Class of 2025 Valedictorians, Salutatorians Honored

The Cherokee County School District and School Board celebrated the Class of 2025 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at its 24th Annual Scholar Recognition Banquet.

The special event on Wednesday evening was attended by the Scholars and their parents; the teacher each scholar chose as the most influential in his or her education; CCSD’s high school Principals; Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis and her senior staff; and the School Board.

The students and teachers each shared a brief speech.  Each student received an iPad, $50 gift card and plaque, and each teacher received a plaque and $100 gift card. 

The dinner and gifts were made possible by donations from Presenting Sponsors, LGE Community Credit Union and the Cherokee County Educational Foundation; and Silver Sponsor, Center Cut Catering.  LGE additionally presented each student with an iPad cover and each teacher with a BruMate travel mug.  

CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Joseph Shipley
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study chemical and biomedical engineering and Spanish to pursue a career in pharmaceutical engineering
From Honored Teacher Eric Jones’s remarks: “He has a gift not just for math, but learning itself,” he said, noting Joey’s amazing support of classmates: “He created a space where learning was rigorous and joyful … Teaching Joey has made be a better educator.”

Salutatorian: Delaney Pruett
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study biology to pursue a career in the medical field, possibly in radiology. 
From Honored Teacher Lori Pangburn’s remarks: “She’s reflective, curious and always willing to go the extra mile,” she said.  “It’s not just her intellect that stands out, but also her presence … She leads not by raising her voice, but through example.”

CREEKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Searlait Frey
College and career plans: University of Georgia to study biology or animal science to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
From Honored Teacher Begoña Stone’s remarks: “You left a lasting impression on all of us.  You showed us what true passion for learning looks like,” she said.  “When I look at you, I don’t just see a valedictorian, I see someone full of love.”

Co-Salutatorian: Anne Marie Robida
College and career plans: University of Georgia to study sports management to pursue a career in the sports and entertainment industry.
From Honored Teacher Haley Davis’s remarks: “She is the biggest ray of sunshine I’ve ever encountered – an absolute joy and a presence that can change the classroom,” she said.  “She’s a phenomenal student, but my favorite thing about her is her heart.”

Co-Salutatorian: Olivia White
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study environmental engineering to pursue a career as an engineer.
From Honored Teacher Daniel Pratt’s remarks: “She’s a highly gifted student,” but what sets her apart, he said, is her “unwavering positivity.”  “Her level of compassion can’t be taught or learned – it’s who she is.  You’re a great student, but an ever better person.”
            
ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Satyajit Prabhuram
College and career plans: Princeton University to study Operations Research & Financial Engineering (ORFE) to pursue a career in that field.  
From Honored Teacher Chris Lamb’s remarks: “You were the student who pushed forward when it was hard.  You were always curious,” he said.  “He’s a great overall kid.  He’s not just out for himself – he inspires others.”

Salutatorian: Alena Ezell
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study chemical and biomolecular engineering to pursue a career as a chemical engineer in the healthcare sector to develop new gene therapies.
From Honored Teacher John Murnan’s remarks: “She always listens to others’ ideas.  She wasn’t afraid to make a mistake,” he said.  “She never passed on answering a question – she was willing to grow through what she didn’t know.” 
            
i-GRAD VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Valedictorian: Alex Johnson
College and career plans: University of Georgia to study business science to pursue a career as a certified financial planner.
From Honored Teacher Heather Craighead’s remarks: “He has a quiet confidence, and when he speaks up, something very thoughtful and very caring will come out of his mouth,” she said.  “Whatever he goes onto, it’s going to be a bigger stage and more opportunities for him to make things happen.”

Salutatorian: Isabel Christina Dickens
College and career plans: Kennesaw State University to study computer science to pursue a career in cybersecurity 
Honored Teacher: Hannah Mitchell

RIVER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Lavanya Shankar
College and career plans: University of Pennsylvania to study bioengineering to pursue a career with the National Institutes of Health or her own bioengineering company.
From Honored Teacher Ansley Sand’s remarks: “Integrity, courage, leadership, diligent, focused, perseverance,” she noted as her hallmarks.  “She puts a smile on her face and pushes forward.  Her assignments put my rubric to shame every time she turned something in.  She made me become a better teacher.”

Salutatorian: Patrik Liska
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study computer science to pursue a career as a software engineer or developer.
From Honored Teacher Adrienne Taylor’s remarks: “You found your voice.  You sparked debates.  You brought real energy to the room,” she said.  “What I admired most was your humility.”
            
SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Zahira Ambriz-Villela
College and career plans: Yale University to study environmental science on a pre-med track to pursue a career as a surgeon or an environmental lawyer.
From Honored Teacher Matt Bartula’s remarks: “Your gift to me is you made me better.  I wanted to be better because of you,” he said.  “She inspires you to be your best self.”

Salutatorian: Ava R. Smith
College and career plans: University of Georgia to study biology on a pre-med track to pursue a career in medicine.
From Honored Teacher Brian Carnes’s remarks: “She combines great intellect with an exceptional work ethic. She’s an absolute superstar,” he said.  “She lets her success speak for itself.  Ava should be an inspiration to us all.”
            
WOODSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Leia Lankford
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study biomedical engineering on a pre-med track to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon.
From Honored Teacher Steve Epperson’s remarks: “Dedication,” he said is a defining word for her, likening her work ethic to a past U.S. Army slogan: “Leia does more before breakfast than we all do in an entire day.”

Salutatorian: Michael McNeill
College and career plans: Georgia Tech to study computer science and entrepreneurship to pursue a career in quantitative finance and as an entrepreneur. 
From Honored Teacher Josh Sailers’ remarks: “His work ethic is truly impressive.  You are a humble, confident young man,” he said, noting his delight in Michael’s plans to become an entrepreneur.  “It’s just super cool.  Entrepreneurs want to create something that will make our lives better.”  

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