Meet the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians from Seminole 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.
Crooms Academy of Information Technology
Valedictorian: Gabriel Bastidas Mejias
GPA: 4.615
Accomplishments: Spanish Club – Co President, Chess Club – President, Code Ninjas Lake Mary – Assistant Director, Rock Climbing – v6 climber, Comic Collection, Cyber security capture the flag competitions
Planned college: Attending UCF to complete a bachelor’s in computer science and a minor in secure computing and networks. During college look for a job within the cybersecurity field. Eventually get a masters in cybersecurity
Inspirational quote: I’d like to give a special shout to Ulad (salutatorian). Last semester, I probably spent more time studying with him than I did at home, and our shared goals helped us push each other to continue to work even on the most loaded days.
Salutatorian: Uladzislau Sianiuk
GPA: 4.588
Accomplishments: Collecting vinyl/Exploring new music, Weekly billiards/8-Ball with friends and family, Rock climbing, Reading
Planned college: Attend UCF, majoring in physics/engineering. Involve myself in the student body through clubs and campus events. Work on a career in physics/engineering through studying, internships, and work opportunities!
Hagerty High School
Valedictorian: Neya Shah
GPA: 4.776
Planned college: University of Florida for a degree in public health
Salutatorian: Parth Goyal
GPA: 4.775
Accomplishments: Throughout high school I’ve taken part in FTC robotics for all 4 years. I’ve been captain of my team for the past 3 years and we’ve qualified for the world championship for the last 2 years. I’ve also worked on STEM education and created an organization that has helped include over 1,200+ kids locally and globally into beginner STEM programs. Apart from this, I’ve also been an avid tennis player, currently the captain of the Hagerty Varsity Tennis Team.
Planned college: I plan to study computer science + business at either Duke University or Georgia Tech. I want to explore the interdisciplinary aspects of the field and combine it with fields such as finance or medicine to make an impact in real-world life.
Lake Brantley High School
Valedictorian: Anjani Hansalia
GPA: 4.8
Accomplishments: National Honor Society President, Science National Honor Society President, National English Honor Society Co-President, LBHS SGA Representative
Planned college: University of Florida to study Math and Actuarial Science
Salutatorian: Kevin Cornieles
GPA: 4.761
Accomplishments: Varsity Boy’s Volleyball, including All Conference, Mu Alpha Theta President, Spanish Honor Society President
Planned college: TBD
Lake Howell High School
Valedictorian: Luke Barhorst
GPA: 4.745
Accomplishments: Football, Track and Field in Javelin, and Basketball.
Planned college: Attend Georgetown University and continue to play football.
Salutatorian: Alex Wong
GPA: 4.703
Accomplishments: I am involved in the “Silver Regiment” (the marching band), chamber groups for both saxophone and clarinet, and play in the Wind Ensemble. I also have a deep passion for academia, which I express through representing Lake Howell at Academic Team and Battle of the Brains, but I also love math, recently participating in the Seminole County Math Competition. Other activities I am involved in are National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Asian Student Association, Model United Nations, and Youth Political Association. Outside of school, I volunteer for local Myanmar events, raising funds to fight for their democracy.
Planned college: Yale University and plan to double-major in economics, history, or sociology. My main goal is to retire from my parents, travel the world, and become an established writer.
Lake Mary High School
Valedictorian: Aarav Singhvi
GPA: 4.817
Accomplishments: Brain Bowl, DECA, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.
Planned college: I plan to blend mathematics and computing with a focus on AI/ML to develop algorithms that can accurately observe and capitalize on discrepancies in financial markets.
Salutatorian: Peyton Blomquist
GPA: 4.736
Accomplishments: President of Biology and Medicine Club, Founding President of ChemClub, Social Media Chair of Science National Honor Society, member of Debate Team/NHS/Rho Kappa/ English Honor Society, Orlando Health Volunteer
Planned college: Study neuroscience at the University of Florida and go to medical school to become an anesthesiologist
Lyman High School
Valedictorian: JJ Waring
GPA: 4.717
Accomplishments: Varsity Swimming, Varsity Water Polo, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Club
Planned college: University of Florida, majoring in finance
Salutatorian: Jacob Odongo
GPA: 4.712
Accomplishments: Varsity Volleyball, Cross Country, NHS President, SGA VP, Mu Alpha Theta Historian, Engineering magnet
Planned college: University of Florida, majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in creative design
Oviedo High School
Valedictorians: Colin Aysun, Aiden Aysun, Brody Aysun
GPA: 4.849
Planned college: The three brothers are all planning to attend MIT. Colin wants to study aerospace engineering.
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Salutatorian: Moitri Santra
GPA: 4.762
Accomplishments: Student of the Year, Moitri was named one of the Top 300 Young Scientists in the Nation in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, earning $4,000 for herself and Oviedo High School. Her cutting-edge research on improving treatment for citrus greening disease has also made her a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Finalist, an ISEF Grand Award Winner, Florida Farm Bureau Winner, and a FOX 35 Student of the Week. As a member of the Kang Research Group, Moitri brings exceptional skill in experimental design, data analysis, and advanced biological research. She serves as a mentor to young scientists and continues to advance meaningful, real-world scientific solutions.
Seminole High School
Valedictorian: Mark Flores
Accomplishments: During high school, I’ve been involved in several activities both on and off campus. I was an officer for Seminole High School’s National Honor Society, where I helped coordinate meetings and service projects for our community. I’ve committed a lot of time towards volunteering, especially at Harvest Time International, where I helped organize and distribute resources to the local community as well as third-world countries in need. In addition, I participate in a recreational basketball league every winter and I also work part-time as a line cook.;
Planned college: Following graduation, I plan to attend the University of Florida to major in Biology on a pre-medical track. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in medicine, specifically the field of radiology, where I can combine my interests in science and technology to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Through my education and future career, I hope to contribute to advancements in healthcare and make a positive impact on society.
Salutatorian: Kaylen Dao
Accomplishments: Outside of my academic commitments, the activities that I dedicate my time to are volunteering for my local temple and Red Cross, learning languages, and tutoring. Other activities I also have are hobbies, such as reading, writing, and creating art.
Planned college: My plans following graduation involve attending university to complete my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical science and then proceeding to graduate school for a master’s in biomedical engineering, or potentially a PhD. During the process, I plan to pursue a pathway for my future beyond a degree through extracurricular activities, clubs, internships, personal commitments, and more. At the same time, I also plan to take time to enjoy life through travel and adventures.
Valedictorian: Molly Bagchee (IB)
Accomplishments: Founded a global nonprofit called Project Science Inc. and managed chapters in 8 different countries, published and patented research, invited as speaker and moderator at some of the largest national and international biomedical science research conferences, published author, and competed as a nationally ranked archer.
Planned college: Still deciding between studying Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley, Neuroscience on a scholarship at Emory University, or attending University of Florida.
Valedictorian: Rhea Bagchee (IB)
Accomplishments: Competing as a nationally ranked archer, founded a global nonprofit called The Blueprint and managed chapters in 6 different countries, published author and illustrator, presented independent scientific research at some of the most prestigious international environmental science research conferences.
Planned college: I plan to study either Integrated Biology or Cellular and Molecular Biology at UC Berkeley or Biology on a scholarship at Emory University.
Salutatorian: Akshat Suresh (IB)
Accomplishments: Some activities I take part in are competing in chess tournaments (2x U18 National Chess Champion) as well as chess coaching for children. I am also captain of the Seminole high school volleyball varsity team and volunteer, intern and shadow at local hospitals and home nursing locations.
Planned college: After graduation, I would like to get my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and go to medical school while also getting an Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Valedictorian: Luis Villalobos Zuniga (Health Academy)
Accomplishments: At Seminole I’ve been given the opportunity to serve as Senior Class President, helping to plan some amazing events for the class of 26. I’ve also served as President of our HOSA: Future Health Professionals chapter and Co- Vice President of our Red Cross Club.
Planned college: I will be attending the University of Miami majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology on the pre-med track.
Salutatorian: Aamina Lakha (Health Academy)
Accomplishments: I served as the co-president of the SHS Cardiology Club and am also a member of HOSA. I enjoy playing a variety of sports, including badminton and volleyball, and I am a martial arts training instructor. I also run my own tutoring business and am the Youth Committee Co-Chair at my local community center.
Planned college: In the future, I wish to become a physician to make a positive impact on underserved populations, including my own community. I was accepted into the dual admission medical program at NSU as a direct admit BS/ D.O. candidate and will begin attending this fall.
Valedictorian: Brandie Martinez (Psi High)
Accomplishments: I currently take part in PSI Highs student council where I am their Ambassador Lead. I have created the PSI High current tour system as well as guides that all Ambassadors have access to, as well as personally training each ambassador. I also schedule ambassadors for events like Nole Nations and plan how PSI High will look during the event.
Planned college: When I graduate, I plan on going to Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, where I will be majoring in Criminology.
Salutatorian: Lyla Abrahim (Psi High)
Accomplishments: Outside of school I play in a Band and volunteer for local organizations Like Orlando Girls Rock Camp and Crealde School of the Arts.
Planned college: I plan to attend Valencia and continue my creative pursuits.
Winter Springs High School
Valedictorian: Sophia Li
GPA: 4.855
Accomplishments: She is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and the Math National Honor Society. Outside of school, Sophie is an accomplished pianist with 12 years of experience. She has earned a black belt in both Karate and Taekwondo.
Planned college: She is considering attending the University of Florida with a major in Computer Science.
Salutatorian: Otto Collins
GPA: 4.786
Accomplishments: He has been on honor roll 16 times. Otto is the President of the Renewable Energy Honors Society, a member of the National Honors society, SNHS, as well as the National Honor Society for Dance and Arts. He has also participated in Bowling, Powderpuff, and SECME. Outside of school, he engages in Altar serving, Family Promise volunteering, and Bouldering.
Planned college: Otto is considering the University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and Florida State University
Seminole County Virtual School
Valedictorian: Eshan Marneedi
GPA: 4.510
Accomplishments: Eshan has a passion for computer science, journalism, and the impact of technology. He is a Sunshine State Scholar and an Advanced Placement Scholar. Eshan developed an app to help students with academic citations using Apple products that has been featured in Apple’s 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference.
Planned college: Eshan plans to attend either Columbia University or NYU to study computer science and work as a technology journalist and researcher.
Salutatorian: Gabrielle Lim
GPA: 4.475
Accomplishments: Gabrielle has been taking private piano lessons for ten years and likes to read books on physics and astronomy. She also builds models in her spare time.
Planned college: She plans to attend the FIU Honors Program, major in Biology, and become an Anesthesiologist.
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