Meet the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians from Orange County high schools.
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Editor’s note: The Sentinel has published details for public and private school student honorees based on information provided by their institutions. Some schools did not provide information.
Acceleration East High School
Valedictorian: Abdiel Durant Toledo
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.79 (4.93 weighted)
Accomplishments: $500 Scholarship from the Orlando Credit Union and he is graduating with his A.A. Degree from Valencia College
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Health Science
Inspirational quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Phillippians 4:13
Salutatorian: Chedler Victorvil
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.58 (4.67 weighted)
Accomplishments: $500 Scholarship from Orlando Credit Union. He was a member of the National Honor’s Society. He played soccer on the Sports Paradise and Florida Kraze Krush teams. Volunteered over 100 hours for Give Kids the World Village, Orlando Union Rescue Mission and camp counselor for the South Orlando Baptist.
Planned college: Valencia College and direct connect to UCF afterward for Law
Inspirational quote: “Everything comes to light, so watch what you do in the dark.”
Acceleration West High School
Valedictorian: Isabella Alves Crispim Belo Horizonte
Hometown: Brazil/Orlando
GPA: 3.78 (4.85 weighted)
Accomplishments: National Honor Society, First student from Acceleration West to earn an Associate’s in Arts Degree from Valencia State College before graduating high school.
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Accounting & Law
Inspirational quote: “The future you want begins the moment you stop calling yourself unqualified.”
Salutatorian: Amoni Johnson
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.62 (4.58 weighted)
Accomplishments: National Honor Society, dual enrollment student graduating from Valencia College in the fall of 2026 with an AA degree in Psychology
Planned college: Valencia, & University of Florida or University of Central Florida for Psychology
Inspirational quote: “Trust in the Lord, and He will make straight your paths.”
Apopka High School
Valedictorian: Brett Sellers
Hometown: Apopka
GPA: 4.0 (5.543 weighted)
Accomplishments: Eagle Scout, Graduating with Associates Degree, AP Scholar with Distinction, FCA President
Planned college: University of Tennessee for Biomedical Engineering
Inspirational quote: “Stand firm, and you will win life” – Luke 21:19
Salutatorian: Sylvia Sharpe
Hometown: Apopka
GPA: 3.98 (5.507 weighted)
Accomplishments: Beta Club Officer, SNHS Officer, FYV Officer, Member of Class Council for 3 years, Member of FCA for 2 years, and JV soccer player for 2 years. Alongside an AP scholar with distinction, also having received the College Board National Recognition Award.
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Aerospace Engineering
Inspirational quote: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” – Bad Bunny
Bishop Moore Catholic High School
Valedictorian: Aidan Akkara
Hometown: College Park, Orlando
GPA: 4.0
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended, U.S., Presidential Scholars Program Nominee, BMC Robotics Lead Programmer, USA, Computing Olympiad Silver, 36 ACT
Planned college: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Inspirational quote: “In this era where heroes are forged by trust, everyone creates heroes and everyone can become heroes.” – from the show “To Be Hero X”
Salutatorian: Mitchell Newsome
Hometown: Gotha
GPA: 4.0
Accomplishments: Member of 6 honor societies, President of BMC’s Chemistry and Art, Clubs, and a founding member the Physics Club, 4 year varsity letterman in weightlifting, Varsity letterman in football and Unified basketball, Received $300K+ in scholarships across all of my acceptances, featured in Art Shows including Maitland Rotary Festival of the Arts and the Winter Park Art Festival, and attended a mission trip to the Dominican Republic
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “You’ll always wish you started younger, but today is the youngest you’ll ever be. The best time to plant.”
Boone High School
Valedictorian: Brady Graham
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.514 weighted)
Accomplishments: OCPS Sunshine State Scholar, Florida High School Democrats Development Director, 3rd place in regional Mu Alpha Theta competition, Tied for 1st in statewide Cyber Launch.
Planned college: Stanford University for Computer Science and Political Science
Inspirational quote: “Life Is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius
Salutatorian: John Fuehrer
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.47 weighted)
Accomplishments: OCPS Sunshine State Scholar, Florida High School Democrats Development Director, 3rd place in regional Mu Alpha Theta competition, Tied for 1st in statewide Cyber Launch.
Planned college: University of Florida Nuclear for Engineering
Inspirational quote: “It is a disgrace for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” – Socrates
Colonial High School
Valedictorian: Mia Abreu
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.977 (5.583 weighted)
Accomplishments: AA Degree with honors, Cambridge Diploma with Merit, Harvard Medical School Certificate: Genetics: Unlocking the Power of DNA, Rice University Certificate: Genome Engineering: Changing the Future of Medicine, Georgetown University Certificate: Becoming a Surgeon: Skills, Specialties, and Diseases, Dartmouth College Certificate: Regenerative Medicine: Healing with Science, Completing Medical Research at Georgetown University, National Student Research Institute Associate, Ambassador, and Researcher, Health Scholars Society President/Founder, National Beta Club, Student Cambridge Association Member, National Honor Society Secretary, Weightlifting Member, Hispanic National Honor Society Member, AdventHealth Women’s and Children’s Hospital volunteer, Orlando Health Winnie Palmer volunteer, Maria Salamanca School Board District 2 Fellowship
Planned college: Duke University for double major in Biology and Neuroscience with a Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration in a Pre-Med track
Inspirational quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
Salutatorian: David Alfonso
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4 (5.486 weighted)
Accomplishments: Cambridge Diploma, AA Degree from Valencia College, AP Scholar with Distinction Award, Bright Futures FAS Scholarship, UCF Pegasus Bronze Scholarship, NHS Member, Swim Team Member
Planned college: University of Central Florida for History
Inspirational quote: “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Crenshaw Academy
Valedictorian: Juan Saavedra
Hometown: Colombia
Inspirational quote: “It’s not about having it all planned, it’s about knowing it’s going to work out either way.” – Anonymous
Salutatorian: Tristan Duke
Hometown: Orlando
Inspirational quote: “Whatever happens next, I do not think it is to be feared.” – The Inhabitant
Cypress Creek High School
Valedictorian: Amanda Mendicoa Zimmermann
Hometown: San Cristóbal, Venezuela
GPA: 3.971 (5.479 weighted)
Accomplishments: HOSA club Co-President, MUN Club IB Project Leader, Hearts to Help Orlando youth organization Co- Founder and Director, National Honors Society Member, Valencia College Associate’s Degree with Honors Distinction, President’s List 6x, Super Scholar, Bridge to the Future Award, Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar Award, Be a Light Scholarship, IB Diploma Scholarship (FSU)
Planned college: Florida State University for Neuroscience and Nursing
Inspirational quote: “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.”
Salutatorian: Zoey Salaj
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.973 (5.479 weighted)
Accomplishments: Awarded Questbridge’s National College Match Scholarship, The Gates Scholarship, and the Central Florida Support our Scholars Scholarship. I am also really grateful to have been titled a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar. Additionally (well, I guess these are the accomplishments that matter most to me), I was able to help run back-to-school donation drives for low-income students, donate over 400 toys total to children in pediatric care at Nemours Lake Nona, and help organize a protest at the OCPS school board for advanced studies programs!
Planned college: Yale University for Neuroscience and Ethnicity, Race, & Migration
Inspirational quote: “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe…” – James Baldwin
Dr. Phillips High School
Valedictorian: Samuel Guilfoy
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.352 weighted)
Accomplishments: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student Visionary of the Year ( $45,000+ raised for blood cancer research), Super Scholar, William C. Spoone Scholar Athlete Award.
Planned college: UCLA for Business Economics
Inspirational quote: “If the wind will not serve, Take to the oars.”
Salutatorian: Kyan Khong
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.349 weighted)
Accomplishments: FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics: The Distressed Panthers #24632 (Founder/Captain) Lockheed Martin Engineering Week Challenge Team (Founder/Captain) Varsity Water Polo (Varsity Captain – Freshman/Senior) Varsity Swimming (Varsity Captain – Sophomore/Junior) Math Olympiad (Founder/President) National Honor Society (President) Mu Alpha Theta National Science Honors Society National English Honors Society Center of International Studies Magnet Photographer 264 Volunteering Hours
Planned college: Georgia Tech for Mechanical Engineering
Inspirational quote: “If you knew you could not fail, how big would you dream?”
East River High School
Valedictorian: Logan Stafford
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.9 (5.5 weighted)
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Computer Science
Salutatorian: Haniyah Iqbal
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.46 weighted)
Accomplishments: Tennis, Volleyball, UCF Pegasus Scholarship
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Data Science
Inspirational quote: “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
Edgewater High School
Valedictorian: Kristian Ostberg
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.53 weighted)
Accomplishments: President of National Art Honor Society, Vice President of National Honor Society, Parliamentarian of Student Government Association, Treasure of Speech and Debate, Speech and Debate Awards (Placement), Member of Asian Student Association, Member of Book Club, National Merit Commendation, AP Scholar with Distinction, Florida Academic Scholarship.
Planned college: University of California, Berkeley for Astrophysics
Inspirational quote: “The universe is a pretty big place. If it’s just us, seems like an awful waste of space.” – Carl Sagan.
Salutatorian: Jayden Nguyen
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.9 (5.44 weighted)
Accomplishments: Elevation Scholar, won multiple local tournaments for Speech and Debate, Coached Novice Speech and Debate Students from other schools, President of Speech and Debate, won CTE app challenge, Take Stock In Children Scholarship Recipient, 500+ volunteer hours with Advent Health, Vice President of Asian Student Association, National Honor Society Representative.
Planned college: Emory University for Biology (Pre-Med track) with a Minor in Business
Inspirational quote: “No matter what dream it is, no matter the failures and sacrifices you face, we’ll always be here to support you and do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true.” – My parents
Evans High School
Valedictorian: Jean Baptiste Estiverne
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.91 (5.27 weighted)
Accomplishments: Student founder of school’s first active branch of the National English Honor Society renamed the ‘Hurston Literary society’ in honor of the famed Harlem Renaissance author and local writer, Zora Neale Hurston; Summer high-school physics research intern at UCF PREM Center for Ultrafast Dynamics and Catalysis in Emerging Materials (C-UDCEM); Member of SQUAD club to offer math tutoring to assist ESOL Haitian-Creole speaking students; Former member of the Future Leaders United Club of the United Foundation of Central Florida
Planned college: University of Florida for Electrical Engineering
Inspirational quote: “When it’s all said and done, we ain’t leaving empty handed.”
Salutatorian: Roustanaelle Dorcent
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.977 (5.068 weighted)
Accomplishments: Medic Mouth Director of Articles, 10-12 (nonprofit for outputting medical and dental information to youth) Spanish National Honor Society Club Member-Historian, 11-12 Science National Honor Society Club Member-Vice President, 11-12 NatIonal Honor Society Club Member, 11-12 Advent Health Volunteer, 11-12
eSTEMed Learning Youth Speaker, 10 Language: Haitian Creole | English | Intermediate Spanish tested on Stamp 4S New York Times Open Letter Contest Writer and Contestant, 11
Planned college: Emory University for Economics & Human Health
Inspirational quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Faith Christian Academy
Valedictorian: Tuongvy (Vy) Luong
Hometown: Avon, Ohio
GPA: 3.95 (4.524 weighted)
Accomplishments: Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar, Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, College Board National School & First Generation Recognition Awards, AP Scholar with Honor, Perfect Score for AP 2D Art.
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Health Sciences
Inspirational quote: “When you’ve reached rock bottom, there’s only one way to go, and that’s up!” – Mr. Moon
Salutatorian: Jonathan Torres Flores
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
GPA: 3.9 (4.52 weighted)
Accomplishments: Associate of Arts Degree (Valencia College), Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar, AP Scholar, College Board National School Recognition Award, National Honor Society Member, Student Ambassador, Varsity Basketball Captain.
Planned college: Florida State University for Finance
Inspirational quote: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23
The First Academy
Valedictorian: Eli Harrison
Hometown: Altamonte Springs
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction, Band President, Dr. Stephen D. Whitaker Senior Thesis Competition – 1st Place Written Paper, Fine Arts Committee Leader, John Philip Sousa Band Award, Lockheed Martin Innovation Award, National Merit Commended, Prom King, US Presidential Scholar Candidate, 1st Place in Every Coding Competition in the State of Florida
Planned college: University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
Inspirational quote: “Do something that brings you joy every day, and if you don’t like something, find a way to like it. Remind yourself to glorify God, and to keep your options open, as you never know where God will lead you.”
Salutatorian: Amie Newell
Hometown: Windermere
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction, National History Scholars Society Leader, National Merit Scholar, Science Award, Science National Honor Society Leader, Social Studies Award, STEM Committee Leader, Telemachus Latin Language Award, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Selection
Planned college: Purdue University (Main Campus)
Inspirational quote: “I encourage all of you, specifically my fellow classmates, to find out who you truly are. Knowing who you are and what you stand for, outside of others’ expectations and outside pressure, is vital. Make new friends or join a club that interests you. Life is too incredible to not take initiative or seek new opportunities.”
Freedom High School
Valedictorian: Giangoc Vo
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.412 weighted)
Accomplishments: Patriot Philharmonic Orchestra (President), Asian Student Association (Secretary), HOSA (Treasurer), National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Capstone Graduate, National Top Ten Recognition.
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Biomedical Sciences
Inspirational quote:
Salutatorian: Nicole Soto Penalver
Hometown: Orlando (via Venezuela)
GPA: 4.0 (5.411 weighted)
Accomplishments: National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, AP Scholar with Honor and Distinction, National Hispanic Recognition Award, Questbridge College Prep Scholar and Match Finalist, Valencia College President’s List.
Planned college: University of Florida for Chemistry
Inspirational quote: “If it’s meant to be, then it will be.”
Horizon High School
Valedictorian: Niselio Garcia Neto
Hometown: Winter Garden
GPA: 3.881 (5.464 weighted)
Accomplishments: Tennis
Planned college: University of Florida for Aerospace Engineering
Inspirational quote: “Long story short it’s over!” – Shannon Sharpe
Salutatorian: Lourival Vasconcelos Ferreira
Hometown: Winter Garden
GPA: 4.0 (5.544 weighted)
Accomplishments: AP Diploma, AICE Diploma, Pursuit of Excellence Award, Top 1% of SAT scores, National Merit Scholar
Planned college: University of Florida for software engineering or data analysis specializing in AI systems
Inspirational quote: “and the universe said the light you seek is within you and the universe said you are not alone and the universe said I love you because you are love.” – Minecraft End Poem
Innovation High School
Valedictorian: Tyler Dy
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.6 weighted)
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist, Associates in Arts Degree, presented meteorological research for the Patrick Space Force Station, and at the American Meteorological Society’s Annual Conference for two years, presented meteorological research to the National Weather Service.
Planned college: University of Florida Honors Program for Mechanical Engineering
Inspirational quote: “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
Salutatorian: Job Jomon
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.989 (5.522 weighted)
Accomplishments: 1st place at 2026 Meteorological Society conference presentation on joint research with the 45th Weather Squadron of the Unite States Space Force, Associates in Arts degree from Valencia College, $500 from Bigfuture Scholarship, 2025 Orlando MLK Humanitarian, Founder and leader of an Artificial Intelligence based subproject for joint-research project with the United States Space Force.
Planned college: University of Florida for Computer Science
Inspirational quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you…ask what you can do for your country.” – J.F.K
Jones High School
Valedictorian: Breyanna James
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.96 (5.25 weighted)
Accomplishments: NHS, Dream Academy, International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate
Planned college: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University for Pharmacy
Inspirational quote: “Be proud of yourself because you have survived a lot of things no one noticed.”
Salutatorian: Jurnee Alexis
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.941 (5.324 weighted)
Accomplishments: NHS, BETA Club, Dream Academy
Planned college: University of North Florida for Accounting
Inspirational quote: “Just be who you want to be and not what others want to see.”
Lake Buena Vista High School
Valedictorian: Collier Alexander-Sawyer
Hometown: Van Nuys, CA
GPA: 3.99 (5.495 weighted)
Accomplishments: Straight A student all 4 years Valencia College – received his A.A. Degree in General Studies in December of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction (2024–2025): Achieved highest AP award level Cambridge AICE Diploma with Merit (2025): Completed AICE curriculum with “Merit” Diploma College Board National African American Recognition Scholar (2024–2025): Selected for national academic honor based on exceptional performance on College Board assessments Macy’s Great American Marching Band (2025): Selected to march trombone in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Florida All-State Jazz & Concert Bands, FMEA (2022, 2024, 2026): Auditioned ensembles of top student musicians in Florida. President, Multicultural Leadership Scholars (9–12) Supervised 150 peers; led equity forums, mentoring, coordinated civic engagement, and college-access programs President, National Honor Society : Oversaw 200+ members; coordinated tutoring and community service Vice President, National English Honor Society (10–12): Directed literacy drives, book programs, and peer mentorship
Planned college: Yale University for Psychiatry and Music Therapy along with Public Policy
Inspirational quote: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Salutatorian: Soha Nauman
Hometown: Grandforks, ND
GPA: 4.0 (5.535 weighted)
Accomplishments: 9 AP courses, 7 AICE courses, and 16 dual enrollment courses, Cambridge AICE Diploma, Associate in Arts degree through Valencia College, Pre-professional healthcare studies through Northeastern University’s national summer program, Led career conference at Evermore Resort, Secretary of Fashion Club,
Planned college: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for Biological Sciences
Inspirational quote: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Lake Highland Prep
Note: The school no longer declares valedictorians and salutatorians, but instead recognizes students who graduate summa cum laude with a weighted GPA of 4.6 and higher, and magna cum laude with a weighted GPA of 4.5-4.599.
Summa Cum Laude: Ibrahim Arain
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist, 2nd Place in Florida for World Schools Debate, Top-15 Nationally for Public Forum Debate
Planned College: University of Pennsylvania
Inspirational Quote: “You can’t win unless you learn how to lose” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Summa Cum Laude: Nolan Fineman
Hometown: Orlando
Accomplishments: Concertmaster of 2026 Florida All State Honors Orchestra, Co-leader of Harmony 123 performing music for senior living homes, National Orchestra Award
Planned College: Georgetown University
Inspirational Quote: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you” -Walt Whitman
Summa Cum Laude: Sophia Hesh
Planned College: Stanford University
Summa Cum Laude: Gabriel Jodicke
Planned College: University of Florida
Summa Cum Laude: Eric Landauer
Planned College: New York University
Summa Cum Laude: Gabrielle McKenzie
Hometown: Orlando
Accomplishments: Nationally ranked Lincoln-Douglas debater and three-year Captain of Speech and Debate, founder of The FairCode Initiative, a youth-led public policy campaign advocating for safe and transparent AI use in the legal system, Team Leader for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Student
Visionaries of the Year campaign, recipient of the Mission Award for Patient Support
Planned College: University of Pennsylvania
Inspirational Quote: “Never let the world tell you who you are or who you will be. You tell the world, and never underestimate what you can do.”
Summa Cum Laude: Zeno Moore
Hometown: Denver, North Carolina
Accomplishments: President Service Award, Academic Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, 2x National Prep champion, 11th 4x NHSCA Nationals champion, 13th 5x National prep all-American, Escape the Rock Champion, 2x Powerade finalist, 2x Super 32 All-American, 3x Fargo All-American
Planned College: Stanford University
Inspirational Quote: “To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift” – Steve Prefontaine
Summa Cum Laude: Krishna Moorjani
Hometown: Orlando
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist and Scholarship Winner, 2nd Place Dr. Nelson Ying Orange County Science Expo in Cellular/Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Late-breaking Research Presenter at Society for Neuroscience 2025
Planned College: University of Pennsylvania
Inspirational Quote: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Summa Cum Laude: Dhanush Tella
Hometown: Irving, TX
Accomplishments: Accepted to Simons Summer Research Program (<3% acceptance rate), Orange County Science Fair 2nd place in 2024 and 2025
Planned College: Georgia Institute of Technology
Inspirational Quote: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
Summa Cum Laude: Priyana Thakkar
Planned College: University of Florida
Summa Cum Laude: Sarrina Wen
Hometown: Orlando
Accomplishments: Published in multiple anthologies, recipient of Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions, two-time finalist for DePaul University’s Blue Book: Best American High School Writing, Gold and Silver Awards in the National CLASS Essay Contest, President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold), 800+ volunteer hours throughout high school
Planned College: Stanford University
Inspirational Quote: “If you can’t hold it back, it’s okay to cry. You are already more than enough to be loved.” -Agust D
Summa Cum Laude: Samantha Xu
Planned College: Cornell University
Magna Cum Laude: Beatriz Beraha
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
Accomplishments: First-place winner in multiple national Chinese singing competitions in 2023, 2024, and 2025, including the Sing With Me Competition, Principal Second Violinist for the National Orchestra Festival and two-time Superior award recipient, earned Superior ratings at district and state MPA for orchestra in 2026, recipient of the Orchestra in the Wings Award from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra competition in 2025, earned Superior ratings at district and state Thespians in 2024 and 2025, planned and executed the Polasek Family Renaissance Event in partnership with Lake Highland
Preparatory School through Art Club/ARTIC, organized and coordinated multiple NEHS activities and events as NEHS Secretary/Treasurer
Planned College: Rollins College
Inspirational Quote: “You can do hard things, you just need to believe in
yourself.”
Magna Cum Laude: Nicole DeMartino
Planned College: University of Florida
Magna Cum Laude: Hailey Hitchcock
Hometown: Orlando
Accomplishments: Champion at World Equestrian Center 1.0m Division, Dog
Training Assistant, Won 1st in 1.10 Class at Wellington Equestrian Festival
Planned College: University of Florida
Inspirational Quote: “Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives.” – The Alchemist
Magna Cum Laude: Giuliana Oh
Planned College: University of Florida
Magna Cum Laude: Sohana Srinivasa
Hometown: Mount Dora
Accomplishments: National Honor Society and Novice Debate State Champion
Planned College: University of Michigan
Inspirational Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
Magna Cum Laude: Gavin Wallis
Planned College: University of Florida
Magna Cum Laude: Chase Weyrauch
Hometown: Orlando
Accomplishments: Co-founder of Highlanders for Humanity, Lake Highland Prep 2025-26 Track & Field District Champions, Co-founder of Noteworthy News, Lake Highland Prep Honor Council Juror, National Honor Society, AP Scholar with Distinction
Planned College: University of Miami
Inspirational Quote: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein
Lake Nona High School
Valedictorian: Shaurya Tandon
Hometown: Columbia, MD
GPA: 4.0 (5.645 weighted)
Accomplishments: Captain of Boy’s Tennis Team and last year won the 2025 FHSAA State Championship. President of South Asian Student Association. Head of Special Projects for Pre-Med Club. Competed in travel ice hockey and competed in the SAHOF State Playoffs. Member of the National Honor Society. Valencia College President’s List four times. Graduated with Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree. Metro-conference all academic athlete.
Planned college: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on Pre-Med track
Inspirational quote: “You Only Live Once.”
Salutatorian: Phillip Nguyen
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.983 (5.591 weighted)
Accomplishments: Ultimate Champion in Clash Royale | 22 AP Courses | 25 Dual Enrollment Courses | 106 college credit hours
Planned college: University of Florida for Psychology (Pre-med track) Minor – Public Health and Business
Inspirational quote: “Where there is struggle, there is strength.”
Oak Ridge High School
Valedictorian: Shaira Khan
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.929 (5.329 weighted)
Accomplishments: Associate in Arts Degree, Vice President of National Honor Society, Vice President of Environmental Science Club, Elevation Scholar, Addition Financial Student Teller
Planned college: Wake Forest University for Finance
Inspirational quote: “Everything happens for a reason, even if you don’t know the reason.”
Salutatorian: Luis Alcantara Aguasvivas
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
GPA: 3.86 (5.19 weighted)
Accomplishments: I’m an immigrant who came into this country back in my 6th grade year. Arriving in the US was a struggle, I barely knew any English and finding support was a challenge. However, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, focusing any extra time on practicing English and building study skills. Over time, not only did my language skills tremendously improve, but facing those adversities grew my confidence, and I learned the value of discipline, patience, and perseverance. I now often assist my peers and am able to relate to their transition struggles while providing support to new students arriving from other countries. I am the President of the Hispanic Honor society and have completed over 295 community service hours. In addition, I work at Chick-fil-A and have managed to balance my academics, earning consistent honor roll awards. I am also a member of other organizations/clubs like the national honor society, student council, and I play the guitar which allowed me to join the Tri- M Music Honor Society. I enjoy helping those around me as well as celebrating their successes.
Planned college: Valencia State College, then transfer to the University of Florida for Biology and to pursue Dentistry
Inspirational quote: “The real ‘haves’ are they who can acquire freedom, self-confidence, and even riches without depriving others of them.”
Ocoee High School
Valedictorian: Alexis Martinez
Hometown: Ocoee
GPA: 3.96 (5.28 weighted)
Accomplishments: Co-president of Mu Alpha Theta, Vice President of the Knightly Business Group, 3DE Ambassador, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Society, Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Soccer, earned AICE Diploma, Questbridge college prep scholar.
Planned college: UCF for Finance and Cyber Security
Inspirational quote: “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” – Douglas Adams
Salutatorian: Phuong Quynh Cap
Hometown: Ocoee
GPA: 3.92 (5.17 weighted)
Accomplishments: National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Knights of Medicine, Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Art Club, Asian Student Association, and 3DE.
Planned college: Valencia State College for Biomedical Science
Inspirational quote: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.” – The Emperor
Olympia High School
Valedictorian: Emma Hodson
Hometown: Windermere
GPA: 4.0 (5.506 weighted)
Accomplishments: National Honor Society President, Graduated from Valencia with Associates Degree, Member of: NEHS, SNHS, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta and swim team, completed biomedical science program and APEX program, super scholar
Planned college: University of Florida for Biochemistry (Pre-med)
Inspirational quote: “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Salutatorian: Amira Martin
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.439 weighted)
Accomplishments: Community Service: 145, Intern for Congressman Frost (D-10), President of the State of Florida Zeta Phi Beta Youth Group, Science Olympiad Event Leader, MEDLIFE Founder and President, clinical laboratory assistant, BACE certificate, ap scholar with distinction, African American recognition award by college board
Planned college: Princeton University for Public and International Affairs
Inspirational quote: “I am a revolutionary.” – Fred Hampton
Orange County Virtual School
Valedictorian: Mona Farid
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.5 weighted)
Accomplishments: President and Founding Member of the Muslim Student Association at Valencia College (Lake Nona) National Honor Society Member Purrcy Award (Academic Excellence in Writing and Literature)
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Mechanical Engineering
Inspirational quote: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” {Qur’an 2:286}
Salutatorian: Nolah Mondesir
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.365 weighted)
Accomplishments: Full-time Pioneer (Community Service Role), OCPS Super Scholar, 2026 Live Más Scholar, Earned A.A. Degree through Dual Enrollment, Valencia Honors Scholar, Recipient of Bright Futures, UCF Pegasus, and KMD Scholarships, College Board National Recognition Program (First-Generation Recognition Award, School Recognition Award), Earned SAT Score of 1490, Earned ACT Score of 34
Planned college: University of Central Florida for Electrical Engineering
Inspirational quote: “She is clothed with strength and splendor, and she looks to the future with confidence.” – Proverbs 31:25
Orangewood Christian School
Valedictorian: Cate Looney
Hometown: Longwood
GPA: 4.0 (4.54 weighted)
Accomplishments: Varsity tennis 4 years and Captain, Flag football defensive MVP, Senior Ram of the Year, Ribbons at local art shows including the Winter Park Art Festival, Secretary of Mu Alpha Theta, NHS treasurer, AP Scholar with Distinction on math competition team
Planned college: University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College
Inspirational quote: “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”
Salutatorian: Ella Holland
Hometown: Altamonte Springs
GPA: 4.0 (4.52 weighted)
Accomplishments: 3 years Varsity Swim, 5 yrs Varsity Basketball and team Captain, 3 yrs Varsity Flag Football, 2 yrs Varsity Track and Field, 4 yrs Student Government, VP Mu Alpha Theta, President Spanish Honor Society, NHS Secretary, Law Honor Society, STEM Award, AP Scholar with Distinction in Math Competition Team, States Mock Trial Team
Planned college: University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College
Inspirational quote: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” – Proverbs 22:1
Timber Creek High School
Valedictorian: Jacob Melendez
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 3.99 (5.63 weighted)
Accomplishments: FHSAA State Weightlifting Champion Runner-Up, FMEA All-State Band & Orchestra (Bassoon), Completed my AA at UCF
Planned college: Stanford for Symbolic Systems and Management Science & Engineering
Inspirational quote: “Reach for the edge of the universe and land amongst the stars.”
Salutatorian: Nathan Kwok
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.563 weighted)
Accomplishments: Bezos Scholar, Disney Dreamers Academy
Planned college: Princeton University for Electrical Computer Engineering
Inspirational quote: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” – Theodore Roosevelt
University High School
Valedictorian: Aadi Gala
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.493 weighted)
Accomplishments: Host of UHS Asian Night in 2024 and 2025, Host of Central Florida’s first high school game jam (The Orange Game Jam), Placed Top 3 at Lockheed Martin’s CodeQuest, National Merit Scholarship Recipient, 2025 Bank of America Student Leader
Planned college: Georgia Institute of Technology for Computer Science
Inspirational quote: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Salutatorian: Madison Tibon
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.469 weighted)
Accomplishments: Architecture Club Founder and Co-President, 4 consecutive years of a superior rating at the National Federation of Music Clubs, Co-founder of OCPS Science Fair, 1st place in Taekwondo Traditional Form and Extreme Form, Division Winner in Dragon Boat Race 2025.
Planned college: University of Florida for Biology
Inspirational quote: “It is never to late to be what you might have been.” – George Elliot
Salutatorian: Gillian Tibon
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.469 weighted)
Accomplishments: Science National Honor Society President, GreenTeam Treasurer, Superior Rating in 2026 at the National Federation of Music Clubs, Co-Founder of the OCPS Science Fair, 2nd Degree Black Belt
Planned college: University of Florida for Biology
Inspirational quote: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” – Oscar Wilde
Wekiva High School
Valedictorian: Jimmy Nguyen
Hometown: Vietnam
GPA: 4.0 (5.375 weighted)
Accomplishments: Made digital marketplace that sold subscriptions internationally, Sourced items on games and sold them for money, Coached others, made workout and nutrional plans, Tutored immigrant family and friends in math/reading, NHS, Ocoee youth council (government related things), Debate, Volunteer at food banks and Vietnamese festivals
Planned college: University of Florida for Computer Science/Cybersecurity
Inspirational quote: “You can never cross the ocean if you do not have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
Salutatorian: Daniel Idowu
Hometown: Ocoee
GPA: 3.92 (5.33 weighted)
Accomplishments: Ocoee Youth Council Member, Debate Secretary, National Honor Society President, Orlando Mayor’s Youth Humanitarian Award, Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Recipient, DAR Scholarship Recipient, Be A Light Scholarship Recipient.
Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of Technology for Computer Engineering
Inspirational quote: “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” – Maya Angelou
Salutatorian: Diego German-Quen
Hometown: Apopka
GPA: 3.928 (5.33 weighted)
Accomplishments: Graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Valencia with both academic honors and honors through Valencia’s Seneff Honors college. Competed nationally in Ecolab’s Bites and Beats competition earning first place and second place in the state in Prostart’s Culinary competition. Wekiva High School’s culinary program bakery manager and National Art Honors Society Vice President. FSU’s Tristate music festival participant.
Planned college: University Of Miami for Architecture
Inspirational quote: “At the end of the game, the king and the pawn go back into the same box.” – Italian proverb
West Orange High School
Valedictorian: Lucca Carvalho Magalhaes
Hometown: Winter Garden
GPA: 3.94 (5.458 weighted)
Accomplishments: World Language Scholars, AP Scholar, Valencia College Presidential List, Linguistics Club, Robotics Club
Planned college: University of Florida for Computer Science
Inspirational quote: “Regardless of where you stand, you will always cast a shadow.”
Salutatorian: Danyel Shaikh
Hometown: Winter Garden
GPA: 3.99 (5.387 weighted)
Accomplishments: Beta Club, President, Science National Honor Society House Leader, Red Cross Club, President, AA Degree (Valencia College), Accepted to UCLA for Aerospace Engineering: 3.3% to 4.7% acceptance rate, Completed 19 AP Courses, Co-Founder, WOHS Technology Student Association, Played piano for 12 years, earned 10 consecutive superior ratings with the National Federation of Music Clubs, Four-time OCPS All-County and 1x All-State Violinist, Orchestra Concertmaster (Violin), West Orange Junior Service League Scholarship, West Orange Scholarship Foundation Scholarship, National Beta Club Scholarship, National Honor Society Scholarship Pillar Award (2x; both Junior and Senior Year)
Planned college: University of Florida Honors College for Aerospace Engineering
Inspirational quote: “Every time you have the opportunity to take a risk that could bring you joy, whatever it might be, take that risk. Worst case scenario, you learn. Best case scenario, it could change your whole life.”
Windermere High School
Valedictorian: Luz Clavijo Mojica
Hometown: Bucaramanga, Colombia
GPA: 4.0 (5.763 weighted)
Accomplishments: Questbridge National Match Scholar (full-ride scholarship to Vanderbilt University), Associate in Arts Degree from Valencia College, OCPS Super Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, AICE Diploma with Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, All-Metro Varsity Girls Golf Team (both for academics and sports), Bright Futures Scholarship Recipient, Florida Gold Seal of Biliteracy.
Planned college: Vanderbilt University for double major in Economics & History, and Political Science with a minor in Business.
Inspirational quote: “Everything that I will ever accomplish, I owe to God, to my parent’s sacrifices, and to the United States of America.” -Marco Rubio
Salutatorian: Katie Wu
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.696 weighted)
Accomplishments: OCPS Super Scholar, Neurotechnology Competitor PLTW Biomedical Challenge 2025, Access and Health Disparities Competitor PLTW Biomedical Challenge 2026, Interned for Children’s Neurological Literature, Published Neurological Health research paper on student-led journal, Competitive Figure Skater (medalling regionally and nationally), Vice President of the Florida National Guard Youth Advisory Council
Planned college: University of Florida for Health Science
Inspirational quote: “What is there to lose? Every second you’re there you’re gaining something.” – Alysa Liu
Winter Park High School
Valedictorian: Suhani Sehgal
Hometown: Pittsburgh/Winter Park
GPA: 3.958 (5.6 weighted)
Accomplishments: Published oncology research and presented at the ASCO GU Symposium; completed extensive medical shadowing and research while pursuing the IB Diploma Programme
Planned college: University of Florida Honors College for Biology (pre-medical track)
Inspirational quote: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” – Oscar Wilde
Salutatorian: Amitrajit Jana
Hometown: Orlando
GPA: 4.0 (5.541 weighted)
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist* Carson Scholarship Winner National Recognition Awardee from College Board AP Scholar with Distinction ACT/SAT Prep Club Founder and President Black Belt in Taekwondo and a Member of the World Taekwondo Federation Science National Honor Society Co-President 500+ hours of community service AI Foundations for Engineering Certification from Rochester Institute of Technology
Planned college: University of Florida for Computer Science
Inspirational quote: “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
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