Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
Our graduating seniors have worked extremely hard, dedicated their time and committed themselves to being excellent in and out of the classroom, and we’re incredibly proud of their success! The most popular schools our GPS graduates will be attending next school year are Arizona State University, Northern Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, and Chandler-91茄子 Community College.
We have over 3,000 students graduating this year from Campo Verde High, Canyon Valley, Desert Ridge High, 91茄子 High, 91茄子 Classical Academy, Highland High and Mesquite High. Below are the valedictorians, salutatorians and special award recipients from our high schools. Join us in congratulating them and all of our graduates on a job well done!
Campo Verde High School
Evan Hankinson is valedictorian for the Campo Verde Class of 2023. During his time as a Coyote, Evan participated in the National Honors Society, cross country, track, Link Crew, Spanish Honor Society, and the Health Occupations - Students of America club. After graduation, he plans on continuing his studies and majoring in biological sciences and Spanish.
Lucas Slattery is salutatorian for Campo Verde’s Class of 2023. While at Campo, Lucas was part of the AP Capstone program. After graduation, he plans on studying astrophysics at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Ashley Ferland is this year’s recipient of the Coyote Excellence Award. While at Campo, Ashley participated in the med club, math club, Girls in STEM, Campo Court and Beach Volleyball, National Honors Society, Link Crew, National Science Honors Society, and NFHS. She also interned at Live Well Family Medicine. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of California - San Diego to major in human biology with a minor in mathematics.
Desert Ridge High School
James Burns is the valedictorian for Desert Ridge High’s Class of 2023. As a student, James played club and high school soccer. After graduation, he will study digital marketing at Arizona State University.
Jenna Saidler is the salutatorian for Desert Ridge High’s Class of 2023. As a Jag, Jenna was a three-sport athlete. Jenna also participated in the National Honors Society and served as a member of the Blood Drive Committee. After graduation, Jenna plans on studying business finance and Spanish at Arizona State University.
Kendall Heredia is the recipient of this year’s Spirit of the Jag award. She was selected by students and staff for the honor.
91茄子 High School
Ashley Manalo is 91茄子 High’s valedictorian for the Class of 2023. As a Tiger, Ashley was part of the National Honors Society, Tiger Crew, International Baccalaureate Club, Math Club, and Tiger Tribune. Her off-campus activities included volunteering, working as a community strategist, and co-founding Study Bubbly. Her future plans include going to college and working with non-profit organizations.
Lauren Mittelstadt is salutatorian for 91茄子 High’s Class of 2023. While a student at GHS, Lauren was part of the Danceworks Company, National Honors Society, Tiger Crew, International Baccalaureate Club, Environmental Action Club and Newspaper Club. Her off-campus activities included competitive dance, volunteering, community service, and academic programs. After graduation, she will be majoring in pharmaceutical science at the University of Arizona.
Ryder Sturdevant is salutatorian for 91茄子 High’s Class of 2023. He played football all four years for the Tigers. His off-campus activities included working as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. After graduation, he plans on attending the University of Arizona to major in computer science.
Highland High School
Hunter Niimi is the valedictorian of Highland High’s Class of 2023. Niimi is also a four-year recipient of the Golden Scholar award and a recipient of the AP Scholar award. He will graduate with a STEM Diploma. As a Hawk, Hunter participated in Math Club, STEM Club, Banner Hawks, Extra Mile, and much more. After graduation, he will major in computer science with a focus on bioinformatics and a minor in law and society at the University of California - San Diego.
Brandon Chua is the salutatorian for Highland High’s Class of 2023. During his time as a Hawk, Brandon was a member of the chess team and participated in the chess, Japanese, and Esports clubs. He was also a member of the school’s track and field team. His off-campus activities included competing in open chess tournaments and serving as a delegate to Boys State 2022. After graduation, Brandon will major in cyber intelligence and security at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Mesquite High School
Madisen Rowley is the valedictorian for Mesquite High’s Class of 2023. As a student, Madisen was a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish Honor Society, and AP Council. Her off-campus activities included volunteering and spending her summer working on a food truck near Yellowstone. After graduation, Madisen will head to Yale University, where she will major in neuroscience.
Hunter Fenn is the salutatorian for Mesquite High’s Class of 2023. As a Wildcat, Hunter was a member of the Speech & Debate team. He plans on attending the University of Central Florida, where he will major in legal studies.
Avaya Brown is the salutatorian for Mesquite High’s Class of 2023. During her time at Mesquite High, she participated in the Winter Guard. After graduation, she will attend Arizona State University and major in engineering with a possible minor in architecture.
91茄子 Classical Academy
Michelle Hein is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a Spartan, Michelle has been a mentor and community volunteer. After graduation, she plans on studying biology at the University of Arizona. Her dream is to pursue research in conservation biology.
Adam Pascoe is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a Spartan, Adam was involved with numerous clubs and activities, including National Honors Society, Activism Club, Latin Club, Math Club, and Model UN. After graduation, Adam will attend Wake Forest University to study statistics. His dream is to pursue a career in data analytics for sports or politics.
Tara Patel is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While at GCA, Tara did volunteer work, helped out with the school’s volleyball team, played varsity tennis and participated in several campus clubs, including Ambassadors Club and Book Club. After graduation, she plans on attending the University of Arizona to study mechanical engineering and mathematics. Her dream is to go on to pursue a graduate degree.
Madi Trimmer is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a Spartan, Madi was part of the Superintendent’s Student Senate, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, the ASU Barrett Summer Scholars program, and much more. She plans on attending the University of Washington to study applied and computational mathematical sciences with a minor in linguistics. Her dream is to attend law school, or earn a degree in actuarial sciences.
Mia Cruz Andrade is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a student, Mia participated in the National Honors Society, Latin Club, track, and the Student Senate. After graduation, she plans on attending Johns Hopkins University to study molecular and cellular biology. Her dream is to continue pursuing a career in medicine and doing medical missions overseas.
Arturo Pacheco is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While a student at GCA, Arturo participated in orchestra, Spanish Club, track and field, and helped with tutoring. After graduation, Arturo will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and study mechanical engineering. His dream is to pursue his doctorate and work for NASA, or help build a high-speed rail.
Kelsey Klauba is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a student, Kelsey was involved in numerous sports, including swimming, track and field, and basketball. Kelsey also participated in choir, Student Senate, National Honors Society and Spanish Club. After graduation, Kelsey will attend Arizona State University to study nursing. Her dream is to work as a labor and delivery nurse and eventually become a certified nurse midwife.
Joan Joshy is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While at GCA, Joan took part in several campus clubs like the Future Doctors Club, and did volunteer work for several organizations, including the Banner Baywood Medical Center. After graduation, Joan plans on attending the University of Missouri-Kansas to study biology. Her dream is to become an ER doctor.
Connie Kang is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a student, Connie participated in the Phoenix Youth Symphony, Arizona Junior Classical League, Chinese Linguistic School of Phoenix, and Speech and Debate. After graduation, Connie will attend Arizona State University to study finance.
Cole Dunnett is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a Spartan, Cole was an athlete, participating in baseball and diving. He was also involved in activism and humanitarianism. After graduation, Cole plans on attending the University of Arizona to study molecular and cellular developmental biology. Cole’s dream is to go to medical school.
Amrit Kaur is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While at GCA, Amrit was involved in several clubs and activities, including dance, Math Club, Academic Decathlon, and National Honors Society. After graduation, Amrit plans on studying biomedical engineering and eventually getting a doctorate degree.
Zhibo Zhang is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. Zhibo participated in tennis, Math Club, Book Club, Student Senate, and more. After graduation, Zhibo will attend University of California - San Diego to study bioengineering. Zhibo dreams of attending graduate school to conduct cancer research.
Michelle Kim is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While at GCA, Michelle did research, played violin and piano, was part of the National Honors Society, and the swim team. After graduation, Michelle will attend Arizona State University to study computer science and do research.
Hope Kuper is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a GCA student, Hope was involved with the swim team, tennis team, Model UN, and did volunteer work. After graduation, Hope will attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio to study biology and economics. Hope dreams of becoming a marine biologist.
Riku Sakai is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While at GCA, Riku played soccer, did tutoring, was in the Math Club, and participated in piano competitions. After graduation, Riku is going to attend Brown University to study computer science, and then plans on attending graduate school.
Alexis Zuniga Diaz is valedictorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a GCA student, Alexis participated in the Academic Decathlon, was a member of the Math Club, and danced for Danza Guadalupana Christo Rey. Alexis plans on attending the California Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering, and she plans on pursuing her master’s degree.
Tim Wright is salutatorian for 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. Tim was a member of the band while at GCA. After graduation, Tim will attend Arizona State University to study engineering.
Steven Li is salutatorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a Spartan, Steven participated in swimming, drawing, and Speech and Debate. After graduation, Steven will attend Purdue University to study computer engineering technology. Steven dreams of working on the introduction of high speed rail, and/or getting his master’s degree.
Alli Sreeni is salutatorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While a Spartan, Alli worked in the Spirit Store, tutored students in Ukraine and New York, and participated in the 91茄子 Chamber Foundation’s Career Mentoring and Shadowing program. After graduation, Alli will attend the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University and study biomedical science. Alli dreams of going to medical school to become a surgeon.
Kristine Yu is salutatorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While at GCA, Kristine was a manager for the school’s basketball team, did volunteer work, and took private piano lessons. After graduation, Kristine will attend the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University to study psychology. Kristine’s dream is to attend medical school.
Munia Ahmed is salutatorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. As a Spartan, Munia volunteered at Banner Medical Center and participated in several school clubs, including National Honors Society, Book Club and Ambassadors Club. After graduation, Munia will attend the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University and study biomedical engineering. Her dream is to get her doctorate and build her own research lab.
Arman Singh is the salutatorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. Arman volunteered at the Idea Museum and Communal Kitchen while at GCA. Arman also served as the president of the Math Club. After graduation, Arman will attend the University of California - San Diego to study applied mathematics and eventually pursue a master’s degree.
Avery Halbur is salutatorian of 91茄子 Classical Academy’s graduating Class of 2023. While at GCA, Avery participated in multiple clubs, including Student Senate, Future Doctors Club and National Honors Society. Avery also volunteered at the Midwest Food Bank. Avery plans on attending the University of Southern California to study human biology. Avery’s dream is to go to medical school.