Meet the valedictorians and salutatorians from Broward County high schools.
American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus, Top Scholars
Jennifer Chiou
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 4.52
HPA: 6.00
Accomplishments: National Intuit DEI Challenge 3rd Place Team; CODE/ART ChangeMaker First Place Team and Mentorship Recipient; three-time Scholastic Gold Key Regional Winner; NCWIT South Florida Affiliate Winner and National Honorable Mention; EngineerGirl Essay Writing Contest Topical Winner; Kode With Klossy Scholar; Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine Editor’s Choice Award; University of Toronto International Scholar Award; Lester B. Pearson
International Scholarship recipient
Planned college: University of Toronto St. George
Inspirational quote: “I cannot tell anymore when a door opens or closes, I can only hear the frame saying, walk through.” — Ada Limon
Srijan Deoraj
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.53
HPA: 6.03
Accomplishments: Four-time AIME Qualifier; All-County jazz pianist; multiple national awards in Model UN
Planned college: Georgia Tech
Inspirational quote: “Work as hard and as much as you want to on the things you
like to do the best.” — Richard Feynman
John Diaz
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 4.63
HPA: 6:04
Accomplishments: Three-time AIME Qualifier; National Merit Finalist; first place in Geometry in the State for FAMAT March Statewide 2020; College Board National Hispanic Scholar; third place in Open Statistics in FAMAT States Competition 2022
Planned college: Carnegie Mellon University
Inspirational quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” — Richard Rovere
Sarah Dufays
Hometown: Cooper City
GPA: 4.52
HPA: 5.97
Accomplishments: Coca Cola Scholar (150 among 91,000 applicants in the country); Linkedln Tech Scholar (among the 40 best computer science students in the country); one of the youngest Certified Ethical Hackers in the world; CEO of nonprofit Compsivity; South Florida Winner for the National Center for Women & Information Technology; two black belts in taekwondo; National Hispanic Scholar; Hispanic Heritage Foundation Gold recipient in Technology
Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Inspirational quote: “Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.” — Roy T. Bennett
Luke Freed
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 4.61
HPA: 6.10
Accomplishments: Coca Cola Scholar ($20,000 scholarship); Global Finalist in the Wharton Investment Competition; U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist; Individual Silver Medalist in World Economics Cup; Gordon A. Rich Memorial Scholarship Winner ($50,000 scholarship); National Merit Scholar; three-time AIME Qualifier; semifinalist in M3 Math Modeling Challenge; 31 Top 5 Placements at Mu Alpha Theta Competition (state and national level); Perfect SAT Score (1600)
Planned college: Columbia University
Inspirational quote: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” — Mary Engelbreit
Sebastian Salaues Sevo
Hometown: Miami
GPA: 4.50
HPA: 5.99
Accomplishments: International Finalist in Wharton Global High School Investment Competition; two-time “Best Delegate” at National High School Model United Nations Conference; Presidential Scholar nominee; National Merit Finalist; National Hispanic Scholar; Perfect Score on AP Computer Science Principles Exam; two-time 1st Place State; Top 10 Place National Future Business Leaders of America Awards; Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar
Planned college: University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business)
Inspirational quote: “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” — John F. Kennedy
Sharvaa Selvan
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.50
HPA: 6.27
Accomplishments: Coca-Cola Scholarship recipient; National Merit finalist; National Chemistry Olympiad Honors; USA Junior Math Olympiad Qualifier; All-State Guitarist
Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Inspirational quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” ― Walt Disney
Yash Singam
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 4.59
HPA: 6.20
Accomplishments: Four-time American Invitational Mathematics Exam Qualifier; President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award recipient; FSU Young Scholar; DECA ICDC International finalist
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift: that’s why it’s called the present.” — Master Oogway, “Kung Fu Panda”
Alan Wu
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 4.61
HPA: 6.14
Accomplishments: U.S. Physics Olympiad Silver Medal; Mu Alpha Theta State Champion for Statistics; National Merit finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Mathworks Math Modeling Challenge Semifinal team; National Science Bowl Double elimination qualifier
Planned college: UCLA
Inspirational quote: “Things often work out better than you think. There’s no harm in trying.” — Kaiyu Wu
Angelina Wu
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 4.53
HPA: 6.08
Accomplishments: Code/Art 1st place changemaker; Maryam Mirzakhani AMC 10A certificate of excellence; fourth place novice state congressional debate
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.” — Audre Lorde
Rosa Wu
Hometown: Southwest Ranches
GPA: 4.54
HPA: 6.18
Accomplishments: Mu Alpha Theta Math Nationals: first; U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist; National Economics Challenge Wildcard Finalist; three-time Debate Tournament of Champions Qualifier; FBLA Nationals: first; AIME Qualifier; National Merit Scholar
Planned college: Harvard College
Inspirational quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” ― Ferris Bueller
Archbishop McCarthy High School, Southwest Ranches
Valedictorian: Isabella Delgado
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 5.75
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Excelsior Scholar; Silver Cord recipient for Community Service with over 400 service hours; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; National English and Science Honor Societies; Student Ambassador; vice president of STEM Club; member of varsity Lacrosse team; competed in Florida Science Olympiad Regional and State Tournaments; volunteered at her church as a Faith Formation Teen Aide
Planned college: University of Georgia Morehead Honors College
Salutatorian: Justin Rosman
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.70
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; Excelsior Scholar; Silver Cord recipient for Community Service with over 400 service hours; member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and National Science and Social Studies Honor Societies; Student Government Executive Board Sergeant-at-Arms; president of STEM club; Link Crew Leader; member of the Varsity Weightlifting team; Mav Sports Minute host; competed in Florida Science Olympiad State Tournament; served his church as an altar server since third grade
Planned college: Johns Hopkins University
Atlantic Technical College and Technical High School, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian: Megan Maraj
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.1598
Accomplishments: Postsecondary Career Dual Enrollment Medical Assisting program – certified Clinical Medical Assistant; certified EKG Technician; certified Phlebotomy Technician; Mu Alpha Theta member; volleyball captain for Piper High School; Bright Futures Academic Scholars
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Pedro Re
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.1143
Accomplishments: Postsecondary Career Dual Enrollment Database Fundamentals program – certified in JavaScript, Python, HTML & CSS, and Cyber Security; helped develop the School Bus Dismissal App; NAF Track certified with business internship last summer
Planned college: Florida International University
Blanche Ely High School, Pompano Beach
Valedictorian: Arianna McKenzie
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 5.1014
Accomplishments: Earned an associate degree; Broward County Honor Society treasurer; National Honor Society treasurer
Planned college: Florida State University
Salutatorian: Azalia Witchard
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 4.9655
Accomplishments: President of Agents of Change; Student of the Month for National Honor Society
Planned college: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Boyd H. Anderson High School, Lauderdale Lakes
Valedictorian: Nathanaelle Perefils
Hometown: Lauderhill
GPA: 5.2609
Accomplishments: International Baccalaureate Diploma Program; Student Government Association; International Baccalaureate Executive Board; Boyd Anderson Chorus; Solfege Overload; Florida Virtual School Black Student Union; YMCA Journey to Africa; Best Buddies; ICC Member
Planned college: Florida International University Honors College
Inspirational quote: “Your victory is right around the corner. Never give up.” — Nicki Minaj
Salutatorian: Anivens Jean-Louis
Hometown: Lauderdale Lakes
GPA: 5.1810
Accomplishments: Broward County JROTC Regimental Executive Officer; drum major; color guard commander; Entrepreneur Leadership Military Academy
Planned college: Florida Memorial University
Inspirational quote: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Sun Tzu
Broward Virtual School, Coconut Creek
Co-Valedictorian: Roshan Azeem
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 5.12
Accomplishments: President of SGA; VP of Key Club; VP of Students4Students Tutoring Club; member of National Honor Society; selected as an Outstanding Senior Leader for BVS
Planned college: University of Florida
Co-Valedictorian: Jazlyn Cherradi
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 5.12
Accomplishments: Founder and president of PAWS Club; member of National Honor Society and Key Club; participated in Rally to Tally in 2022; selected as an Outstanding Senior Leader for BVS
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Salutatorian: Sofia Movafaghi
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.10
Accomplishments: Founder and president of Art Club; member of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society; student liaison for School Advisory Council; selected as an Outstanding Student Leader for BVS; selected as AP Scholar with Distinction
Planned college: Nova Southeastern University
Inspirational quote: “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”
Calvary Christian Academy Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Daniel Cuesta
Hometown: Coconut Creek
Unweighted GPA: 3.958
Weighted GPA: 4.577
Accomplishments: National Hispanic Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; Silver Knight General Scholar nominee; AP Capstone Diploma Recipient; Partner of Play Included C.I.C and Social Mind Center; Brick Club Moderator for Children on the Autism Spectrum; Robotics Team captain; National History Day State Level (second place for Group Documentary)
Planned college: University of Notre Dame
Inspirational quote: “No discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful, yet later it brings righteousness and peace to those who are trained by it.” — Hebrews 12:11
Salutatorian: Thomas Poulos
Hometown: Davie
Unweighted GPA: 3.984
Weighted GPA: 4.557
Accomplishments: Army ROTC National Scholarship Award Winner; AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma Recipient; Future Business Leaders of America (founding chapter member and co-president); Varsity Football Starting Offensive Lineman on District Championship Team; National History Day State Level (second place for Group Documentary); qualified to compete at Nationals; National Honor Society Co-President
Planned college: Liberty University
Inspirational quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood
Valedictorian: Reginald Heywood
Hometown: Miami Gardens
Unweighted GPA: 3.74
Weighted GPA: 3.89
Accomplishments: Honor Roll Student; McNeese State University scholarship recipient; named Top 10 running back in rushing yards in Florida; broke all-time rushing record in a football season at CCA; broke single-game and single-season rushing touchdown record at CCA
Planned college: McNeese State University
Inspirational quote: “If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today.” — Lou Holtz, New York Jets
Salutatorian: Damia Lewin
Hometown: Atlanta
Unweighted GPA: 3.63
Weighted GPA: 3.75
Accomplishments: Track and Field MVP; High Honor Roll Student; Student Government treasurer
Planned college: Nova Southeastern University
Inspirational quote: “You don’t have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman
Cardinal Gibbons High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Toula Petros
Hometown: Pompano Beach
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 5.52
Accomplishments: President of Key Club; president of Model United Nations Club; team captain and winner of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2022 Student of the Year Campaign raising over $132,000; 2023 Pinnacle Award recipient; recipient of the 2023 Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Academic Award and the FACA All-State Award for Cross Country; Joe DiMaggio Sports Medicine Scholarship recipient; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholarship recipient; AP Scholar with Distinction; Excelsior and Presidential Award for Excellence; 1,035 hours of community service
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot…C’mon Mav, don’t think, just do.” — Rooster, “Top Gun: Maverick”
Co-salutatorian: Emily Baldwin
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 3.99
HPA: 5.49
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction (2022, 2023); 11 AP classes and 6 DE classes; vice president of Key Club; vice president of National English Honor Society; active member in National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National Athletic Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society; 368 volunteer service hours; captain of Cross Country (2022) and captain of Track and Field (2022, 2023); BCAA Scholar Athlete (2023)
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “The more you practice, the luckier you get.”
Co-salutatorian: Maria Uzcategui Rivas
Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela
GPA: 3.99
HPA: 5.49
Accomplishments: Excelsior 12th Grade; AP Scholar with Distinction; Presidential Award for Excellence
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Ana Carolina Paiva
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil; lives in Sunny Isles Beach
GPA: 4.00
HPA: 5.19
Accomplishments: Gates Scholar; recipient of a full-ride scholarship to any university; published a paper on exoplanets and interviewed two MIT graduate students on their research; won second place at International Space Settlement Design Competition; won first place in the team component of the Barry University math competition; Pinnacle Award recipient; National Merit Commended Scholar; College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program recipient
Planned college: Columbia University
Inspirational quote: “No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Salutatorian: Nicole Flores
Hometown: Miami
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.16
Accomplishments: Published research on the effectiveness of various antibiotics on Bacillus Cereus; published a book on how to start and run a successful nonprofit organization; ran a nonprofit “Letters for Dominick,” which focuses on writing cards to hospitalized people; started a blog called “The Necessities” to serve as a mental health outlet for people in need; president of Science Olympiad; board member of Women Engaged Club; board member of CM Scholars, Honor Program; AP Scholar with Honor Recipient; Hispanic and Black College Board Recognition recipient; Pinnacle Award Recipient
Planned college: Brown University
Inspirational quote: “Be the best version of yourself in anything that you do. Don’t try to live anything else’s story.” — Stephen Curry
Charles W. Flanagan High School, Pembroke Pines
Valedictorian: Jason Laureano
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.22
Accomplishments: AP Scholar; Mu Alpha Theta member
Planned college: Florida Polytechnic University
Salutatorian: Rosey Nguyen
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.21
Accomplishments: President of Health Occupations of America; DECA Member; class officer; blood drive organizer
Planned college: University of Florida
Coconut Creek High School
Valedictorian: Joshua Hall
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 5.1039
Accomplishments: Full-tuition Posse Leadership Scholarship; College Board National African American Recognition Award; Harvard Book Prize recipient; Adobe certified web professional; Exchange Club Senior of the Year; Broward Biliteracy Gold Medal
Planned college: Hamilton College
Inspirational quote: “Jesus Christ was my hope and safe place throughout high school and I would not be where I am without him.”
Salutatorian: Gabrian Bell
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 5.0956
Accomplishments: Women’s Club of Coconut Creek
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
The College Academy at Broward College, Davie
Valedictorian: Owen Garces
Hometown: Tamarac
GPA: 5.7034
Accomplishments: AP Scholar Award; National Recognition for Hispanic Scholars; Completed Elements of Mathematics Foundations program; Pegasus Silver Scholarship
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “I’ve come to the realization that it doesn’t affect me.”
Salutatorian: Brett Layun
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 5.662
Accomplishments: Straight A’s entire school career; National Merit Commendable Scholar
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “The freedom to be yourself is a gift only you can give yourself. But once you do, no one can take it away.”
Cooper City High School
Valedictorian: Samantha Carozzi
Hometown: Cooper City
GPA: 5.6
Accomplishments: National Merit winner; Sunshine State Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction; Silver Knight Mathematics Honorable Mention; UF Undergraduate Research in Chemical Engineering; Mu Alpha Theta president; Debate VP of Finance; NSHS; Brain Brawl captain; DECA; Jazz
Planned college: Georgia Institute of Technology
Salutatorian: Matthew Feirstein
Hometown: Cooper City
GPA: 5.5411
Accomplishments: Speech and Debate president; NHS president; Mock Trial president/founder; AP Scholar with honor; AP Capstone Diploma; AICE Scholar with Merit; AICE Diploma with Distinction; Burger King Scholar; Silver Knight nominee (speech); Rho Kappa
Planned college: George Washington University
Inspirational quote: “When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale
Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs
Valedictorian: Iman Ahmad
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.6709
Accomplishments: Silver Knight Nominee; Key Club president; SAC member; interned with mayor and Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Planned college: Dartmouth
Inspirational quote: “Never be so polite, you forget your power. Never wield such power, you forget to be polite.” — Taylor Swift
Salutatorian: Olivia Schwartz
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.6429
Accomplishments: National Merit Scholarship; National Debate Champion
Planned college: University of Florida
Coral Springs High School
Valedictorian: Julia Ribeiro
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.35
Accomplishments: AP Scholar
Planned college: Nova Southeastern University
Inspirational quote: “Be proud of yourself no matter what.”
Salutatorian: Makayla Gilzean
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.31
Accomplishments: President of College and Career Transition Club; vice president of Human Relations Council and Save What’s Left; full-time Dual Enrollment student on Presidents list
Planned college: Duke University
Cross Creek School, Pompano Beach
Valedictorian: Aiden Hipps
Hometown: Tamarac
GPA: 2.97
Accomplishments: Met all graduation requirements a semester early in the 2022-2023 school year; completed high school in January 2023
Planned college: Broward College
Salutatorian: Jahidah Mora
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 2.8
Accomplishments: Met all graduation requirements a semester early in the 2022-2023 school year; completed high school in January 2023
Planned college: Broward College
Cypress Bay High School, Weston
Valedictorian: Sahana Thayagabalu
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 5.641
Accomplishments: National Merit Scholar; president of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society); vice president of National Honor Society; treasurer of Science National Honor Society; CEO of Blue Owl Tutors; co-captain of Rhythm Warriors Fusion Dance Team
Planned college: Harvard University
Inspirational quote: “Stay true to your story and lean in to the plot twists.”
Salutatorian: Sanjana Bhatt
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 5.6395
Accomplishments: Multicultural Club president; Science National Honor Society vice president; NHS Ambassador; ISEF Finalist; AICE and AP Scholar with Distinction; Silver Knight Nominee in Science; SSEF Finalist; ILC Qualifier; The Gift of Healing, Inc., founder
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “A little progress each day adds up to the big results.”
Dave Thomas Education Center, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian: Caitlyn Israel
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 4.28
Accomplishments: Company Commander in JROTC; head of Robotics Team
Planned college: Broward College
Salutatorian: Anya Lucas
Hometown: Pompano Beach
GPA: 4.06
Accomplishments: AICE Student Athlete; student volunteer for incoming freshman classes
Planned college: Broward College
Deerfield Beach High School
Valedictorian: Jayita Golam
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.5395
Accomplishments: Cofounder/president of Decode Me Corporation
Planned college: Columbia University
Inspirational quote: “To get the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
Salutatorian: Khushi Desai
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.4588
Accomplishments: Third place at State Science Fair with Women Geoscientist Special Award; Florida Sunshine State Scholar; Silver Knights nominee; Special Recognition Coral Springs City Commission for STEM
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “No matter what everybody else says, the protagonist of your life is you. Believe in yourself and takeoff.” — DK (Seventeen)
Dillard High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Danil Deryabin
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.07
Accomplishments: Honor roll; AP Scholar; Industrial Design Award Winner
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “It is foolish to fear what we have yet to see and know.”
Salutatorian: Zoe Storms
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.02
Accomplishments: Honor roll
Planned college: Miami Dade College
Everglades High, Miramar
Valedictorian: Kimora Parboosingh
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 5.4836
Accomplishments: SGA president
Planned college: Duke
Salutatorian: Alejandro Mateus
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 5.4318
Accomplishments: State Swimming Qualifier
Planned college: University of Florida
Fort Lauderdale High School
Valedictorian: Paige Buccarelli
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.6452
Accomplishments: BCAA Scholar Athlete; Harvard Prize Book Award; AP Scholar Award; Cambridge Scholar Award; two-sport varsity athlete, lacrosse and volleyball; UF Dream Forward Scholarship Awardee
Planned college: University of Florida Honors Program
Salutatorian: Sarah Herman
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.5909
Accomplishments: Carl H. Grisham and Laura Estella Grisham Scholarship awardee; FLHS Half Century Alumni Club Scholarship; president of FLHS National Honor Society; Princeton Service Award; Cambridge Scholar Award; Literary Fair first-place winner
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.” — Connor Franta
Hallandale High School
Valedictorian: Damien Nunez
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 4.9
Accomplishments: Proposed the Rental Increase Cap for Housing Bill; president of Hallandale Magnet Honor Society; created an advertisement for Hard Rock
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “It’s hard to find logic in things sometimes. That’s why I can’t analyze things too much because it often doesn’t make much sense.” — Tim Burton
Salutatorian: Ke’Yala O’Neal
Hometown: West Park
GPA: 4.7
Accomplishments: Outstanding Senior Leader Award Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification National Honor Society secretary; Yearbook Junior Editor in Chief; Speech and Debate president; Sheridan Technical College – Early Childhood Education
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “You can lose everything but as long as you have your mind, you can get it all back.”
Henry D. Perry Education Center, Miramar
Valedictorian: Kelver Wuertter
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 3.6
Planned college: Broward College
Salutatorian: Esthefany Fornaris
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 3.6
Planned college: Broward College
Highlands Christian Academy, Pompano Beach
Valedictorian: Miah Moore
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 3.96
HPA: 4.63·
Accomplishments: Brain Bowl Quiz Team; Class President; National Honor Society Member
Planned college: Nova Southeastern University
Inspirational quote: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Salutatorian: Bryan Santos
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 4.42
Accomplishments: National Honor Society member; Class Officer
Planned college: Undecided
Inspirational quote: “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious.” — Albert Einstein
Hollywood Hills High School, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Alejandro Leon Parra
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.03
Accomplishments: National Honor Society; Student Government Association; Students Against Destructive Decisions; Principal’s Honor Roll; University of Miami Summer Scholar Certificate; Google Project Management Certificate
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Never let the clock watch you waste your time.”— Nathaly Ramirez
Salutatorian: Isabella Riesgo
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 4.52
Accomplishments: Spartan Pride Band; Florida’s Future Educator Association; Bright Futures; Pell Grant
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “What you do makes a difference, so you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
J.P. Taravella High School, Coral Springs
Valedictorian: Sean Munsie
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.31
Accomplishments: Created a project that educated over 500 students about healthy eating; won second place twice at Florida DECA states
Planned college: University of Florida Honors
Inspirational quote: “Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Salutatorian: Devesh Hargobin
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.23
Accomplishments: Broward County Outstanding Senior Leader; 2022-23 vice president of Florida DECA; 2021-22 JPT DECA president; 2020-21 Florida DECA first-place winner Innovation Plan
Planned college: Florida International University Honors College
Inspirational quote: “Anything is possible; you gotta dream like you never seen obstacles” — Jermaine Cole
Lauderhill 6-12
Valedictorian: Abigail Scott
Hometown: Lauderhill
GPA: 5.1552
Accomplishments: Cambridge Diploma recipient; multi-scholarships received
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Joe-Marlie Pinard
Hometown: Lauderdale Lakes
GPA: 5.0726
Accomplishments: SGA secretary; vice president National Honor Society
Planned college: University of Florida
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland
Valedictorian: Jason Choy
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.51
Accomplishments: National Merit finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; FMSTA Level 9 Classical Pianist; over 450 Service Honors; Coding Club president; National Technical Honor Society president; Robotics Club vice president; Mu Alpha Theta treasurer
Planned college: University of California, Los Angeles
Inspirational quote: “You’ve already lost the minute that you believe you’ve reached your ceiling.”
Salutatorian: Matthew Baron
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 5.50
Accomplishments: Captain of tennis team, won districts; copresident of MAO; class senator; founder of world pickleball open toy drive
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “Passion is all you need.”
McArthur High School, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Christina Maribbay
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.1746
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma with distinction
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Fatigue is just a part of my routine, only differing slightly in degree day to day.”
Salutatorian: Janice Rivera
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 5.1321
Accomplishments: AICE Diploma; BCASC Scholar Athlete
Planned college: Florida International University
Inspirational quote: “Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on, but you keep going anyways.”
Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, Tamarac
Valedictorian: Yajaira Cruz
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.41
Planned college: Florida Atlantic University
Inspirational quote: “Life is a sculpture that you cast as you make mistakes and learn from them.”
Salutatorian: Martin Mathew
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.39
Accomplishments: Co-taught a CALBC course to help fellow students
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “I’ll be back.”
Miramar High School
Valedictorian: Shrishon Kumarasri
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 5.65
Accomplishments: President of Broward County National Honor Society; Broward County Youth Climate Summit; AP Scholar of Distinction
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Shifa Zia
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 5.64
Accomplishments: NHS treasurer; Indian Student Association president; World Languages and Biliteracy Award
Planned college: Florida International University
Inspirational quote: “Never underestimate the power of a common man.” — Shah Rukh Khan
Monarch High School, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian: Amanda Hammel
Hometown: Coconut Creek
GPA: 5.5294
Accomplishments: 2023 Broward County Athletic Association Scholar Athlete; AICE Merit Diploma recipient
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Success is not about never falling, but about rising every time you fall.”
Salutatorian: Kaitlyn Hammel
Hometown: Coconut Creek
GPA: 5.5278
Accomplishments: 2023 Broward County Athletic Association Scholar Athlete; AICE Merit Diploma; D. Huttenhoff Scholarship; 2022 Dartmouth College Book Award; 2021 NCWIT Honorable Mention
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
North Broward Preparatory School, Coconut Creek
Valedictorian: Devraj Gopal
Hometown: Parkland
GPA: 4.295
HPA: 5.376
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; Speech and Debate; perfect 1600 SAT Score; third place, Broward County Science Fair; National AP Scholar with Distinction; Full High School Merit Scholarship; Harvard Book Award
Planned college: Stanford University
Salutatorian: Sara Kaufman
Hometown: Cooper City
GPA: 4.239
HPA: 5.297
Accomplishments: National Merit Commended Student; JHU Westgate Scholarship in Engineering; Coca-Cola Foundation Scholar; National Honor Society Scholarship; Regeneron Biomedical Award; Girl Scouts of the USA National Gold Award; National Center for Women in Computing Aspirations in Computing National Winner
Planned college: Johns Hopkins University
Northeast High School, Oakland Park
Valedictorian: Kayla Makowski
Hometown: Oakland Park
GPA: 5.3390
Accomplishments: Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma with Distinction; Latin School Magnet Program Completer; Outstanding Senior for the Latin School; 2023 Senior Hall of Fame Award; honor roll; president of FFEA
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “What you do today influences tomorrow, not the other way around.” — C. M. Kosemen
Salutatorian: Alexa Boksiner
Hometown: Margate
GPA: 5.2879
Accomplishments: Cambridge AICE Diploma; Biotechnician Assistant Credential from UF; National Hispanic Recognition Award; honor roll; Outstanding Senior Leader Award; Latin School Magnet Completer; Industrial Biotechnology Magnet Completer
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that, through you, others can see Jesus.” — C.S. Lewis
Nova High School, Davie
Valedictorian: Joshua Kwak
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 5.5238
Accomplishments: Two-time state champion in robotics; Silver Knights nominee
Planned college: University of Florida Honors Program
Salutatorian: Tyler Franco
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 5.4648
Accomplishments: Qualified for States championship with Skills USA
Planned college: Burnett Honors Program
NSU University School, Davie
Valedictorian: Sarah Guttman
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 4.29
HPA: 5.04
Accomplishments: National Merit Finalist; Johns Hopkins Book Award; Class Scholar Athlete Award; Scott Wiegley Athletic and Academic Excellence Scholarship; Varsity Basketball Leadership Award; Citizen Scholar Award
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “Life is a series of coin flips.” — Zachary Samuel
Salutatorian: Leah Kuker
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 4.27
HPA: 5.01
Accomplishments: President of USchool’s chapter of Art From the Heart; co-captain of Varsity Tennis Team; founder of nonprofit BESTS-(Bringing Educational Supplies to Students); AP Scholar Award with Honor; National AP Scholar Award; University of Pennsylvania Book Award
Planned college: University of Miami
Inspirational quote: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” — Elbert Hubbard
Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Summer Niederman
Hometown: Highland Beach
GPA: 5.19
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; Harvard Book Award; Cum Laude Honor Society; National Beta Club Honor Society; Honor Societies: Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, National English Honor Society, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, National Science Honor Society; Vanderbilt University Mentorship Immersion Program; Pioneer Academics Research; National Merit Commended; Pine Crest Leadership Award; We the People Competition State Award
Planned college: Georgetown University
Inspirational quote: “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Salutatorian: Ava Malkin
Hometown: Boca Raton
GPA: 5.13
Accomplishments: Published author of mental health awareness children’s book; published researcher in Journal of Student Research; Mae McMillan Award recipient; National Merit finalist; Cum Laude Honor Society; National Beta Club Honor Society; Honor Societies: Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, National Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction; Dartmouth Book Award; Pine Crest Service Award; AP Capstone Diploma; National Merit Scholarship recipient; Quill and Scroll; National Scholastic Press Association 2022 Journalism Honor Roll
Planned college: Cornell University
Inspirational quote: “May the best of your past be the worst of your future.” — Unknown
Piper High School, Sunrise
Valedictorian: Brianna Concepcion
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.4098
Accomplishments: AICE Cambridge diploma with Distinction; city of Sunrise Sustainability Advisory Board HS Representative; Environmental Club president; Marine Science vice president; Top Sunshine State STEM Scholar nominee
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Andre Patterson
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.3864
Accomplishments: South Florida Manufacturers Association Group Video Contest Winner; MTA Operating System Fundamentals Certificate; over 300 community service hours; AICE diploma with Merit; AP Scholar with Distinction
Planned college: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Plantation High School
Valedictorian: Jason Vadnos
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 5.481
Accomplishments: National Merit Scholar; Vanderbilt Chancellor’s Scholar; Bank of America Student Leader; AP Scholar with distinction; McCallie CLC scholar; College board commended tutor; Silver Knight nominee
Planned college: Vanderbilt University
Inspirational quote: “Opportunities are like doors; they open and close, but the one who gives you the keys makes all the difference. Thank you, my key bearers.”
Salutatorian: Daniella Burger
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.44
Accomplishments: Silver Knight nominee; High Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in English award; BCHS Most Outstanding Environmental Project Leader
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “I am still learning.” — Michelangelo
Pompano Beach High School
Valedictorian: Ethan Del Campo
Hometown: Pompano Beach
GPA: 5.494
Accomplishments: Rho Kappa president; National Honor Society; NHS Brain Brawl North County Champion; Think Tank; cross-country captain, track and field (school record-holder for 1600m); FBI National Youth Leadership Academy graduate; Amazon Future Engineers Scholarship
Planned college: University of Central Florida
Inspirational quote: “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” — B.B. King
Salutatorian: Gabriel Palomino
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 5.493
Accomplishments: Track and field; Duke University Grant recipient
Planned college: Duke University
Inspirational quote: “My peers made me strive to be the best that I could be. Seeing everyone try so hard pushed me to do the same.”
Seagull Alternative High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Amia J. James
Hometown: Oakland Park
GPA: 3.84
Accomplishments: B Honor Roll Semester 1 & 2; recognition from Nova Southeastern for her artwork; received an Academic Scholarship from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Rho Omega Chapter
Planned college: Valencia College
Salutatorian: Wimide Raymond
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 3.18
Accomplishments: Student Service Hours Cord; honor roll first and second semester for 2022-23 school year
Planned college: Broward College
Sheridan Technical High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Vanessa Scholey
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 5.4394
Accomplishments: Key Club president; SGA treasurer; 1,023 Service Learning Hours; intern with Judge Barner, 17th Judicial Circuit; Research and Development internship with Crystal Lagoons; internship with Weinor GMBH/Germany; Broward County Congress Debate Bronze Medal
Planned college: University of Toronto
Inspirational quote: “Sometimes the fear does not subside, and then you must do it afraid.” — V. Scholey
Salutatorian: Melissa Ramos
Hometown: Miramar
GPA: 5.2829
Accomplishments: NHS president; Mu Alpha Theta vice president; Key Club secretary; 294 Service Learning Hours, Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt, Industry Certifications in Medical Assist, MOS Word/PPT/Excel
Planned college: University of Miami
Inspirational quote: “Believe in yourself, remembering that everything happens for a reason.” — M. Ramos
South Broward High School, Hollywood
Valedictorian: Xuhare Bereikua
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.58
Accomplishments: $365,000 4-Year scholarship; Cambridge Diploma of Distinction; Bi-Literacy Award; Top 2%; Silver Cord Service Hours Award
Planned college: Northwestern University
Salutatorian: Robert Iuhasz
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.51
Accomplishments: Cambridge diploma of distinction; Top 2%
Planned college: University of Florida
South Plantation High School
Valedictorian: Sun Tjon
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 5.35
Accomplishments: Three-year captain of varsity volleyball; junior year MVP; Paladin Athletic Award for Varsity Volleyball; AutoCAD and Fusion 360 Certification; Key Club vice president freshman and sophomore year; AICE Diploma; three-year varsity soccer; Girls Volleyball manager
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “It truly takes a village. Be grateful and stay humble.”
Salutatorian: Cassidy Stumer
Hometown: Plantation
GPA: 5.2857
Accomplishments: Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award; NFTY Star Board Member; SGA treasurer; Class of 2023 treasurer; Silver Knight nominee; Temple Youth Group Board; Leadership of Camp Jenny; Presidential Award of Volunteer
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “The future is the home of our deepest fears and our wildest hopes.”
St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale
Co-Valedictorian: Rocco Garcia
Hometown: Miami Shores
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.43
Accomplishments: Miami Herald Silver Knight Honorable Mention General Scholarship; Veritas Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; over 520 service hours; Shake-a-Leg Miami
Planned college: Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Computing
Co-Valedictorian: Miniaris Montanez
Hometown: Coral Springs
GPA: 4.0
HPA: 5.43
Accomplishments: Miami Herald Silver Knight Honorable Mention Music and Dance; National Honor Society for Dance Arts Honorable Mention recipient; AP Scholar with Distinction; Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar Youth Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California; Leadership Seminars Program at the University of Notre Dame; founder of Supporting Elementary Students in Puerto Rico; over 800 total service hours
Planned college: University of Florida Honors College
Salutatorian: Enrique Sobrino
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 5.36
Accomplishments: AP Scholar with Distinction; Hispanic Recognition Award Scholar; Georgetown Medical Research Scholar; Four-Year Adamo Family Scholarship Fund from the University of Michigan; CBR-Tradition of Excellence Award; Presidential Award from the University of South Florida; Knight’s Achievement Award from the University of Central Florida; volunteer experience: St. Augustine Church, St. Bonaventure Church, Coastal Cleanup, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Cleveland Clinic
Planned college: University of Florida
Stranahan High School, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Labib Hossain
Hometown: Hollywood
GPA: 5.2368
Accomplishments: President of NHS and National Math Honor Society; MTL mentor; Industry certified in Python, Fusion 360, REVIT; C++ coder; interned at Raytheon Technologies
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” — Steve Jobs
Salutatorian: Onima K. Majlis
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.1797
Accomplishments: VP National Honor Society and National Math Honor Society; Summer Intern counselor at Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center; MTL Scholarship recipient; president of Garden Club; president of Debate Club; Medical magnet distinction
Planned college: Florida International University
Inspirational quote: “It is OK not to be OK.” — Michael Clifford
West Broward High School, Pembroke Pines
Valedictorian: Mariam Ahmed
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.4275
Accomplishments: Science Olympiad; Museum of Discovery & Science volunteer; internship at law group
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Anika Mellacheruvu
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 5.4231
Accomplishments: Florida Youth Orchestra; Debate; Dance performer; Science Olympiad
Planned college: University of Florida
Western High School, Davie
Valedictorian: Richard Alaburda
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.61
Accomplishments: President of ASL Club; cofounder and secretary of Personal Finance Club; Cross Country Scholar Athlete; Track & Field Scholar Athlete; Outstanding Achievement Awards in AP Calculus BC, AICE Marine Science and AP U.S. Government; Eagle Scout Candidate
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Cristian Carrillo
Hometown: Weston
GPA: 5.55
Accomplishments: History National Honor Society president; cofounder and copresident of National English Honor Society; Speech & Debate treasurer; Model UN treasurer; Brandeis Book Award recipient; Special Congressional Recognition
Planned college: Columbia University
Whiddon-Rogers Education Center, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Lourdmila Constantin
Hometown: North Lauderdale
GPA: 3.51
Accomplishments: Exceptional leader in the Haitian Cultural Club
Planned college: Broward College
Inspirational quote: “You should always work hard and never give up.”
Salutatorian: Elijah Austin
Hometown: Lauderhill
GPA: 3.44
Planned college: Atlantic Technical College
Inspirational quote: “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
William T. McFatter Technical High, Davie
Valedictorian: Olivia Nguyen
Hometown: Southwest Ranches
GPA: 5.39 weighted
Accomplishments: Certification in Microsoft Office specialist; Quickbooks; BPA president; qualified for Nationals 2022, 2023; DECA 2020 national qualifier 2021 and 2022 AP Scholar with Distinction; Harvard Book Award; Class of 2023 Parliamentarian
Planned college: University of Florida
Salutatorian: Jose M. Torrellas
Hometown: Sunrise
GPA: 5.358 weighted
Accomplishments: Sunrise Youth Soccer Champions 2021-22; AP Scholar with Distinction 2021-22; National Hispanic Recognition 2021-22; Certification AutoCAD and Revit; 2022 perfect score certificate U.S. History EOC; Silver Cord; president of Engineering Club; VP NHS; U.S. NSCC E-2(T)
Planned college: United States Military Academy
Inspirational quote: “Greed is but a word jealous men inflict upon the ambitious.” — Marcus Licinius Crassus
Whispering Pines School, Miramar
Valedictorian: Devin Caicedo
Hometown: Pembroke Pines
GPA: 3.77
Accomplishments: Vice president and president of Student Government
Planned college: Taking a gap year to pursue interests
Inspirational quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” — Walt Disney
Salutatorian: Alicia Porter
Hometown: Davie
GPA: 3.4833
Accomplishments: Senior Class representative; Student Government
Planned college: McFatter Technical College
Westminster Academy, Fort Lauderdale
Valedictorian: Ellie Jane Farrar
Hometown: Pompano Beach
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 4.70
Accomplishments: Summa Cum Laude all four years; AP scholar with distinction; Capstone Diploma candidate; member of NHS, NAHS, Key club, Rotary Interact Club; Green Club president; three-year state semifinalist in varsity soccer; 2nd team all-county for soccer; cross country state finalist; Kenneth P. Wackes Christian Character award; C.L.A.S.S. highest athletic award
Planned college: Samford University
Inspirational quote: “Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them. And if you look at these obstacles as a containing fence, they become your excuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next.” — Ben Carson
Salutatorian: Layton James McCartney
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale
GPA: 3.98
HPA: 4.68
Accomplishments: Assistant Student Director for “Shrek the Musical”; Student Director for “Peter and the Starcatcher”
Planned college: Florida State University
Inspirational quote: “Even if you are not ready for the day, it cannot always be night.” — Donda West