The Class of 2024 produced 39 valedictorians, and The Accolade interviewed each to reflect on their high school journeys and thoughts. This is the second full version of the Q&A, of which the preview is included in our May magazine issue. Be sure to check out the magazine that’s releasing tomorrow, May 22, and any remaining full-version Q&A posted alphabetically in the Feature section, which will be posted throughout the week.

Question 1: Which university have you committed to?
Answer: USC.
Question 2: What will you major in?
A: Communications.
Question 3: Which teacher helped you the most throughout your high school career?
A: Mr. [Greg] Abbott — I think he was just very good at supporting us as students, like he understood when we had other classes and he wasn’t as strict. He’s just very understanding.
Question 4: What does it mean to you that you are named valedictorian?
A: It feels very rewarding because all of my work over the past four years has finally paid off. This is nice to end my year and high school career off [with].
Question 5: What advice do you have for underclassmen about maintaining their grades?
A: Even out your workload, get your priorities straight and don’t focus too much on one subject. Just don’t over stress; it’s just one test, it’s just one quiz. There’s always going to be something else.
Question 6: What was the hardest class you took in high school and why?
A: AP [Advanced Placement] Chemistry; I did well in honors chemistry so I thought it’d be fine, but it was so much work.
Question 7: What was your favorite class in high school and why?
A: Dance 3 or IB [International Baccalaureate] Art; it’s such a relief from all the academic work.
Question 8: What will you miss the most about Sunny Hills?
A: People. All my friends are going to different colleges so I won’t see them, it’ll be hard to keep connections.
Question 9: What are you most excited about for your new journey in college?
A: [Fullerton is] just kind of small. I want to branch out more, visit new places and meet new people. I feel like you have so much more freedom in college. You kind of just make your own schedule; you’re finally an adult.
Question 10: Who was your biggest supporter throughout high school and why?
A: My parents support me, like if anything comes up, they’re understanding or if I just need a day to myself, they let me stay home and stuff.
Question 11: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I really want to work in the entertainment industry. So I want to design for movies or TV shows.
Question 12: Who is your favorite teacher and why?
A: Ms. [Kari] Morita, the AP Stats [Statistics] teacher; she’s so nice. She’s so understanding of everything and always lets us stay in her classroom.
Question 13: What is your proudest accomplishment in high school?
A: Being valedictorian.
Question 14: What do you look forward to the most this summer?
A: Senior road trip to San Diego with my friends; it’s not fully set in stone yet because we’re procrastinating [making plans].
Question 15: What are you looking forward to the most about college?
A: Exploring the area; [there’s] so much to see, concerts and food, all in [Los Angeles].