu Alpha Theta Science, National Honor Society, Key Club and Go Green ClubPlanned college: University of Central FloridaInspirational quote: “People call these things imperfections, but they’re not, that’s the good stuff. And then we get to choose who we let into our weird little worlds.” — “Good Will Hunting”

SouthTech Academy, Boynton Beach

Valedictorian: Stephanie DelaplaneHometown: Lake WorthGPA: 3.9452HPA: 4.5788Accomplishments: Animal Science and Agritechnolology specialist; Certified Veterinarian AssistantPlanned college: Jacksonville UniversityInspirational quote: “Success is not final; Failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston S. Churchill

Salutatorian: Saturn LouidortHometown: Boynton BeachGPA: 3.97HPA: 4.6Accomplishments: Highest number of medical certifications passed within the grade; 1 state license; 5 national health certificationsPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” —Thomas A. Edison

Spanish River Community High, Boca Raton

Valedictorian: Brody Pellegrino Hometown: Boca Raton GPA: 4.0 HPA: 5.6538 Accomplishments: DECA International Finalist; DECA State Winner; Vice President Florida DECA 2021-2022; AICE Diploma with Distinction; AP Scholar with Distinction; Academic Excellence Pathfinder Award finalist; Spanish River Vegan For the World Club president; Spanish River TILE Business Conversations Club president; National English Honors Society president; AICE Ambassador; Clubs2Kids engagement director Planned college: University of Pennsylvania/Wharton, Joseph Wharton Scholar Inspirational quote: “Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” — Michelle Obama

Salutatorian: Tian Haw ZhengHometown: Boca RatonGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.4237Accomplishments: Officer of First Priority; National Merit finalist; three-sport student-athletePlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Our present trials and weaknesses cannot compare with the joys awaiting us at the finish line. You will never know what can be, if you do not go and see.”

Suncoast High School, Riviera Beach

Valedictorian: John ParelHometown: WellingtonGPA: 3.9909HPA: 5.6789Val/Sal GPA: 5.8200Accomplishments: Kovner Opportunity Scholarship recipient; published author (Dartmouth International Collegiate Journal of Science); AP Scholar with Distinction; researcher; Certified CPR Instructor; Emergency Medical Technician training; Academic Excellence Pathfinder finalist; National English Honor Society president; 1550 SAT (perfect score in math); president of the VA Youth Advisory Board; president of Academic Games; George Washington University (Seven-year BS/MD program) Inspirational quote: “Never forget the roots from which you came from, and never forget the people who made you who you are today.” — Mr. Parel, John’s father

Salutatorian: Sultan KhanfarHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 4.0000HPA: 5.5110Val/Sal GPA: 5.6818Accomplishments: Conducted one year of research for Dr. Ken Dawson-Scully, Nova Southeastern University; National Merit Commended Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; 1520 SAT (perfect score in math); graduating high school with associates degree (104 credit hours); University of Florida (Honors Program and University Research Scholars Program)Inspirational quote: “Success isn’t owned. It’s leased, and rent is due every day.” — J.J. Watt

The King’s Academy, West Palm Beach

Valedictorian: McKayla MartinHometown: LoxahatcheeGPA: 4.114HPA: 4.672Accomplishments: Ambassador, Global Ambassador, Co-President of Group316 and Spiritual Life Prefect; selected as junior Marshall in 11th grade; National Merit finalist; English superlative award recipient; active membership in six honor societiesPlanned college: Liberty UniversityInspirational quote: “I hope to leave TKA with a legacy of being Godly, kind, hard working, humble and joyful. I hope I’m remembered as the girl who loved her Lord, her peers and her teachers more than herself.”

Salutatorian: Zacary WebbHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 4.671HPA: 4.054Accomplishments: Three senior superlative awards; active membership in seven honor societies; president of Math National Honor Society and vice president of FL Law Honor Society; co-MVP, first-team all-district and first-team all-regional for lacrossePlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “Being able to manage academics, family, athletics, extracurriculars, and friends became easier over time and taught me the importance of staying organized and setting realistic goals for myself within each day, week, month and year.”

Wellington Community High School

Valedictorian: Michelle WongHometown: WellingtonGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.5067Accomplishments: Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) president; National Honor Society member; Science Honor Society member; founder/president Social Justice League; Asian Student Union co-founder/co-president; honor roll; Carson Scholars Fund winnerPlanned college: Harvard UniversityInspirational quote: “She silently stepped out of the race that she never wanted to be in, found her own lane and proceeded to win.” — Unknown

Salutatorian: Victoria LoredanHometown: WellingtonGPA: 4.0HPA: 5.4643Accomplishments: President of Black Leadership Achievement Student Team; president of Math National Honor Society; internship at Premier Family Health Clinic; over 200 hours of community service; received AA before senior year; received leadership award from the village of Wellington; AICE Diploma with distinction; 20 Dual Enrollment classesPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “It’s beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success” — J.Cole

West Boca Raton Community High

Valedictorian: Cydney SavageHometown: Port Saint LucieGPA: 3.94HPA: 5.47Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma candidatePlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “You have to fail and then get better. Then you have to fail again, and then get even better.” — Lady Gaga

Salutatorian: Zachary BennettHometown: Boca RatonGPA: 3.97HPA: 5.37Accomplishments: Key Club president; varsity golf captain; Pickleball Club founder/president; National Honor Society president; Mu Alpha Theta member; U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate; National Merit Scholar semifinalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Merit – 2022; SAT Score of 1590Planned college: University of Florida

William T. Dwyer High School, Palm Beach Gardens

Valedictorian: Landen PetricHometown: JupiterGPA: 5.5278Val/Sal GPA: 5.67HPA: 3.986Accomplishments: Varsity soccer; National Honor Society president; English National Honor Society treasurer; Math Honor Society; Students Against Melanoma presidentPlanned college: University of FloridaInspirational quote: “You must never give up; have faith in yourself.” — Luka Modric

Salutatorian: Samantha LongHometown: Palm Beach GardensGPA: 3.98HPA: 5.42Accomplishments: Committed to play college soccer at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Science Honor Society member and president; National Honor Society member; English Honor Society member; Math Honor Society member; International Baccalaureate Student Union Member and class representative; varsity soccerPlanned college: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityInspirational quote: “Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.” – Winnie the Pooh