Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Broward County high schools.
Academic Solutions Academy High School, Coral Springs
Valedictorian: Adriana Burneo Gonzales
Hometown: Oakland Park
GPA: 3.96
Accomplishments: Relocated from Peru; avid reader; plays guitar; learning the ukulele
Planned college: Broward College
Inspirational quote: “El futuro que ves es el futuro que consigues, así que no tengas miedo de soñar con un futuro grande.” (“The future you see is the future you get, so don’t be afraid to dream of a big future.”)
Salutatorian:Sara Jean Baptiste
Hometown: Tamarac
GPA: 3.8
Accomplishments: Relocated from Haiti; fluent in Creole, French, English; plays piano; attends church; babysitter; Discovery Elementary School volunteer
Planned college: Broward College
Inspirational quote: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
Academic Solutions Academy A, Coral Springs
Valedictorian:Pedro Victor Alves Rodrigues
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 3.9
Accomplishments: Relocated from Brazil; speaks Portuguese and English; practices muay thai and volleyball; enjoys computer gaming, working out
Planned college: United States Air Force Academy
Inspirational quote: “I believe that everything you want to accomplish depends on the faith that you put in yourself and on the hard work you are willing to do.”
Salutatorian:Valeriia Priadka
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 3.6
Accomplishments: Relocated from Ukraine; fluent in Ukrainian and Russian; enjoys social dancing
Planned college: Broward College
Inspirational quote: “I am motivated by the people around me. It is people who inspire me to develop my skills to make this world a better place.”
American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus, Top Scholars
Cayden Forman
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.5571
HPA: 6.0363
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate; National Merit Semifinalist; FIRST Robotics Competition Dean’s List Finalist; member of three-time World Championship qualifying FRC team; College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Designation; Outstanding Academic Achievement in AP Computer Science Principles and AP Calculus AB
Planned college: Northwestern University
Inspirational quote: “Be like an apple tree. Take all the help you can get as you grow, and then share something sweet with those that made you who you are.”
Ellaheh Gohari
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 4.5158
HPA: 5.934
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate; National Merit Semifinalist
Planned college: Stanford University
Inspirational quote: “If you are angered by each rub, how will your mirror be polished?” — Rumi
Harsh*th Reddy Kakumani
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.4358
HPA: 5.955
Accomplishments: National Merit Commended Scholar; Mu Alpha Theta; varsity tennis
Planned college: Johns Hopkins University
Taeyoung Kim
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 4.5684
HPA: 5.9084
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate; Silver Knight General Scholarship
Planned college: Cornell University
Inspirational quote: “Great communication begins with connection.” — Oprah Winfrey
Rithvik Marri
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.571
HPA: 6.2585
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist; Coca-Cola Semifinalist/GE-Reagan Semifinalist; National Merit Semifinalist Silver Knight Nominee-Science; U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Finalist/USA Biolympiad; Mu Alpha Theta member; Science Honor Society member
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “To see the light, you have to stare at the sun.”
Romir Mohan
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.3906
HPA: 5.9675
Accomplishments: National Merit Semifinalist; Silver Knight Nominee-Mathematics
Planned college: Georgia Tech
Anya Pinto
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 4.5008
HPA: 5.9208
Accomplishments: Coca-Cola Scholar (Top 150 out of 103,000 applicants); National Merit
Planned college: Stanford University
Inspirational quote: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” — Steve Jobs
Meghan Renaud
Hometown: Lauderdale Lakes
GPA: 4.5212
HPA: 5.9612
Accomplishments: National Merit Semifinalist; National African American Scholar
Planned college: Columbia University
Inspirational quote: “Try everything!”
Joseph Wang
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 4.4554
HPA: 5.9746
Accomplishments: National Merit Commended Scholar; AP Scholar, College Board
Planned college: Harvard College
Inspirational quote: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Zoe Weissman
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 4.5644
HPA: 5.9644
Accomplishments: National Merit Semifinalist; Silver Knight Nominee-Social Studies
Planned college: Brown University
Inspirational quote: “She knows she lived through it to get to this moment.” — Phoebe Bridgers, “Graceland Too”
Aaron Zhang
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.5921
HPA: 6.0921
Accomplishments: U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist; National Merit Semifinalist; United States of America Mathematics and Physics Olympiad; represented Florida state math team at Harvard-MIT and Princeton; FAMAT (Florida Association of Mu Alpha Theta) State Champion Team; Mu Alpha Theta Math Club; varsity baseball team; orchestra and symphony
Planned college: Brown University
Inspirational quote: “Opportunities only come to those who seek them. Optimism is about finding opportunity even in failure.”
Archbishop McCarthy High School, Southwest Ranches
Valedictorian: Christos Demos
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.63
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Florida Academic Scholar; Excelsior Scholar; Mu Alpha Theta-VP; Science Honor Society; Best Buddies treasurer
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Salutatorian: Alexandra Scott
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 4.00
HPA: 5.60
Accomplishments: Senior Peer Minister; Excelsior Scholars Program vice president; Helping Hands Club founder and copresident; yearbook editor in chief; member of National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Math Honor Society; STEM Club president; Wasserman Schultz Citizenship Award; Carson Scholar; HOBY Ambassador; National Merit Commended Scholar
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well.” —Susan Polis Schutz
Atlantic Technical College and Technical High School, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian:Thanh Tran
Hometown: Coconut Creek
GPA:5.0822
Accomplishments: Second place in Limbitless Design Challenge; vice president of Programming Club; developed a bus dismissal app
Planned college:Florida Atlantic University
Salutatorian:Jasleen Agenor
Hometown:Coconut Creek
GPA: 5.065
Accomplishments: Business Professionals of America – Florida State Secretary; president of Programming Club; Javascript and Python certified
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote:“You learn as you go.”
Blanche Ely High School, Pompano Beach
Valedictorian:Jaylee Nelson
Hometown:Margate
GPA: 5.1418
Accomplishments: Miss Senior; Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders president; varsity basketball captain; girls basketball Big 8 Champion; President’s List Broward College
Planned college: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Salutatorian: Jules Jean
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 5.1184
Accomplishments: Broward College AA graduate; varsity soccer captain; Soccer District Champions; Marines Enlisted
Planned college: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Inspirational quote: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” — Vince Lombardi
Boyd H. Anderson High School, Lauderdale Lakes
Valedictorian: Alexander Davis
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.2353
Accomplishments: Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholar; Cadet Commander of the Entrepreneur and Leadership Military Academy; associate degree at Florida International University
Planned college: Florida International University
Salutatorian: Diep Tran
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 5.1048
Accomplishments: Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholar; International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate; Senior Class second vice president; certified math instructor at Mathnasium; after-school math tutor
Planned college: Barnard College
Inspirational quote: “I am my own motivation.” — Diep Tran
Broward Virtual School, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian:Parker Chin Loy
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.18
Accomplishments: Completed full year of college courses as an Early Admission student during senior year; admitted to Dual Admission Anesthesiology Program through Nova Southeastern University; recipient of Florida Academic Scholarship; served as assistant captain of high school hockey team
Planned college: Nova Southeastern University
Inspirational quote: “Don’t forget to smile!”
Co-salutatorian: Shengrong Ryan Xie
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.04
Accomplishments: Selected as one of the BVS Outstanding Senior Leaders for Class of 2024; treasurer of National Honor Society; logged more than 220 community service hours
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Make the world a brighter place, through actions, not words.”
Co-salutatorian: Isabella Bronkhorst
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 5.04
Accomplishments: Selected to Broward College’s Dean List as a Dual Enrollment student; volunteered for more than 120 hours; professional musician performing with her sisters in their band Midnight3; captain of City of Parkland soccer team
Planned college:Palm Beach Atlantic University
Calvary Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Jeffrey Campion
Hometown: Southwest Ranches
GPA unweighted: 4.0
GPA weighted: 4.573
Accomplishments: Never received below an A- in high school career; mentored middle school students; full-time load of college and high school classes during senior year; earned all A’s
Planned college: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “The Lord bestows favor and honor; he withholds no good thing from those who have integrity.” — Psalm 84:11
Salutatorian: Sofia Fernandez
Hometown: Miramar
GPA unweighted: 4.0
GPA weighted: 4.561
Accomplishments: Perfect ACT score; Silver Knight Nominee; National Hispanic Scholar; AP Scholarship with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; nine publications through South Florida Cappies; started book drive through National English Honor Society; serves at Love Unlimited Church; private academic tutor
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord and not man.” — Colossians 3:23
Calvary Christian Academy, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Juline Delzince
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA unweighted: 3.84
GPA weighted: 4.15
Accomplishments: 45 college acceptances; National Honor Society member; Dual Enrollment; Student Leader at CCA Hollywood
Planned college: Clark Atlanta University
Inspirational quote: “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will succeed.” — Proverbs 16:3
Salutatorian: Skye Paul
Hometown: Miramar
GPA unweighted: 3.55
GPA weighted: 3.93
Accomplishments: National Honor Society member; 494 community service hours; Student Leader at CCA Hollywood; JV volleyball player
Planned college: Howard University
Inspirational quote: “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” — Isaiah 60:22
Cardinal Gibbons High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Jesse James Darren Hay
Hometown: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada; Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.593
Accomplishments: National Merit Commended Scholar; Miami Herald Silver Knights Award Nominee; AP Scholar with Distinction; Florida Boys State Alumni; National Honor Society Executive Board member; National English Honor Society member; Mu Alpha Theta; Rho Kappa; National Athletic Honor Society; four-sport varsity athlete (football, baseball, track and field, and hockey); founder and president of MAKO (Miami Advocate Kids for the Ocean); 600 community service hours
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
Salutatorian: Garrett Weadock
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 3.981
HPA: 5.519
Accomplishments: Captain of the Boys Golf Team; president of National Honor Society; Prom Beach volunteer
Planned college: Florida State University
Inspirational quote: “There is a reason why the windshield in your car is so big and your rearview mirror is so small. Always stay focused on the future.”
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Amelia De La Torre
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.11
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; volunteered for more than 550 hours of service; delegate at the Global Youth Institute; attended five mission trips through church youth group
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Even though it might surely be impossible, I want to somehow.” — Sasanomaly
Salutatorian: David Brankovic
Hometown: Miami
GPA: 3.96
HPA: 5.05
Accomplishments: Part of CMCP football team three-time state champion and one-time national champion; top 10 every year; student-athlete award for track and field and football; BCAA student-athlete award; research intern for JJ Vance internship at the Hussman Institute for Human Genomics
Planned college: Vanderbilt University
Inspirational quote: “A man’s worth is no greater than his ambitions.” — Marcus Aurelius
Charles W. Flanagan High School, Pembroke Pines
Valedictorian: Ingrid Groose
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.38
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; UF Presidential Merit Scholarship; University Research Scholars Program; AAUW Stem Scholarship; AP Scholar with Distinction; president of Speech & Debate; PAVE Recording Secretary; Science National Honor Society
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Navya Pant
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.33
Accomplishments:AP Scholar with Distinction; National Honor Society vice president; Mu Alpha Theta treasurer; Business Professionals of America; Student Surrealist Art Exhibit contributor; Literary Fair second place; more than 630 service hours
Planned college: University of Florida
Coconut Creek High School
Valedictorian:Serena Peeples
Hometown:Pompano Beach
GPA:5.08
Accomplishments: Licensed Practical Nurse; AICE Diploma recipient; Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars recipient; Creek Technical Academy; Dual Enrollment student
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote:As my dad always told me, “The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so never stop climbing.”
Salutatorian: Adreana McEachrane
Hometown:Margate
GPA:4.98
Accomplishments: Creek Technical Academy; Hospitality and Food Services Certifications; Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders; Student Government; Rise; varsity soccer; flag football
Planned college:Palm Beach State College
Inspirational quote:“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” — Aristotle
The College Academy at Broward College, Davie
Valedictorian: Justin Hovan
Hometown:Miramar
GPA:5.6
Accomplishments: Associate in Arts Degree; Machen Opportunity Scholar; Broward College Presidents List; Community Service Silver Cord recipient
Planned college:University of Florida
Co-salutatorian: Tanvi Sajja
Hometown:Davie
GPA: 5.5882
Accomplishments: Associate in Arts Degree; Broward College Presidents List; Community Service Silver Cord recipient
Planned college:University of Florida
Co-salutatorian: Richard Yang
Hometown:Davie
GPA:5.5882
Accomplishments: Associate in Arts degree; Broward College Presidents List; Broward Schools Perfect Attendance K-12; Community Service Silver Cord recipient
Planned college:University of Florida
Cooper City High School
Valedictorian:Eliana Reese
Hometown:Cooper City
GPA: 5.52
Accomplishments: BCAA Scholar Athlete; Broward County Honors Society; AICE Cambridge Diploma recipient with Merit; straight-A student all four years
Planned college:University of Florida
Inspirational quote:“Everything happens for a reason.”
Salutatorian:Chiara Ambrosini
Hometown: Cooper City
GPA:5.50
Accomplishments: National English Honors Society; AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma recipient; National Hispanic Scholar
Planned college: University of Miami
Inspirational quote: “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” — St. John Paul the Great
Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs
Valedictorian: Gianna Thomas
Hometown:Coral Springs
GPA:5.4342
Accomplishments: Key Club lieutenant governer; Relay for Life event lead; HOSA member; AP Scholar; AICE Diploma recipient; AA diploma in high school
Planned college:University of Florida
Salutatorian:Jaden Neri
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA:5.39
Accomplishments: CGHS Top 10%; Dual CTE certifications; NHS Art Club president; Academic Excellence-Science
Planned college: University of Florida
Coral Springs High School
Valedictorian:Sierra Evans
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.61
Accomplishments: AA degree; AICE Cambridge Diploma with Merit; AP Scholar Award; Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award; Scholar Athlete Award; Girls Volleyball team captain; president of Key Club; vice president of Spanish Honor Society; treasurer of National Honor Society
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” — Taylor Swift
Salutatorian:Asfi Zaman
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.54
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; associate degree; outstanding senior award; BPA National Finalist; officer positions in multitude of clubs and honor societies
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” — Zig Ziglar
Cypress Bay High School, Weston
Valedictorian:Badrinath Konidala
Hometown:Weston
GPA:5.66
Accomplishments:National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winner; Sunshine State Scholar; AIME Qualifier; Mu Alpha Theta vice president of competitions; National Honor Society secretary; Computer Science National Honor Society secretary; Science National Honor Society Physics head
Planned college:Carnegie Mellon University
Inspirational quote: “When you are backed against the wall, break the goddamn thing down.”— Harvey Specter
Salutatorian:Olivia Russo
Hometown:Weston
GPA:5.60
Accomplishments: Silver Knight Award Winner in General Scholarship; National Hispanic Scholar; AP Scholar with Honor; Cambridge AICE Diploma; The University of Chicago President’s and University Scholar; first high school intern at George Washington University Law School
Planned college: The University of Chicago
Inspirational quote:“If you follow your passion, you’ll never work a day in your life.” — Tony Bennett
Deerfield Beach High School
Valedictorian:Samantha J. Cruz
Hometown:Pompano Beach
GPA: 5.5000
Accomplishments: Gates Scholar; QuestBridge Finalist; National Code/Art Game Design Finalist; created Cruzcodes.com website and games
Planned college: Cornell University
Inspirational quote:“You can’t change the world, but you can change the world around you.” — Kermit the Frog
Salutatorian: Abirul Islam
Hometown: Coconut Creek
GPA: 5.4565
Accomplishments:Co-created Butler Family website; Key Club scholarship winner; Pompano Beach Exchange Club Student of the Month
Planned college:Broward College
Inspirational quote: “The power of will can overcome any challenge.”
Dillard High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian:Marco Zuniga
Hometown:Miramar
GPA:5.0067
Accomplishments: Internship through Junior Achievement program; biomed engineer at Broward Health
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “The road is a difficult one. I’ve had my doubts if I could follow it. But, I’m here now because I chose to be someone better than who I was.”
Salutatorian:Jezreel Sanchez
Hometown:North Lauderdale
GPA: 4.9146
Accomplishments: Intro to JavaScript Certification; Intro to Python Certification; Intro to Java Certification; Intro to Software Fundamentals Certification; Unity Programmer Certification; Fusion 360 Certification; Inventor Professional Certification; AutoCAD Certificate
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote:“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” — Jim Rohn
Everglades High School, Miramar
Valedictorian:Ishaan Nair
Hometown:Miramar
GPA:5.51
Accomplishments: Founder of Psychology Society Chapter; Science Olympiad; Silver Cord recipient; volunteered at Memorial Hospital; Cambridge recipient; AP Scholar; part of Science, Mu Alpha Theta, NHS and Rho Kappa National Honor Societies
Planned college:University of Florida
Inspirational quote:“You fly no one’s flag. You’re free to seek your own harbor. And you can do so much more than tread water.” — R.F. Kuang
Salutatorian:Maya Saleh
Hometown:Miramar
GPA:5.50
Accomplishments:National Merit Scholar; Florida Sunshine State Scholar; Silver Knight Nominee for Science; AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Distinction; Gold Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish; cofounder of UNICEF at Everglades High
Planned college:University of Florida
Inspirational quote:“If you ever think there’s nothing you can do, go look in the mirror and you’ll see everything you have already done.”
Fort Lauderdale High School
Valedictorian:Hannah Reyes
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA:5.53
Accomplishments:Cambridge AICE Diploma; College Board AP Scholar Award; National Hispanic Recognition Program Award; Harvard Prize Book Award
Planned college:Florida International University
Inspirational quote:“You are not what you have, you are what you give.”
Salutatorian: Alec Zamudio
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.49
Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE Diploma; AP Scholar; Capstone; more than 550 service hours; studied abroad in Spain
Planned college: University of Florida
Franklin Academy, Pembroke Pines
Valedictorian:Aayushi George
Hometown: Banswara, India; Weston
GPA: 3.8906
HPA: 5.3281
Accomplishments: AP Scholar; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Youth in Government; International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
Salutatorian: Christopher Davies
Hometown: Horizonte, Brazil; Miramar
GPA: 3.8507
HPA: 5.2687
Accomplishments: AP Scholar; Mu Alpha Theta; English Honor Society; National Honor Society; Chess Club; Robotics Club; Amnesty International
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” — “Batman Begins”
Hallandale Magnet High School
Valedictorian:Briana Chang
Hometown: West Park
GPA unweighted: 3.9
GPA weighted: 5.2
Accomplishments: President of National Honor Society; AICE Diploma recipient; Outstanding Senior Leader
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Be happy with what you have, while working for what you want.” — Helen Keller
Salutatorian: Moises Oneil
Hometown: West Park
GPA unweighted: 3.8
GPA weighted: 5.06
Accomplishments: Full-time Dual Enrollment student; Honor Roll; Cambridge AICE diploma recipient
Planned college: University of Miami
Highlands Christian Academy, Pompano Beach
Valedictorian: Zachary Caja
Hometown: Pompano Beach
GPA unweighted: 3.98
GPA weighted: 4.65
Accomplishments: American Legion Boys State Delegate; captain of Cross Country Team, Soccer Team, Track & Field; First Team All-County Soccer (South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami Herald); Scholar/Athlete Award; National Honor Society
Planned college: Stetson University
Inspirational quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Salutatorian: Raegan Crawford
Hometown: Margate
GPA unweighted: 3.84
GPA weighted: 4.47
Accomplishments: National Honor Society; Presidential Award Winner (Gold); Pompano Beach Rotary Club Student of the Year; Bright Futures Medallion Scholarship; Softball team captain and MVP; Cheerleading Team; more than 1,000 community service hours
Planned college: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.”
Hollywood Hills High School, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Gabriela Marrero Sotomayor
Hometown:Davie
GPA:5.217
Accomplishments:Early Admissions; National Honor Society
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Salutatorian:John Serrao
Hometown:Plantation
GPA: 5.04
Accomplishments:ELMA Company Commander; Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) member; Boys State Participant (2023); Boys Volleyball
Planned college: University of North Georgia
J.P. Taravella High School, Coral Springs
Valedictorian: Trevor Staats
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.43
Accomplishments: President of Mu Alpha Theta; perfect GPA K-12; more than 500 community service hours
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “You are who you choose to be.”
Salutatorian: Fahim Aseer
Hometown:Tamarac
GPA: 5.35
Accomplishments: NSDA Academic All-American; AP Scholar with Distinction; Harvard Book Award
Planned college: Harvard University
Inspirational quote: “Believe you can and you are halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Lauderhill 6-12
Valedictorian:Genesis Peguero
Hometown: Lauderhill
GPA: 5.1636
Accomplishments: Cambridge Diploma recipient; Early Admissions student
Planned college: Broward College
Salutatorian: Angelica Calvin
Hometown: Lauderhill
GPA:5.0704
Accomplishments: Early Admissions Senior Year; 306 community service hours
Planned college: Broward College
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland
Valedictorian:Arya Gujarathi
Hometown:Parkland
GPA:5.48
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; National Merit Scholar; Sunshine State Scholar; recognition from Florida Department of Education for STEM; member of County Champion team for Brain Brawl
Planned college: Georgia Institute of Technology
Salutatorian: Caleb Hebert
Hometown:Coral Springs
GPA: 5.47
Accomplishments: National Merit Scholar; perfect GPA; won a gold medal at ADCC Orlando for Brazilian jiu jitsu; nominated for Presidential Scholarship
Planned college: University of Florida
McArthur High School, Hollywood
Valedictorian:Nadia Yunas
Hometown:Hollywood
GPA:5.4348
Accomplishments: Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education; AICE Diploma with Distinction; AP Scholar Award; Bright Futures Academic Scholarship Award; FIU Gold and Blue Scholarship Award; Principal’s “A” Honor Roll four consecutive years
Planned college: Florida International University
Inspirational quote: “With every hardship comes ease.” — Quran 94:6
Salutatorian: Arriyahnna Trayer
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA:5.3571
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Merit; AP Scholar with Honor
Planned college: University of Florida
Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, Tamarac
Valedictorian:Ava Havidic
Hometown: Tamarac
GPA: 5.42
Accomplishments: 2024 co*ke Scholar for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program; 2024 Elks Scholars Foundation “Most Valuable Student”; Robert W. Woodruff Scholar, invited to White House
Planned college: Emory University
Inspirational quote: “Never give up.”
Salutatorian: Brielle Davenport
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 5.40
Accomplishments: African American National Recognition Award from college board; academic excellence awards for AP Language and Composition and AP World History courses; AP Scholar with Distinction Award; AP Scholar with Honor Award
Planned college: University of Florida
Miramar High School
Valedictorian:Evan Butkowski
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.52
Accomplishments: Machen Opportunity Scholarship winner
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Sebastian Ortiz-Zambrana
Hometown:Pembroke Pines
GPA:5.45
Accomplishments: First place in World Languages Competition; Florida Gold Seal Biliteracy; Junior Achievement of South Florida National Stock Market Challenge; AP Scholar with Distinction
Planned college:University of Pennsylvania
Inspirational quote:“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
Monarch High School, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian:Madison Scheinman
Hometown: Coconut Creek
GPA: 5.50
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Distinction; Math Award; Coconut Creek Certificate of Outstanding Achievement
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Find someone who has a life that you want and figure out how they got it. Read books, pick your role models wisely.” — Lana Del Rey
Salutatorian:Lily Johnston
Hometown: Coconut Creek
GPA: 5.40
Accomplishments: Class of 2024 vice president; Cambridge Diploma; Florida Association of Student Councils vice president; four-year member of student government
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote:“Knowledge is power!”
North Broward Preparatory School, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian: Zachary Apel
Hometown: Boca Raton
HPA: 5.277
Accomplishments: IB Diploma Candidate; Miami Herald Silver Knights Nominee in General Scholarship category; ranked No. 9 in the country in Public Forum Debate; 14 bids to Tournament of Champions for Public Forum Debate; Senior Class president; Nord Anglia Global Ambassador; National Merit Commended Student; Dartmouth Book Award
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “There is no failure. You win or you learn. Either one is OK.” — Gary Keller
Salutatorian:Markas Hanna
Hometown: Boca Raton
HPA: 5.209
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; IB Diploma Candidate; AP Scholar with Distinction; vice president of Kindness Matters 365; candidate for 2024 United States Presidential Scholars Program; Rensselaer Medal Award; Mythic 3 in Brawl Stars
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “A champion is simply someone who did not give up when they wanted to.” — Tom Landry
Northeast High School, Oakland Park
Valedictorian: Andrea Aragon
Hometown:Tamarac
GPA:5.2652
Accomplishments: National Honor Society; Junior Academy of Science; EcoExplorer intern at Museum of Discovery and Science; straight-A Honor Roll
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
Salutatorian: Braylen Washington
Hometown: Hallandale Beach
GPA: 5.1493
Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE Diploma with Merit; Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal; Biotechnician Assistant Credential; Broward County Outstanding Senior Leader
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “One part of attempting to understand different phenomena is embracing that you don’t know it at all or that you know very little.”
Nova High School, Davie
Valedictorian: Julia Rudolph
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.6111
Accomplishments: Cambridge Diploma recipient; AP Capstone Diploma recipient; AP Scholar; president of Mu Alpha Theta; National Math Honors Society
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Your future is only as good as the work you put into it.”
Salutatorian: Jaelan Fletcher
Hometown:Sunrise
GPA:5.5652
Accomplishments: QuestBridge Scholarship recipient; Cambridge Diploma recipient; AP Scholar; Capstone Diploma recipient; Law & Public Policy Supreme Court presenter
Planned college: Emory University
Inspirational quote: “The heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight, but they … were toiling upward in the night.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
NSU University School, Davie
Valedictorian: Benny Kuttler
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 4.29
HPA: 5.12
Accomplishments:First author of research study validating RiFS-Reading in Journal of Education; 28th place at USA Climbing Youth Nationals; first place at USA Climbing Regionals; competitor at National Science Bowl Nationals; National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Harvard Book Award
Planned college:Yale University
Inspirational quote: “Perfection is to strive for, not to attain.” —Benny Kuttler
Salutatorian: Avery Redlich
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 4.28
HPA: 5.11
Accomplishments: Coca-Cola Scholar (.001% selected nationally); youngest HOSA State Officer in Florida history; Girl Scout Gold Award Winner; six-time President’s Volunteer Service Award winner; 27-time Scholastic Art & Writing Award winner; National Merit Scholarship winner; International Chinese Karaoke Champion; more than 1,800 hours of service
Planned college:Brown University
Inspirational quote: “The sun is rising over a sea of love and waffles and possibility.” — Leslie Knope, “Parks and Rec”
Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Santiago Agudelo Hernandez
Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia; Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 5.18
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; National Hispanic Recognition Scholar; Cum Laude Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction; perfect score on AP Computer Science A Exam; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; English National Honor Society; La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica; Rho Kappa National Social Science Honor Society; Visual Arts Honor Society; National Beta Club Honor Society; Scholastic Silver Key Regional Award; University of Chicago Book Award
Planned college: UC Berkeley
Inspirational quote: “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl, but by all means, keep moving.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Co-salutatorian: Jonah Ferber
Hometown: Miami
GPA: 5.16
Accomplishments: Regeneron ISEF Biomedical and Health Sciences Fourth-Place Award; National JSHS Chemistry Poster Third-Place Award; University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Award; AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Commended Scholar; Cum Laude Honor Society; National Beta Club Honor Society; English National Honor Society; Rho Kappa National Social Science Honor Society; Chinese National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society; Science National Honor Society.
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Or what’s a heaven for?” — Robert Browning
Co-salutatorian: David Vassalluzzo
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 5.16
Accomplishments: Rensselaer Medalist; National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Cum Laude Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society; National English Honor Society; Rho Kappa National Social Science Honor Society; National Beta Club Honor Society; 2021 Division 4A FL Basketball State Champion as team manager; Lumiere Research Scholar
Planned college: Brown University
Inspirational quote: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” — Michael Altshuler
Piper High School, Sunrise
Valedictorian:Abdulkadir Husein
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.474
Accomplishments: Broward County Outstanding Senior Leader; Cambridge AICE Diploma with Distinction; Mu Alpha Theta Chapter president; QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship recipient
Planned college: Princeton University
Inspirational quote: “Why are you listening to me? I don’t know what I’m talking about.” — Larry David
Salutatorian: Nickayla Tait
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.36
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; AP Capstone; president of National Honor Society; Most Versatile Player and Team Captain (soccer)
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come, get up and make them.”— Madam C.J. Walker
Plantation High School
Valedictorian:Amya Wallace
Hometown:Fort Lauderdale
GPA:5.63
Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE Diploma recipient; International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate; Gates Millennium Scholarship winner; Broward County Outstanding Senior and Service Awards; Best Buddies and Key Club president; AA degree from Broward College
Planned college:University of Miami
Inspirational quote:“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way, so don’t let your frustrations of today defeat your tomorrow.” — Mary Anne Radmacher
Salutatorian:Jose Alvarez
Hometown:Sunrise
GPA:5.54
Accomplishments: International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate; vice president of Mu Alpha Theta; AP Scholar Award; Math Cadet tutor
Planned college:University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “The best thing that could happen is what does happen.”
Pompano Beach High School
Valedictorian: Andrea Nguyen
Hometown:Margate
GPA: 5.468
Accomplishments: Speech captain of Speech & Debate Team; president of HOSA; president of National Honor Society; PBHS Mentoring Group leader; QuestBridge National College Match recipient; Exchange Club of Pompano Beach Senior of the Year; Outstanding Attendance K-12
Planned college: Rice University
Inspirational quote: “The greater danger for most lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”
Salutatorian: Joseph Campanella
Hometown:Pompano Beach
GPA: 5.400
Accomplishments: Scholar-athlete Swimming Regional and State Level; National Merit Commended Scholar
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote:“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13
Seagull Alternative High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Cecilia Clinger
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 4.26
Planned college: Broward Community College
Inspirational quote: “The sky is the limit!”
Salutatorian: Carmen Ruiz
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 3.6
Planned college: Broward College
Inspirational quote: “Don’t ever give up! Perseverance is the key!”
Sheridan Technical High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Christopher Raphael
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.2442
Accomplishments: QuestBridge College Prep Scholar; QuestBridge National College Match Scholar; Gates Scholar; Amazon Future Engineer Scholar and Internship winner; Horatio Alger State Scholar
Planned college: Dartmouth College
Inspirational quote: “Be the very best like no one ever was. Even if you can’t catch ‘em all.”
Salutatorian:Karla Gonzalez
Hometown:Hollywood
GPA: 5.2143
Accomplishments: 2024 Silver Cord; 2024 Silver Medal Region 5 Medical Math winner; Skills USA Florida; 2023 Award of Excellence – Pharmacy Technician
Planned college: Florida International University
Inspirational quote: “For everybody going through tough times, been there, done that. Every day above ground is a great day, remember that. Dale!” — Pitbull
Somerset Academy High, Pembroke Pines
Valedictorian: Penelope Acra
Hometown: Florida
GPA unweighted: 3.9
GPA weighted: 5.45
Accomplishments: Ball person at Miami Open; intern at Juan Gonzalez Immigration Law firm; National Science Honor Society; Spanish and math tutor; AP Scholar with Honor; earned Seal of Biliteracy; Hispanic Recognition Award; President’s Education Awards Program
Planned college: The University of Chicago
Inspirational quote: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” — Oscar Wilde
Salutatorian: Savannah Veras
Hometown: Haverstraw, New York; Miramar
GPA unweighted: 3.89
GPA weighted: 5.37
Accomplishments: Florida Bright Futures; National Hispanic Scholar; National Honor Society president; EmpowerME club vice president; lead volunteer and coordinator for nonprofit Angels for Humanity; AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; AA from Doral College; Summa Cum Laude recipient; Silver Cord recipient with 460 community service hours; member of Science National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Spanish Honor Society; DECA; board member Panther Pals mentor program
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “When there is a will, there is a way!”
Somerset Arts Conservatory High School, Pembroke Pines
Valedictorian: Aarav Reddy
Hometown: Miramar
GPA unweighted: 3.93
GPA weighted: 5.58
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma recipient; AP Capstone Diploma candidate; Summa Cum Laude with Associate in Arts Degrees from Broward College and Doral College; Silver Cord recipient; Gold Presidential Service Award; National Merit Commended Scholar; band captain of Somerset Academy Panther Marching Band; president of HOSA and Key Club; vice president of Tri-M; historian of National Honor Society; competition director of Science National Honor Society
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone here and don’t give a damn what anyone thinks. There are no teams here, no buddies. You’re on your own. Be on your own.” — Christina Yang
Salutatorian: Caitlyn Garcia
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA unweighted: 3.89
GPA weighted: 5.43
Accomplishments: AA from Doral College; AICE Diploma with merit recipient; AP Capstone Diploma candidate; AP Scholar; BRACE Cadet; SGA Historian; NHS; International Thespian Society (Troupe 7510); more than 600 service hours
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” — Oscar Wilde
Somerset Academy Key, Deerfield Beach
Valedictorian:Esther Pierre
Hometown: Deerfield Beach
GPA: 4.9
Accomplishments: Captain of Deerfield Beach post for police explorers; working toward associate degree; legislative coordinator of Student Government Association; opening a crochet business
Planned college: Broward College
Inspirational quote: “Never take advice from people who aren’t where you would want to be in life.”
Salutatorian:George Edward Jiang Ming Wong
Hometown: Pompano Beach
GPA: 4.8
Accomplishments: Associate of Arts degree with high honors from Broward College; president of Sumo Wrestling club; National Association of High School Honors Scholars
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “Even through all the troubles and tribulations, I never bowed down to the common forms of society, and did it my way.”
Somerset Prep Academy, North Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Adam Vilama
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 4.9891
HPA: 3.8723
Accomplishments: Cohort VII Bill and Melinda Gates Scholar; AP Scholar; Broward College AA Graduate; Doral College AA Graduate; National African American Recognition Award; Outstanding Senior Leader; Gold Seal of Biliteracy
Planned college: Boston University
Inspirational quote: “Life is too important to be normal, have fun, be extraordinary, and be yourself.”
Salutatorian: Rahne McKnight
Hometown: Miami
GPA: 4.817
HPA: 3.682
Accomplishments: Cadet program for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue; Honor Guard; nominated for Silver Knight Award
Planned college: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Inspirational quote: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer
South Broward High School, Hollywood
Valedictorian:Isabel Wellins
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA:5.4932
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Distinction; AP Scholar; National Hispanic Recognition Award; Mu Alpha Theta copresident; Social Studies Honor Society copresident
Planned college:Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Inspirational quote: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Salutatorian:Diego Figueroa
Hometown: Hallandale Beach
GPA: 5.4857
Accomplishments: QuestBridge Scholarship; AICE Diploma; SBHS Outstanding Senior Leader; City of Hallandale Police Athletic League Scholarship; Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Scholarship; Mu Alpha Theta president; Varsity Swim Team member
Planned college: Northwestern University
Inspirational quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” — Walt Disney
South Plantation High School
Valedictorian: Jenna Mercier
Hometown:Plantation
GPA: 5.3545
Accomplishments: Recording secretary of National Honor Society; AICE Cambridge Diploma; Magnet Program Completion (Environmental Science & Everglades Restoration)
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Gandhi
Salutatorian:Carven Louis
Hometown:Sunrise
GPA:5.3115
Accomplishments: Silver Knights candidate; Mu Alpha Theta treasurer; three certifications in Fusion 360, AutoCad, Revit
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Keep trying; something will work.”
St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Alejandro DeSantis
Hometown: Weston
GPA weighted: 5.49
HPA: 4.0
Accomplishments: Silver Knight nominee; National Hispanic Scholar; Veritas Scholar; National Merit Commended Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; Harvard University Prize Book Award; copresident of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society; copresident of STEM Club; captain of Science Olympiad Team; secretary of Science National Honor Society; vice president of National Spanish Honor Society; member of National English Honor Society; Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society; National Honor Society; National Athletic Honor Society; Student Council
Planned college: Duke University
Salutatorian: Anthony Tivda
Hometown: Plantation
GPA weighted: 5.37
HPA: 3.97
Accomplishments: Silver Knight nominee; Veritas Scholar; National Merit Commended student; AP Scholar with Distinction; member of St. Thomas’s AP Capstone program; member of English Honor Society, Science Honor Society; vice president of Mathematics Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta; treasurer of Social Studies Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society; leadership council for National Honor Society
Planned college: University of Florida
Stranahan High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian:Jehnaya Racine
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.07
Accomplishments: Bright Futures GSC Scholarship
Planned college: Florida International University
Inspirational quote: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” — Muhammad Ali
Salutatorian: Jennifer Gudiel Ramirez
Hometown: Hallandale Beach
GPA: 4.9318
Accomplishments: Bright Futures GSC Scholarship
Planned college: Miami Dade College
The Quest Center, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Anthony Gatto
Hometown:Hollywood
GPA: 3.78
Accomplishments: Improved communication and independent skills
Salutatorian: Sierra Garland
Hometown:Miramar
GPA:3.76
Accomplishments:Improved behavior and independent skills
West Broward High School, Pembroke Pines
Valedictorian:Marcos Ortega
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.4
Accomplishments:National Merit Finalist; Incubate Debate; National Hispanic Institute; JROTC
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian:Anish Ram Maram
Hometown:Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.3
Accomplishments: Science Olympiad; JROTC; National Merit Commended Scholar
Planned college: University of Florida
Western High School, Davie
Valedictorian:Jacob Krinsky
Hometown:Davie
GPA:5.6364
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Distinction; AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Finalist
Planned college:Johns Hopkins University
Inspirational quote: “My body is a machine that turns assignments into completed assignments.” — Jacob Krinsky
Salutatorian:Aliyah Bambico Sarmiento
Hometown:Davie
GPA:5.6104
Accomplishments: President of History National Honor Society; National Coalition Against Censorship Student Advocate for Speech; NY Public Library & Teen Vogue “Freedom to Read” winner; Debate Platform speaking captain and varsity member; town of Davie Scholarship recipient
Planned college:University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business
Inspirational quote: “Keep moving forward.” — Cornelius Robinson, “Meet the Robinsons”
Westminster Academy, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Christina MacClugage
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 4.00
HPA: 4.69
Accomplishments: Varsity Cheer captain; AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; four-time Scholar-Athlete Award winner; secretary of Business/Entrepreneurship Club; National Honor Society chairman; Spanish Honor Society; Pre-Med Club; Ignite Leadership Program; more than 500 service hours; soloist in “The Nutcracker” at Astrid Audet Academy of Ballet
Planned college: University of South Florida
Inspirational quote: “All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
Salutatorian: Lilian Clemens
Hometown: Lauderdale-by-the Sea
GPA: 4.00
HPA: 4.67
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma recipient; Key Club president; drum major; assistant conductor for Concert Band; member of National Honor Society; chairman of Blood Drive Committee for NHS; chairman of Hospitality Committee; member of Green Club; member of Premed Club; attended Premed Club’s Medical service trip to Guatemala; CRPC Sunday School Student Leader; member of Track Team; four-time female Scholar-Athlete award winner; more than 1,000 service hours
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy
William T. McFatter Technical High School, Davie
Valedictorian: Ricardo Bezi Cordero
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.4211
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Erik Dickson
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 5.1394
Accomplishments: BCPS CTE 2024 Scholar; Eagle Scout; Silver Medal State Level Skills USA 2024
Planned college:Brigham Young University
Inspirational quote:“As always, it’s your choice.”
