Madilyn Goyer, Central School
Valedictorian Unweighted G. P. A. - 4.704
After high school, I am attending the University of South Florida and will be majoring in Business Advertising. I am hoping to get my Master's degree and enter the workforce shortly thereafter.
The most memorable experience in my K-12 career has been getting accepted into my dream college. Though I will not be attending this university, it gave me hope and validates my hard work that I have accomplished throughout high school.
Dr. Anthea Amos (Central) and Ms. Sara Smith (PSC) have had the biggest impact on my success. Before Dr. Amos' 10th grade English Honor's class, I was not an accomplished writer. After Dr. Amos' class, I became obsessed with the writing process. In the next Fall semester, I entered Ms. Smith's Comp 1 class as Junior in highschool. I was very intimidated, but she helped me navigate college and allowed me to experiment with my writing while guiding me to become a skilled writer. I then took two more courses with Ms. Smith and eventually got comfortable in my writing and experimented further. Ms. Smith also suggested me to the writing lab supervisor when asked about students who could be writing tutors; I am now in my second semester at the writing lab and have gained even more knowledge.
Garrett Smith, Gulf Breeze High School
Valedictorian Unweighted G. P. A. - 4.931
After high school, I plan to attend the University of West Florida for an undergraduate major in Cybersecurity. I hope to pursue a Ph.D. for Intelligent Systems and Robotics afterwards and work with the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.
The most impactful experience of my school career has been volunteering with Key Club at the Pumpkin Jamboree each year. This event offers the opportunity for disabled children to have an amazing Halloween experience that they may not have otherwise been offered.
My family has influenced my success the most. They create a positive environment that has greatly facilitated my growth. My sister Paige has been a role model for me in many ways, and I cannot properly phrase my appreciation for her guidance. My parents have challenged me to become the best version of myself, which has pushed me to thrive academically and personally.
Hannah Kersey, Jay High School
Valedictorian Cumulative G.P.A. - 4.698
After high school, I plan on attending Coastal Alabama Community College to pursue a degree in nursing.
The most memorable experience of my K-12 career was when we completed the yearbook this year. Being on the yearbook staff has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my entire high school career. Getting to take pictures and document moments throughout my senior year has created many memories that I otherwise may not have had. This entire process helped me develop skills for success no matter what my future goals may be.
My family, teachers, and faculty and staff at Jay High School have all had a lasting impact on my success. My family has always taught me that I can achieve anything I set my mind on and clinging to that advice during challenges in high school has helped me to excel. The faculty and staff at JHS always have my best interest at heart and provide opportunities for success. Together these people have been an excellent support system for me, going out of their way to show me they are invested in my endeavors. I have been blessed with many people that have made a positive impact on my life.
Kristin Koether, Milton High School
Valedictorian Unweighted G.P.A. - 4.86
After high school, I plan to attend NYU (New York University) in the fall to major in Chemistry and pursue a career in dance.
My most Memorable experience though out my years of school was accomplishing an acceptance to NYU.
The person that has had the biggest impact on my success would be my mom. She always pushes me to be the best I can be and she supports my goals and dreams.
Brendan Patterson, Navarre High School
Valedictorian Unweighted G.P.A. - 4.887
After I graduate from high school, I will attend University of Florida's Honors Program. Once I get my degree, I aspire to join the workforce in the tech industry.
Throughout my K-12 career, the experiences with my peers have been my most memorable. Specifically, the Experimental Science banquet in 2023 was most memorable because it connected every Experimental Science student in one send-off event for the graduating class of 2023.
Overall, my peers and teachers have shaped me into the person I am today, but if I had to name one integral person who has shaped my success, that would be the Experimental Science teacher, Ms. McConnell. No one has provided a space where I have felt seen and given opportunities to express my creativity, connect with my peers, give back to my community, compete in competitions, and explore all things science like Ms. McConnell. I am eternally grateful for Ms. McConnell making me a teacher assistant of Experimental Science, so that I could connect with my peers by providing them with the same opportunities that Ms. McConnell gave me.
Madison Quintanilla, Pace High School
Valedictorian Unweighted G.P.A. - 4.8
After high school, I plan to attend the University of West Florida to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and then continue my education to earn my doctorate in optometry.
One of the most unforgettable experiences of my K-12 schooling was getting the chance to meet my idol, Bobby Bones, not just once but twice in the company of my fourth-grade math teacher. Our mutual admiration for a local radio station in Austin brought us closer. On my tenth birthday, I received tickets to watch Bobby Bones and Eddie's band, "The Raging Idiots," perform live. I went to the concert with my teacher and mum. I was thrilled to meet them in person, and they even signed my T-shirt, making it a treasured experience that I will always cherish.
My parents have had the most significant influence on my success. It may seem like a cliche answer, but it's true. They gave me a better life by adopting me from China, and since then, they have never stopped encouraging me to strive for excellence and become the best version of myself.
Cali mason, Santa Rosa High School
Valedictorian G.P.A. - 3.80
After high school, I want to work at a daycare and take care of children.
The most memorable experience of my K-12 career has been getting to make new friends and learn new things.
My mom has had the biggest impact on my life. I remember when I was little, she would stay up and help me with homework, teaching me to try my best and to never give up even when it's hard.