Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Broward County high schools.

Click here for the Palm Beach County honorees.

Suzel Tejeda (Suzel Tejeda/Courtesy)Suzel Tejeda (Suzel Tejeda/Courtesy)
Academic Solutions Academy A, Coral Springs

Valedictorian Suzel Tejeda

Hometown: Lauderdale Lakes

GPA: 4.0

Accomplishments: Emigrated from Cuba to the United States and became fluent in English; balanced school with multiple jobs and family responsibilities, including caring for grandmother after grandfather died; volunteered through church to help low-income families; received writing, singing and dancing awards

Post-graduate plans: University of Miami child behavior therapy

Inspirational quote: “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey

Widmie Barthelmy (Widmie Barthelmy/Courtesy)Widmie Barthelmy (Widmie Barthelmy/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Widmie Barthelmy

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 3.55

Accomplishments: Learning strength through showing up and doing her best

Post-graduate plans: Cosmetology and nursing

Inspirational quote: “Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.” — Walter Cronkite

Academic Solutions Academy Charter High School, Coral Springs
Marceline Joseph (Marceline Joseph/Courtesy)Marceline Joseph (Marceline Joseph/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Marceline Joseph

Hometown: Lauderhill

GPA: 3.65

Accomplishments: Improved skills; became more responsible

Post-graduate plans: Auto mechanics and cosmetology license

Inspirational quote: “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” — Brigham Young

Nelson Jeudy (Nelson Jeudy/Courtesy)Nelson Jeudy (Nelson Jeudy/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Nelson Jeudy

Hometown: Coral Springs

GPA: 3.27

Accomplishments: Perseverance, responsibility and determination

Post-graduate plans: Electricity studies

Inspirational quote: “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” — Maya Angelou

American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus, Plantation — Top Scholars
Daniel Cai (CADY/Courtesy)Daniel Cai (CADY/Courtesy)

Daniel Cai

Hometown: Weston

GPA (unweighted): 4.57

HPA (weighted): 6.17

Accomplishments: Computer Science Society; Physics Club; Science Bowl; Mallard Motorsports (Solar Car Team); The Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) Plantation Branch; STEM Explorers; Contemporary Chinese School of South Florida

Planned college: Carnegie Mellon University

Inspirational quote: “Don’t get hung up in the past. Move on, improve and keep your hopes up for the future.”

Ava Cipolla (CADY/Courtesy)Ava Cipolla (CADY/Courtesy)

Ava Cipolla

Hometown: Parkland

GPA (unweighted): 4.65

HPA (weighted): 6.10

Accomplishments: Team captain of club soccer team; president of UNICEF; coding tutor at Code Ninjas; founded a charity 3v3 soccer tournament that collected over $5,000 and 400 toys for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Planned college: Vassar College

Inspirational quote: “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go.” — Michael Josephson

Ruby Cohen (CADY/Courtesy)Ruby Cohen (CADY/Courtesy)

Ruby Cohen

Hometown: Cooper City

GPA (unweighted): 4.57

HPA (weighted): 6.07

Accomplishments: President of HOSA and Save the Memories Club; CPR chairperson for Pre-Medical Society (personally certified over 1,500 individuals in CPR); chief intern for the Pre-Medical Internship program; completed pre-med professional track; co-captain of the Varsity Tennis Team (state champs last year); logged more than 1,000 community service hours; founder and lead instructor of Be the Beat, a CPR training initiative focused on bringing lifesaving education to underserved schools; classically trained competitive pianist

Planned college: Brown University

Inspirational quote: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs

Ishika Gadani (CADY/Courtesy)Ishika Gadani (CADY/Courtesy)

Ishika Gadani

Hometown: Parkland

GPA (unweighted): 4.56

HPA (weighted): 6.21

Accomplishments: Association for Women in Mathematics; Pre-Medical Society; HOSA; Mu Alpha Theta; Science Research; DECA; Building Blocks Club; National Honor Society; Science Olympiad; volunteered and shadowed at Cleveland Clinic; organized cultural events as part of the Indian Regional Cultural Center’s Youth Club; volunteered at Arc Broward, teaching programming to special needs children; tutored through the NorthSouth Foundation; worked at Mathnasium as a math instructor

Planned college: Rice University

Inspirational quote: “Dream big, stay focused and trust that small steps lead to great outcomes.”

Anagha Iyer (CADY/Courtesy)Anagha Iyer (CADY/Courtesy)

Anagha Iyer

Hometown: Miramar

GPA (unweighted): 4.57

HPA (weighted): 6.23

Accomplishments: Science Research Program; development of sustainable concrete: using locally sourced waste material; president of Sigma Xi; Model United Nations general board officer and director of logistics; founding CEO of CycleSphere nonprofit; received $5,000 grant from Broward County Natural Resources Division to conduct a composting pilot program; invited to speak at annual Zero Waste Forum; Speech and Debate competitor and communications director for three years; president of Amnesty International; HOSA; National Honor Society

Planned college: Stanford University

Inspirational quote: “The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese!” — Steven Wright

Jayden Lang (CADY/Courtesy)Jayden Lang (CADY/Courtesy)

Jayden Lang

Hometown: Parkland

GPA (unweighted): 4.57

HPA (weighted): 6.25

Accomplishments: Research at Tulane University Department of Biostatistics and Data Science; pianist invited to concerts (including performances with orchestras) and master classes; vice president of Florida Student Association of Mathematics; one of 67 worldwide accepted to Canada/USA Mathcamp; Junior Ambassador for the Imagina Children’s Foundation (Mexican-American nonprofit uplifting underprivileged children in León, Mexico through education in the arts and STEM); president of the OCApex nonprofit chamber music ensemble

Planned college: Stanford University

Inspirational quote: “To eat bad food today doesn’t prevent you from having good food tomorrow.” — SUNA proverb

Kaitlyn Lee (CADY/Courtesy)Kaitlyn Lee (CADY/Courtesy)

Kaitlyn Lee

Hometown: Sunrise

GPA (unweighted): 4.59

HPA (weighted): 6.14

Accomplishments: Mu Alpha Theta; Computer Science Society; varsity volleyball; Code.org ambassador; president of Math Competition; president of Computer Science Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Rho Kappa Society; president of CoderGals

Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Inspirational quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou

Rishitha Marri (CADY/Courtesy)Rishitha Marri (CADY/Courtesy)

Rishitha Marri

Hometown: Weston

GPA (unweighted): 4.43

HPA (weighted): 6.03

Accomplishments: Computer Science Honor Society and Computer Science Society; CoderGals; Association for Women in Mathematics; Science Bowl; DECA; Building Blocks; Programming Team; Mu Alpha Theta; research intern at Florida State University (used Machine Learning to predict outcomes in a chemistry lab to optimize material use and conserve resources); summer software intern at CarePredict; teacher for Florida Telugu Cultural Society; SAT tutor on Schoolhouse World

Planned college: University of Pennsylvania

Inspirational quote: “The only way to know is to try.”

Darsh Patel (CADY/Courtesy)Darsh Patel (CADY/Courtesy)

Darsh Patel

Hometown: Parkland

GPA (unweighted): 4.56

HPA (weighted): 6.11

Accomplishments: Math Club; Computer Science Society and Honor Society; Competitive Programming Club; Spanish Honor Society; Florida Student Association of Mathematics

Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Inspirational quote: “You can start even if nobody has said go yet.”

Piya Sarkarati (CADY/Courtesy)Piya Sarkarati (CADY/Courtesy)

Piya Sarkarati

Hometown: Weston

GPA (unweighted): 4.5405

HPA (weighted): 6.16

Accomplishments: Volunteering and spreading STEM education to neurodivergent kids through Building Blocks initiative; competitive individual baton twirling; medical shadowing/volunteering at Broward Health and Memorial Hospital; DECA; HOSA; NHS; Expressions Literary Magazine

Planned college: Brown University

Inspirational quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela

Atlantic Technical College and Technical High School, Coconut Creek
Thien Nguyen (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Thien Nguyen (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Thien Nguyen

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 5.2159

Accomplishments: President of 3D Printing Club; led a Six Sigma project; intern at Sintavia, a 3D-printing company and manufacturing partner of Lockheed Martin

Planned college: Florida International University Honors College

Inspirational quote: “Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on.” — Led Zeppelin

Sebastian Aleusledain (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Sebastian Aleusledain (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Sebastian Aleusledain

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 5.1386

Accomplishments: NHS and National Technical Honor Society member; SkillsUSA state competitor for Architectural Drafting; secretary of the Broward Youth Coalition

Planned college: Florida Atlantic University

Inspirational quote: “Turn your defeats into a victory, instead of letting them be a mystery.”

Blanche Ely High School, Pompano Beach
Kendy Honorat (CADY/Courtesy)Kendy Honorat (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Kendy Honorat

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 4.9841

Accomplishments: Certified EKG Tech and PCT Tech

Planned college: Florida State University

Mirlande Moreau (CADY/Courtesy)Mirlande Moreau (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Mirlande Moreau

Hometown: Pompano Beach

GPA: 4.8243

Accomplishments: Licensed Practical Nursing Program graduate; QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and finalist; recipient of College Board First-Generation and School Recognition Award; CPR Certified; Clinical Medical Administrative Assistant

Planned college: Florida State University

Boyd H. Anderson High School, Lauderdale Lakes
Winza Pierre (CADY/Courtesy)Winza Pierre (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Winza Pierre

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 5.2

Accomplishments: Early admission at Broward College and AP courses

Planned college: Florida International University

Khazeem Lee (CADY/Courtesy)Khazeem Lee (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Khazeem Lee

Hometown: Lauderdale Lakes

GPA: 5.1

Accomplishments: IB Diploma Programme; dual enrollment and AP

Planned college: Florida Polytechnic University

Inspirational quote: “Make no mistake, high school didn’t test me. It was a four-year experiment to see if I had a limit. Of course, there isn’t one.” — Khazeem Lee

Broward Virtual School, Coconut Creek
Justin Suarez-Garzon (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Justin Suarez-Garzon (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Justin Suarez-Garzon

Hometown: Westlake

GPA: 5.49

Accomplishments: Earned 60 college credits while in high school

Planned college: Georgia Institute of Technology

Rylee Barker (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Rylee Barker (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Rylee Barker

Hometown: Tamarac

GPA: 5.35

Accomplishments: Earned 60 college credits while in high school

Planned college: University of Florida

Cardinal Gibbons High School, Fort Lauderdale
Camilla Escobar (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Camilla Escobar (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Camilla Escobar

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

GPA (unweighted): 4.0

HPA (weighted): 5.5806

Accomplishments: BCAA Scholar Athlete; AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Commended Scholar; three-time Scholar Athlete; Pinnacle Award recipient; Silver Knight World Language nominee; Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar; Riddell Scholarship recipient; Cumming Family Business Award; captain of varsity girls soccer; co-president of Model UN; president of National Spanish Honor Society; member of National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, STEM Honor Society; TOPSoccer Program volunteer; member of Youth Leadership Broward

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Work hard, dream big, stay humble, be grateful and keep going.”

Juan Diego Perez (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Juan Diego Perez (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Juan Diego Perez

Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela

GPA (unweighted): 3.95

HPA (weighted): 5.5323

Accomplishments: BCAA Scholar Athlete; AP Scholar With Distinction; Scholar Athlete; Silver Knight Social Sciences nominee; DECA District Champion for Accounting Applications; Youth Leadership Broward; Florida American Legion Boys State; varsity golf and soccer; co-president of Model UN; president of Science National Honor Society; vice president of Spanish National Honor Society; head of finance of DECA Chapter; founder of Booster Meals; organized a camp for underprivileged children in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic; member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, STEM Honor Society, Athletic Honor Society

Planned college: University of Pennsylvania

Inspirational quote: “For with God, nothing is impossible.” — Luke 1:37

Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School, Hollywood
Jason Silla (Prestige Portraits/Courtesy)Jason Silla (Prestige Portraits/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Jason Silla

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 4.0/5.18

Accomplishments: Ranked at the top of his class all four years while completing one of CMCP’s most rigorous course loads, including 15 AP classes; president of Model UN; vice president of Mock Trial; leader in Science Olympiad; member of Chaminade Scholars; varsity golfer and ultramarathon runner; raised over $1,000 for Alzheimer’s research.

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “We are the future we want to create. It’s our job to do it right.”

Carlos Lorenzo Munoz (Prestige Portraits/Courtesy)Lorenzo Carlos Munoz (Prestige Portraits/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Lorenzo Carlos Munoz

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 4.0/5.08

Accomplishments: President of Mock Trial and Science Olympiad; senior officer in Speech and Debate and Chaminade Scholars; varsity cross-country athlete; member of theater production; multiple honor societies and AP courses; hospital volunteer; drumline performer

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Time isn’t what makes you grow, but the memories you make and the people you make them with.”

Charles W. Flanagan High School, Pembroke Pines
Mia Ysabel Enguillado (CADY/Courtesy)Mia Ysabel Enguillado (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Mia Ysabel Enguillado

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA: 5.4894

Accomplishments: National Council of Teachers of English the Achievement Award in Writing First Class recipient; AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Cambridge Diploma with Merit recipient

Planned college: New York University

Inspirational quote: “Live your life as an exclamation rather than an explanation.” — Sir Isaac Newton

Jake Froman (CADY/Courtesy)Jake Froman (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Jake Froman

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.4615

Accomplishments: Earned AA degree; certified salsa instructor; AP Scholar with Distinction

Planned college: University of South Florida

Inspirational quote: “The only thing that is impossible is impossibility.” — “Phineas and Ferb”

Coconut Creek High School
Christaly Jean Baptiste (CADY/Courtesy)Christaly Jean Baptiste (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Christaly Jean Baptiste

Hometown: Margate

GPA: 3.97

Accomplishments: Licensed Practical Nurse; AICE Cambridge Diploma; more than 500 service hours; Outstanding Cambridge Scholar Award

Planned college: Florida Atlantic University

Inspirational quote: “Jesus loves you more than you could ever know.”

Daniel Therne (CADY/Courtesy)Daniel Therne (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Daniel Therne

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 3.84

Accomplishments: Earned seven Industry Certifications in IT; AICE Cambridge Diploma; more than 300 service hours; nominated as one of the city of Coconut Creek’s Most Outstanding Scholars

Planned college: Nova Southeastern University

Inspirational quote: “The only person who can hold you back is yourself.”

The College Academy at Broward College, Davie
Shadeed Anwar (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Shadeed Anwar (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Shadeed Anwar

Hometown: Plantation

GPA: 5.6493

Accomplishments: AA degree from Broward College with Highest Honors; National Merit Commended Scholar; College Board School Recognition and First-Generation Student Recognition; President’s List 4.0 Honor Roll fall 2024, spring 2025, fall 2025, spring 2026

Planned college: University of Florida

Salutatorian Abdul Nini 

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.6104

Accomplishments: AA degree from Broward College with Highest Honors; College Board School Recognition and First-Generation Recognition; President’s List 4.0 Honor Roll fall 2024, spring 2025, fall 2025, spring 2026

Planned college: Florida International University

Cooper City High School
Fiona Lin (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Fiona Lin (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Fiona Lin

Hometown: Cooper City

GPA: 5.68

Accomplishments: QuestBridge National College Match finalist; First-Generation AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Distinction; Cambridge Award winner for top performing scores across three tests; co-president for Future Medical Professionals of America

Planned college: University of Pennsylvania

Inspirational quote: “I dedicate every accomplishment to my parents. They are my ‘why’ in every effort that I’ve put in to fulfill their dreams.”

Aidan Don (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Aidan Don (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Aidan Don

Hometown: Cooper City

GPA: 5.66

Accomplishments: National Merit finalist; Florida Department of Education Sunshine State Scholar; AP Capstone Diploma; National Honor Society president

Planned college: Brown University

Inspirational quote: “Being able to represent my class as salutatorian has been an honor, and I am so proud of the Cooper City Class of 2026 and all we have accomplished throughout the last four years. I know we all have amazing futures awaiting us, and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to represent such an amazing group of people.”

Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs
Christa Reese (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Christa Reese (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Christa Reese

Hometown: Coral Springs

GPA: 5.457

Accomplishments: Earned AA degree with Highest Honors; active member of band program; vice president of National Technical Honor Society

Planned college: Florida State University

Noelle Brooks (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Noelle Brooks (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Noelle Brooks

Hometown: Coral Springs

GPA: 5.3904

Accomplishments: Sideline cheerleader for past four years

Planned college: University of Florida

Coral Springs High School
Teresa Xu (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Teresa Xu (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Teresa Xu

Hometown: Coral Springs

GPA: 5.61

Accomplishments: AICE Cambridge Diploma with Distinction; AA degree with Highest Honors; Business Professionals of America State and National finalist; National Merit Commended Student

Planned college: University of Florida

Sofia Evans (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Sofia Evans (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Sofia Evans

Hometown: Coral Springs

GPA: 5.60

Accomplishments: Associate degree with Highest Honors; District BCAA Champion in Track and Field (pole vault); president of Speech and Debate Team; recognized with distinction for National Speech and Debate

Planned college: University of South Florida

Inspirational quote: “I’ll share this love I find with everyone.” — Jack Johnson

Cypress Bay High School, Weston
Rickey Liu (CADY/Courtesy)Rickey Liu (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Rickey Liu

Hometown: Weston

GPA: 5.74

Accomplishments: National Merit finalist; AICE Diploma; AIME qualifier (two times); eight-time first-place winner in Piano State competition

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Let’s go Lightning!”

Arthur Gigot (CADY/Courtesy)Arthur Gigot (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Arthur Gigot

Hometown: Weston

GPA: 5.7

Accomplishments: Candidate for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program; National Hispanic Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; AIME qualifier; AP Art History Excellence Award (Cypress Bay, 2024)

Planned college: Purdue University

Inspirational quote: “Carpe diem!”

Dave Thomas Education Center, Coconut Creek
Ethan Johnson (Dave Thomas Education Center/Courtesy)Ethan Johnson (Dave Thomas Education Center/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Ethan Johnson

Hometown: Pompano Beach

GPA: 3.7708

Accomplishments: SAC Student Rep; Honor Roll all year; School Ambassador

Planned college: Broward College

Bernadin Saint-Hilaire (Dave Thomas Education Center/Courtesy)Bernadin Saint-Hilaire (Dave Thomas Education Center/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Bernadin Saint-Hilaire

Hometown: Coral Springs

GPA: 3.7162

Accomplishments: Honor Roll all year; Junior Achievement Academy

Planned college: Atlantic Technical College

Deerfield Beach High School
Claire Yates (CADY/Courtesy)Claire Yates (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Claire Yates

Hometown: Lighthouse Point

GPA: 5.5373

Accomplishments: President of Deerfield Beach High School National Honor Society; won fourth place at National Mu Alpha Theta Convention for Statistics Gemini; served senior class peers as BRACE Cadet

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.” — Jim Henson

Anisah Mohammed (CADY/Courtesy)Anisah Mohammed (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Anisah Mohammed

Hometown: Pompano Beach

GPA: 5.5282

Accomplishments: Recipient of QuestBridge Scholarship and Century Village East Arts Scholarship; served as Key Club vice president and MAO president; founder and committee head of TOK (Theory of Knowledge) podcast with peers

Planned college: Tufts University

Inspirational quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”

Dillard High 6-12, Fort Lauderdale
Jae Holder (CADY/Courtesy)Jae Holder (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Jae Holder

Hometown: Plantation

GPA: 5.1

Accomplishments: Outstanding Senior Scholar; Cambridge AICE Diploma; President’s List Broward College; Sigma Kappa Delta inductee, XI Gamma Chapter

Planned college: Florida Atlantic University

Inspirational quote: “Once gifted, twice exceptional.”

Azaziah Evans-Blake (CADY/Courtesy)Azaziah Evans-Blake (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Azaziah Evans-Blake

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

GPA: 4.9

Accomplishments: Three-year varsity basketball player; Superintendent Scholar Award

Planned college: Marian University

Inspirational quote: “Maybe it’s best to make some mistakes, the greatest wins are not made from playing things safe.”

Everglades High School, Miramar
Rubab Alam (Fox-Mar/Courtesy) Rubab Alam (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Rubab Alam

Hometown: Miramar

GPA: 5.7536

Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; AP Scholar; NASA ADC finalist; CSHS treasurer; MSA vice president (one year); SAC co-founder; Arabic instructor (K-12); tutor in English, math and reading (K-8 for four yrs)

Planned college: Florida International University

Maylynn Ton (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Maylynn Ton (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Maylynn Ton

Hometown: Miramar

GPA: 5.6714

Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Merit Diploma; Silver Knight nominee; Key Club president; HOSA vice president; class vice president (2022-2024); volunteer and ReadSquad mentor (more than 70 hours); UN1 co-captain; Powderpuff coach; Science Olympiad Regional Medalist (two-time second, first Dynamic Planet)

Planned college: Florida International University

Inspirational quote: “Don’t wait for the tide just to dip both your feet in.”

Fort Lauderdale High School
Kylie Keenan (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Kylie Keenan (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Kylie Keenan

Hometown: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

GPA: 5.5714

Accomplishments: Two-time first team All County; MVP for softball team; Letterman; Cambridge Diploma with Merit; AP Scholar with Honor Award; College Board National Recognition; voted Best Overall by Teacher’s Counsel

Planned college: Brandeis University

Inspirational quote: “How you do anything is how you do everything.”

Emerson Botknecht (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Emerson Botknecht (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Emerson Botknecht

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.5345

Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with Merit; AP Scholar with Distinction; College Board National Recognition; two-time district champion/soccer; National Honor Society treasurer; National English Honor Society president; Florida Academic Scholars Bright Futures Award

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

Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-12

Valedictorian Nicholas Gerez-Hernandez

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA (unweighted): 3.9677

HPA (weighted): 5.3551

Accomplishments: Semifinalist of South Florida Regional High School Ethics Bowl; National Top School Recognition Award and National First-Generation Recognition Award from College Board; BigFuture Ambassador and earned Share Squad Award; full Diploma Programme student; Florida Gold Seal of Biliteracy

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “You always have more power than you think.”

Salutatorian Makenzy Jordan

Hometown: Plantation

GPA (unweighted): 3.9524

HPA (weighted): 5.2465

Accomplishments: 2024 Nyah Project Fellow (7% acceptance rate); Think Neuro, Teens in Health and Broward Regional Health Planning Council intern; Posse Scholar (5% acceptance rate); published poet in the Young Writers Annual Showcase—World of Words; ambassador for Bubble (skincare company); Gold Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English; AP Scholar with Distinction; National Top School Recognition (Collegeboard); Honor Society member: Spanish, English, Mu Alpha Theta, NHS, Science, Tri-M-A Team Awardee; two-time semifinalist for Climate Science Olympiad

Planned college: Vanderbilt University

Inspirational quote: “You are who you train yourself to be, not who you hope to become.”

Hallandale High School, Hallandale Beach
Richard Dominic Randolph (CADY/Courtesy)Richard Dominic Randolph (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Richard Dominic Randolph

Hometown: West Park

GPA: 5.2258

Accomplishments: Fostered partnership between a multimillion-dollar company and community; Outstanding Senior Leader of Broward County; more than $100,000 in scholarships

Planned college: Florida International University

Inspirational quote: “Transform your potential into purpose, for it is then you will find strength.”

Salutatorian Nicco Vasquez-Rebolledo 

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.2154

Accomplishments: JROTC; AICE Diploma recipient

Planned college: University of Central Florida

Highlands Christian Academy, Pompano Beach
Isaac Moore (TSS Photography/Courtesy)Isaac Moore (TSS Photography/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Isaac Moore

Hometown: Coconut Creek

GPA (unweighted): 4.000

HPA (high honors point): 4.723

Accomplishments: National Honor Society; All A Honor Roll; Presidential Academic Gold Award; Bright Futures Academic Scholar Award; Pompano Exchange Club Student of the Month (December 2025); more than 400 hours of community service

Planned college: University of Central Florida

Inspirational quote: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”

Isabella Duda (TSS Photography/Courtesy)Isabella Duda (TSS Photography/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Isabella Duda

Hometown: Deerfield Beach

GPA (unweighted): 3.970

HPA: 4.687

Accomplishments: National Honor Society; class president four consecutive years; Brain Bowl Top Scorer; Senior of the Year (Pompano Exchange Club); Presidential Academic Gold Award; Bright Futures Medallion Scholar; more than 600 hours of community service; All A Honor Roll

Planned college: University of Central Florida

Inspirational quote: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” — Albert Einstein

Hollywood Hills High School
Noam Zeitoun (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Noam Zeitoun (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Noam Zeitoun

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.23

Accomplishments: AICE Cambridge Diploma; founder/president of Book Club; vice president of National Honor Society; historian for Health Occupations Students of America; secretary of Student Government Association; 343 recorded service hours

Planned college: University of South Florida

Inspirational quote: “If you’re happy doing what you’re doing, then no one can tell you you’re not successful.” — Harry Styles

Camila Leon Parra (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Camila Leon Parra (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Camila Leon Parra

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA: 5.23

Accomplishments: Battalion commander of ELMA JROTC program; president of Key Club; 675 volunteer service hours

Planned college: University of Central Florida

Inspirational quote: “Work in silence; let your success be your noise.” — Frank Ocean

J.P. Taravella High School, Coral Springs
Jay Valdes (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Jay Valdes (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Jay Valdes

Hometown: Tamarac

GPA: 5.60

Accomplishments: QuestBridge and Gates Scholarship recipient; BRACE Cadet two years; BRACE Club co-president two years

Planned college: Brown University

Emma Matthews (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Emma Matthews (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Emma Matthews

Hometown: Port Saint Lucie

GPA: 5.49

Accomplishments: Mu Alpha Theta president two years; American Sign Language Club; Key Club; National Honor Society; MOSS Club

Planned college: University of South Florida

Lauderhill 6-12 Stem-Med
Zaria Samaya Guerrier (CADY/Courtesy)Zaria Samaya Guerrier (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Zaria Samaya Guerrier

Hometown: Plantation

GPA: 5.38

Accomplishments: QuestBridge full-ride scholarship to Vanderbilt; Gates Scholarship recipient; Cambridge Diploma with Distinction

Planned college: Vanderbilt University

Inspirational quote: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” — “Mulan”

Fergie Canales Espinoza (CADY/Courtesy)Fergie Canales Espinoza (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Fergie Canales Espinoza

Hometown: Lauderhill

GPA: 5.1

Accomplishments: Cambridge Diploma; Bright Futures Scholarship; BRACE Cadet

Planned college: Florida International University

Inspirational quote: “Carpe diem. Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary.” — John Keating in “Dead Poets Society”

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland
Ryan Nixon (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Ryan Nixon (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Ryan Nixon

Hometown: Parkland

GPA: 5.59

Accomplishments: National Merit Commended Student; AP Scholar with Distinction; National Recognition School Award recipient; Physics Club founder and officer; Science Olympiad and Math Competition captain

Planned college: University of Florida Honors College

Grace Wang (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Grace Wang (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Grace Wang 

Hometown: Parkland

GPA: 5.53

Accomplishments: Hack-a-thon team won Best Emergency Preparedness; co-founder of Find My Buses App; Commended National Merit Scholar; co-president of Coding Club; third place in County Lit Fair

McArthur High School, Hollywood
Rey Hernandez (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Rey Hernandez (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Rey Hernandez

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.2455

Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; Autodesk Certification Fusion 360; certified in Project Management Information; BCAA student-athlete

Planned college: Florida International University

Inspirational quote: “Those who fly, don’t fear the fall.”

Anthony Lopez (CADY/Courtesy)Anthony Lopez (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Anthony Lopez

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.2

Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Officer

Planned college: University of Florida

Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, Tamarac
Maria Kukielka (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Maria Kukielka (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Maria Kukielka

Hometown: Sunrise

GPA: 5.6452

Accomplishments: Graduated with AA degree through dual enrollment; more than 300 hours of volunteer service; had toy and food drives for children in need; led a health literacy initiative across high school students; created cards to decorate homeless shelters

Planned college: University of Florida

Yusra Sultana (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Yusra Sultana (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Yusra Sultana

Hometown: Tamarac

GPA: 5.5588

Accomplishments: Gates Scholar; QuestBridge Finalist; Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship recipient; Sun Sentinel Kids of Character; AP Scholar of Distinction

Planned college: Nova Southeastern University

Inspirational quote: “Verily, with hardship comes ease.” — Quran 94:5

Miramar High School
Katherine Haynes (CADY/Courtesy)Katherine Haynes (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Katherine Haynes

Hometown: Miramar

GPA: 5.50

Accomplishments: Earned 100% Bright Futures; president of STEM and Science National Honor Society; first place in World Language Competition for Poetry; second place overall in SECME – STEM competition; enrolled in NSU dual admissions program

Planned college: Nova Southeastern University

Inspirational quote: “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” — Bob Marley

Aniah Lewis (CADY/Courtesy)Aniah Lewis (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Aniah Lewis

Hometown: Miramar

GPA: 5.3

Accomplishments: College Board National Recognition Program; AP Scholar with Honor; AP Scholar with Distinction; BCAA Scholar Athlete; two-year softball captain

Planned college: Florida International University

Monarch High School, Coconut Creek
Steven Strong (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Steven Strong (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Steven Strong

Hometown: Coconut Creek

GPA: 5.53

Accomplishments: National Merit finalist; Kids of Character District finalist; Silver Knight nominee; National Honor Society president; Broward County Scholar Athlete

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Love and respect.”

Lionel Valentin (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Lionel Valentin (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Lionel Valentin

Hometown: Coconut Creek

GPA: 5.45

Accomplishments: North Area Outstanding Senior Leader; Coconut Creek Do The Right Thing Award; fundraising chair for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital charity event raising $15,000; Monarch Student Leader Award

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

North Broward Preparatory School, Coconut Creek
Radhika Nanavati (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Radhika Nanavati (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Radhika Nanavati

Hometown: Parkland

GPA (unweighted): 4.15

HPA (weighted): 5.22

Accomplishments: IB Diploma; Brown University Book Award; Miami Silver Knight General Scholar nominee; College Board AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Semifinalist; four years varsity swimming

Planned college: Duke University

Inspirational quote: “I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.” — Vincent Van Gogh

Akhil Kotaru (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Akhil Kotaru (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Akhil Kotaru

Hometown: Parkland

GPA (unweighted): 4.16

HPA (weighted): 5.21

Accomplishments: IB Diploma Candidate; Silver Knight nominee for mathematics; County Science Fair recognition; co-founder and co-president of Middle School Math Club; co-creator of Lower School Math Program; state captain for cricket; international representation and captaincy in cricket; AP Scholar with Distinction; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Book Award for Math and Science; board member, South Asian Student Association; president of Science Research Club; tutor for Elements of Mathematics: Foundations Program

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” — Steve Maraboli

Northeast High School, Oakland Park
Jibrael Khan (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Jibrael Khan (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Jibrael Khan

Hometown: Oakland Park

GPA: 5.4459

Accomplishments: 22 advanced courses; earned AP Scholar recognition; Cambridge Diploma; served in multiple leadership roles, including class president; National Honor Society vice president; JROTC lieutenant colonel; more than 600 community service hours; three-time brain tumor survivor

Planned college: Georgia Tech University

Tyler Beliard (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Tyler Beliard (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Tyler Beliard

Hometown: Oakland Park

GPA: 5.3145

Accomplishments: 17 advanced courses; QuestBridge Finalist; Cambridge Diploma; district wrestling champion; Brian Piccolo Defensive Player of the Year

Planned college: University of Florida

Nova High School, Davie
Vera Valeria Ruiz Feliberty (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Vera Valeria Ruiz Feliberty (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Vera Valeria Ruiz Feliberty

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA: 5.7397

Accomplishments: Co-founder of Create For Kids Pembroke Pines Chapter

Planned college: Florida State University

Mariana Rodriguez (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Mariana Rodriguez (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Mariana Rodriguez

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA: 5.6709

Accomplishments: President of Mu Alpha Theta; vice president of Science National Honor Society; president of Multicultural Club; co-founder of Create For Kids Pembroke Pines Chapter

Planned college: University of Florida

NSU University School, Davie
David Liebowitz (Gerlinde Photography/Courtesy)David Liebowitz (Gerlinde Photography/Courtesy)

Valedictorian David Liebowitz

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA (unweighted): 4.25

HPA (weighted): 5.04

Accomplishments: HOSA, first place in region and third place in state; AP Scholar with Distinction; National President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold; Harvard Book Award; National Merit Commended Scholar; Student Council treasurer; co-founder and co-president of USchool Jewish Student Union; co-president of USchool HOSA Club; president of USchool Green Sharks Club; co-vice president of USchool National Honor Society

Planned college: University of Pennsylvania

Inspirational quote: “Wherever you go, there you are.”

Jeffrey Zhang (Gerlinde Photography/Courtesy)Jeffrey Zhang (Gerlinde Photography/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Jeffrey Zhang

Hometown: Plantation

GPA (unweighted): 4.28

HPA (weighted): 4.96

Accomplishments: Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award; AP Scholar with Distinction; Vision Science research assistant and dual conference poster co-author; AI and cybersecurity intern at NSU Levan Center; Class of 2026 vice president; independent music producer with more than 75,000 streams; Economics Club director of finance; Florida State Chinese Competition Superior Designation; National Honor Society; Nassar Family Endowed Scholarship; Outstanding Mathematics, Chinese and Emerging Visual Arts Scholar; College Board National Recognition; community service coordinator for youth mentorship and food distribution; Love for our Elders representative; computational neuroscience student researcher; Mandarin Chinese peer tutor; track and field runner

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” — Albert Einstein

Pembroke Pines Charter High School
Aarush Wadhwa (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Aarush Wadhwa (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Co-valedictorian Aarush Wadhwa

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA (unweighted): 3.9821

HPA (weighted): 5.6518

Accomplishments: Completed 25 college-level courses; AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma; Presidential Award for Academic Excellence in elementary and middle school; Principal’s Presidential Award for straight-A Honor Roll in middle school (awarded to only eight students); placed first in Broward County Science Fair for wind turbine design and went to national at Broadcom MASTERS; earned 19 Science Olympiad medals and competed at regional, state and invitational levels; medaled in DECA Districts; won the Shrinklit category in Poetry Fair; SAT Bootcamp tutor; Memorial Healthcare lead volunteer, implemented improvements that saved more $10,000

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Small actions, when done with purpose, can create meaningful change in the lives of others.”

Aanya Wadhwa (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Aanya Wadhwa (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Co-valedictorian Aanya Wadhwa

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA (unweighted): 3.9821

HPA (weighted): 5.6518

Accomplishments: Completed 25 college-level courses; AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Distinction; Presidential Award for Academic Excellence in elementary and middle school; Principal’s Presidential Award for straight-A Honor Roll in middle school (awarded to only eight students); received Accelerated Reader trophy in middle school for reading at college level; six years in Science Olympiad, 19 medals at regional, state and invitational levels; medaled in DECA Districts; social media director for Mu Alpha Theta; media manager for school’s band for two years; danced for nonprofit IRCC Cultural Festival; volunteered at Memorial Healthcare system and supported IT and telehealth teams

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Alexander Moyano (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Alexander Moyano (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Alexander Moyano

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA (unweighted): 4.0

HPA (weighted): 5.6207

Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; AICE Diploma with Distinction; National Merit Finalist; school science awards; Psychology Honor Society president; Math Honor Society; tutored from pre-algebra to AP Calculus; Military Leadership Club treasurer; presented flags at numerous events, including graduation, as part of Honor Guard

Planned college: Amherst College

Inspirational quote: “The best way to keep good acts in your memory is to refresh them with new ones.” — Cato the Younger

Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale
Lucia Lecour (Pine Crest School/Courtesy)Lucia Lecour (Pine Crest School/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Lucia Lecour

Hometown: Surfside

GPA: 5.16

Accomplishments: Coca-Cola Scholar; National Merit Scholar; Silver Knight Award in General Scholarship; Mae McMillan Award; Cum Laude Honor Society; second place Diamond Challenge Limitless World Summit; Top 25 Emerging Innovator of the Year; AP Scholar with Distinction; first place One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest; founder and chair of Surfside Youth Commission; University of Pennsylvania Book Award; National Beta Club Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society; Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society; National English Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Spanish National Honor Society

Planned college: Stanford University

Inspirational quote: “There is no right way.” — Hozier

Jeffrey Berinstein (Pine Crest School/Courtesy)Jeffrey Berinstein (Pine Crest School/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Jeffrey Berinstein

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

GPA: 5.14

Accomplishments: National Merit Scholar; two-time DECA ICDC qualifier; Hispanic Services Council volunteer; Pine Crest Judiciary Committee; Cum Laude Honor Society; National English Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Societies; Harvard Book Award; National Beta Club Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction

Planned college: Princeton University

Inspirational quote: “Effort is what separates champions from contenders.” — Novak Djokovic

Piper High School, Sunrise
Michelle Custodio (CADY/Courtesy)Michelle Custodio (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Michelle Custodio

Hometown: Sunrise

GPA: 5.375

Accomplishments: Earned Cambridge Diploma with Merit in two years; president of Mu Alpha Theta; straight-A student; took 16 college-level courses

Planned college: University of South Florida

Inspirational quote: “I think, therefore I am.” — Descartes

Afreeca Fullwood (CADY/Courtesy)Afreeca Fullwood (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Afreeca Fullwood

Hometown: Tamarac

GPA: 5.341

Accomplishments: Youth Leadership Broward Class XXXVIII; four-time South Florida Cappies nominee; earned Cambridge Diploma with Merit in two years

Planned college: University of South Florida

Inspirational quote: “The comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” — John Assaraf

Plantation High School
Sabrina Ramsay (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Sabrina Ramsay (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Sabrina Ramsay

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 5.6176

Accomplishments: Bright Futures Scholarship; Cambridge Diploma

Planned college: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Inspirational quote: “My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’ ” — Forrest Gump

Summarrah Nicolas (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Summarrah Nicolas (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Summarrah Nicolas

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

GPA: 5.5093

Accomplishments: Choose Peace/Stop Violence Program at Plantation High, vice president (11) and president (12); organized schoolwide projects, Red Ribbon Week; presented solutions for combating drug use in school

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want. Go for it.” — Patrick Verona in “10 Things I Hate About You”

Pompano Beach High School
Carolina Mejia (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Carolina Mejia (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Carolina Mejia

Hometown: Oakland Park

GPA: 5.5929

Accomplishments: President of American Red Cross

Planned college: Yale University

Fiordi Lika (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Fiordi Lika (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Fiordi Lika

Hometown: Oakland Park

GPA: 5.5074

Accomplishments: AP Scholar; BCAA Scholar Athlete; Golden Gloves Florida State Boxing Champion; Swedish Boxing National Champion; BCAA Varsity Boys Soccer District Champion

Planned college: Florida State University

Inspirational quote: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” — Rocky Balboa

Seagull Alternative High School, Fort Lauderdale
Richard Whitely (Seagull Alternative High School/Courtesy)Richard Whitely (Seagull Alternative High School/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Richard Whitely

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

GPA: 3.93

Accomplishments: Certifications in Autodesk, AutoCAD

Post-graduation plans: Military

Inspirational quote: “Day one or one day.”

Adriana Hilerio Miranda (Seagull Alternative High School/Courtesy)Adriana Hilerio Miranda (Seagull Alternative High School/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Adriana Hilerio Miranda

Hometown: Davie

GPA: 3.75

Accomplishments: Academic achievement awards

Post-graduation plans: Broward College and the Navy Business Administration

Inspirational quote: “I am deeply thankful to my parents and their sacrifices to bring me to this country.”

Sheridan Technical High School and College, Fort Lauderdale
Jasmyne Gonzalez (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Jasmyne Gonzalez (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Jasmyne Gonzalez

Hometown: Miramar

GPA: 5.1986

Accomplishments: National Honor Society president; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society president; Outstanding Senior Broward Award; Literary place winner; AP Scholar with Distinction

Planned college: University of Central Florida

Anderson McMurchy (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Anderson McMurchy (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Anderson McMurchy

Hometown: Plantation

GPA: 5.17

Accomplishments: Florida Panthers Scholastic Hockey League champion; Outstanding Senior Leader Broward County

Planned college: University of Florida

Somerset Academy Charter High School, Pembroke Pines
Denzil Bessy (HJPhoto/Courtesy)Denzil Bessy (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Denzil Bessy

Hometown: Miramar

GPA: 4.0

HPA: 5.4933

Accomplishments: Co-president of Mu Alpha Theta; co-president of DECA; vice president and co-founder of Desi Student Association; Pembroke Pines City Ambassador; AP Scholar with Distinction; more than 350 volunteer hours; AP Capstone Diploma Candidate; graduated with AA from both Broward and Doral colleges; certified in PMI Project Management Ready & Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “Strive to be 1% better than you were yesterday.”

Jacob Mendoza (HJPhoto/Courtesy)Jacob Mendoza (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Jacob Mendoza

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA (unweighted): 3.9

GPA (weighted): 5.47

Accomplishments: Vallecas Conference Tournament finalist, Madrid, Spain; UPSL Florida Conference winner; AICE Diploma; AP Capstone Diploma; Bright Futures Scholarship; AP Scholar with Distinction; business owner (JM Spot Free Services)

Planned college: undecided

Inspirational quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

Somerset Academy Key Charter School, Deerfield Beach
Emerson Clark (HJPhoto/Courtesy)Emerson Clark (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Emerson Clark

Hometown: Pompano Beach

GPA (unweighted): 3.9

GPA (weighted): 4.8

Accomplishments: Thespian (won two superior medals at district level and one excellent medal at state level); volleyball team captain for all three years; 250 community service hours; nine AP classes; Student Government vice president

Planned college: Florida Atlantic University

Inspirational quote: “Worthiness is not perfection.”

Matthew Lesperance (HJPhoto/Courtesy)Matthew Lesperance (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Matthew Lesperance

Hometown: Deerfield Beach

GPA (unweighted): 3.88

GPA (weighted): 4.76

Planned college: Lynn University

Inspirational quote: “Hard work pays off.”

Somerset Arts Conservatory, Pembroke Pines
Gowri Kallamvalli (HJPhoto/Courtesy) Gowri Kallamvalli (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Gowri Kallamvalli

Hometown: Miramar

GPA (unweighted): 3.9891

GPA (weighted): 5.6413

Accomplishments: Co-founded nonprofit Healing Hands, which helped more than 60 families in Miami; completed internship program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Citizenship Award given by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “We have two lives, and the second one begins when we realize we only have one.” — Confucius

Matej Dimovski (HJPhoto/Courtesy)Matej Dimovski (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Matej Dimovski

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA (unweighted): 4.0

GPA (weighted): 5.63

Accomplishments: National Merit finalist; Benacquisto Scholarship recipient; Stamps Scholar

Planned college: University of Florida

Somerset Preparatory Academy Charter High School, North Lauderdale
Parisa Betton (HJPhoto/Courtesy)Parisa Betton (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Parisa Betton

Hometown: Lauderhill

GPA (unweighted): 3.9

HPA (weighted): 5.1

Accomplishments: Honor Society member; four-year Honor Roll recipient; AA degree through dual enrollment; President’s List at Broward College; earned Fundamentals of Written Communication badge; Youth Master Communicator Award through Youth Empowerment Village

Planned college: Florida Atlantic University

Inspirational quote: “In every difficult moment, there is still something to be grateful for.”

Marlee Merilan (HJPhoto/Courtesy)Marlee Merilan (HJPhoto/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Marlee Merilan

Hometown: North Lauderdale

GPA: 3.93

HPA: 5.04

Accomplishments: AA degree from two colleges; Bright Futures and three other scholarships; AP classes; AP Scholar award; President’s List at Broward College for 2025 fall and 2026 spring semesters; National Honor Society member; graduated with highest honors at Broward College and Summa Cum Laude at Doral College; National Recognition Program Award; achieved at least 250 volunteer hours throughout high school

Planned college: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Inspirational quote: “Just because you could be doing more doesn’t mean you aren’t doing enough already.”

South Broward High School, Hollywood
Ariela Brody (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Ariela Brody (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Ariela Brody

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.6164

Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE and AP classes; earned 1530 SAT score and 35 score on ACT

Planned college: Yale University

Ron Puron (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Ron Puron (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Ron Puron

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 5.600

Accomplishments: 283 community service hours; Science Olympiad president; vice president of Math Honor Society; student mentor since sophomore year, tutoring classmates in various subject areas; Scholar Athlete

Planned college: University of Florida

South Plantation High School
Hayden Lah (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Hayden Lah (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Hayden Lah

Hometown: Plantation

GPA: 5.317

Accomplishments: Two-time DECA International Qualifier; AICE Diploma with Merit; Recognition Environmental

Planned college: University of Central Florida

Inspirational quote: “Youth will never come back, but the most beautiful moments are yet to come.”

Carly Huppert (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Carly Huppert (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Carly Huppert

Hometown: Davie

GPA: 5.2857

Accomplishments: Scholar Athlete Award winner; Silver Knight Award nominee; DECA director of marketing; Jewish Student Union founder and president; Key Club editor; Mu Alpha Theta co-editor; varsity lacrosse goalie

Planned college: University of Florida

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale
Marisa Robinson (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Marisa Robinson (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Marisa Robinson

Hometown: Plantation

GPA (unweighted): 4.0

HPA (weighted): 5.45

Accomplishments: National Merit Commended Scholar; BCAA Scholar Athlete; part of seven honor societies; state champion for girls varsity soccer; captain of Club Soccer team; leader of the Matthew 25 Ministry Backpack Drive; TopSoccer volunteer for four years

Planned college: University of Florida

Deven Onore (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Deven Onore (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Deven Onore

Hometown: Plantation

GPA (unweighted): 3.983

HPA (weighted): 5.433

Accomplishments: Veritas Scholar; National Merit Commended Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; Miami Herald Silver Knight nominee in General Scholarship; member of seven honor societies; president of STA Ambassadors; vice president of Paddles for a Purpose; raised $85,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Planned college: University of Florida

Stranahan High School, Fort Lauderdale
Asia Shepard (CADY/Courtesy)Asia Shepard (CADY/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Asia Shepard

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

GPA: 4.9067

Accomplishments: Mu Alpha Theta; SkillsUSA; Key Club; Junior Achievement

Planned college: University of North Florida

Inspirational quote: “Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.” — Kerry Washington

Francesco Donastor (CADY/Courtesy)Francesco Donastor (CADY/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Francesco Donastor

Hometown: Hollywood

GPA: 4.8592

Accomplishments: The Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement (Region 7) Award recipient; College Board BigFuture Ambassador; MCJROTC executive officer — Dragon Battalion Magnet Ambassador of the Year; senior class parliamentarian; Key Club president

Post-graduate plans: United States Air Force Intelligence

Inspirational quote: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker

West Broward High School, Pembroke Pines
Rishi Dhakshnamoorthy (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Rishi Dhakshnamoorthy (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Rishi Dhakshnamoorthy

Hometown: Miramar

GPA: 5.6

Accomplishments: UF Honors Program; National Merit Commended Scholar; founder of AP Project Club; Debate fundraising manager; Congressional Debate captain; shadowed and presented at Cleveland Clinic

Planned college: University of Florida

Huzaifa Asif (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Huzaifa Asif (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Huzaifa Asif

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA: 5.5

Accomplishments: Vice president of RHO Kappa; National Honor Society member; volunteered at Islamic institutions, Memorial Hospital, BCPC summer camps, Leaders of Tomorrow

Planned college: University of Florida

Western High School, Davie
Madelyn Doyle (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Madelyn Doyle (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Madelyn Doyle

Hometown: Davie

GPA: 5.5500

Accomplishments: Mu Alpha Theta vice president; flag football captain; Speech and Debate — NSU Sunvite second place and Nova Titan sixth place; Allied Health — EKG, PCT, first aid and CPR certified

Planned college: University of Florida

Haley Nisim (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)Haley Nisim (Fox-Mar/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Haley Nisim

Hometown: Plantation

GPA: 5.5231

Accomplishments: DECA president; secretary of Hope Sunshine Club; president of Debbie’s Dream Club; student appointee, School Board of Broward County Diversity Committee; The School of The New York Times Summer Academy

Planned college: University of Michigan

Westminster Academy, Fort Lauderdale
Grace Sabetimani (Little's Photography/Courtesy)Grace Sabetimani (Little’s Photography/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Grace Sabetimani

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

HPA: 4.61

GPA: 4.00

Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; Student Ambassador; president of National Honor Society (12); secretary (10) and vice president of Key Club (11-12); First-Generation College Board Award recipient; National School Recognition College Board recipient; National Spanish Honor Society; more than 250 service hours; straight A’s for eight semesters; water polo player; Swim & Dive Captain (12); three-time Scholar Athlete Award recipient; Most Improved Swimmer (11)

Planned college: Tufts University

Inspirational quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Ryann Mahoney (Little's Photography/Courtesy)Ryann Mahoney (Little’s Photography/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Ryann Mahoney

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

HPA: 4.60

GPA: 4.00

Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; Student Ambassador; co-secretary (11) and treasurer (12) of Environmental Club; National First-Generation Recognition Program recipient; Magna Cum Laude on National Latin Exam; National Honor Society member; 200 service hours; straight A’s for eight semesters

Planned college: The University of Chicago

Inspirational quote: “Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” — Jamie Paolinetti

William T. McFatter Technical High School, Davie
Jacob Pena (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Jacob Pena (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Valedictorian Jacob Pena

Hometown: Davie

GPA: 5.33

Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; Music Club stage manager and guitar; College Board National Recognition, School Recognition Award; Outstanding Achievement Award over high school in geometry, chemistry, precalculus, physics H, AP Calc BC, auto service technology

Planned college: University of Florida

Inspirational quote: “She raised him up, she called him son … ” — John Wetton

Marayah Nikole Hernandez (Munoz Photography/Courtesy)Marayah Nikole Hernandez (Muñoz Photography/Courtesy)

Salutatorian Marayah Nikole Hernandez

Hometown: Pembroke Pines

GPA: 5.30

Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; certification in AutoCAD, Fusion 360; Harvard Book Award

Planned college: Broward College and Florida International University

Inspirational quote: “Love is more powerful than hate.” — Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio