The Class of 2024 produced 39 valedictorians, and The Accolade interviewed each to reflect on their high school journeys and thoughts. This is a full version of the Q&A, of which the preview is included in our May magazine issue. Any remaining full-version Q&A will be posted in alphabetical order throughout the week in the Feature section.

Question 1: Which university have you committed to?
Answer: UCLA.
Question 2: What will you major in?
A: Psychobiology.
Question 3: Which teacher helped you the most throughout your high school career?
A: I can’t really answer this one; there are too many of them that helped me in a special way.
Question 4: What does it mean to you that you are named valedictorian?
A: It had always been my mom’s dream for me to become a valedictorian, so obviously, I was glad. But knowing there were 39 valedictorians, it was a bit underwhelming.
Question 5: What advice do you have for underclassmen about maintaining their grades?
A: One would definitely be to stay on top of your work. Don’t fall behind. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Build relationships with teachers to have a deeper understanding of what they teach. And in general, put in effort.
Question 6: What was the hardest class you took in high school and why?
A: It would have to be my AP [Advanced Placement] Biology class because understanding the concepts and being able to implement them was quite challenging.
Question 7: What was your favorite class in high school and why?
A: My Chemistry Honors class with Mr. [Alexander] Hua because I made a lot of new friends and realized that school isn’t just about academics.
Question 8: What will you miss the most about Sunny Hills?
A: I will miss out on the friends and teachers I usually talk to every day. It won’t be the same, but I’m sure they will do great in the future.
Question 9: What are you most excited about for your new journey in college?
A: I’m definitely excited to be in a different environment and meet new people.
Question 10: Who was your biggest supporter throughout high school and why?
A: It would have to be my parents and my brother because whenever I felt down or discouraged, they were always there to help me out.
Question 11: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I see myself aspiring to live a life with no regrets and always trying to improve myself.
Question 12: What is your proudest accomplishment in high school?
A: Becoming valedictorian.