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: USC.
Question 2: What will you be majoring in?
A: Business administration.
Question 3: What does it mean to you that you are named valedictorian?
A: It’s really special to me that I have been named valedictorian. I’m very proud of that accomplishment and feel grateful to be recognized at school.
Question 4: What was the hardest class you took in high school and why?
A: The hardest class I have taken in high school was AP [Advanced Placement] Calculus BC, which I took this year. I like math but am not amazing at it, and some of the conceptual concepts were difficult for me to understand and apply.
Question 5: What was your favorite class in high school and why?
A: My favorite class was my IB [International Baccalaureate] History of the Americas class because I enjoy learning about history and had a great teacher, Mr. [David] Fenstermaker.
Question 6: What will you miss the most about Sunny Hills?
A: I will miss my friends and being a member of the ASB [Associated Student Body] the most at Sunny Hills.
Question 7: What are you most excited about for your new journey in college?
A: I am most excited to meet new people, learn a lot, gain real-life experience in the business field, and be prepared to fully enter adulthood.
Question 8: Who was your biggest supporter throughout high school, and why?
A: My parents were my biggest supporters throughout high school because they always cheered me on and believed in me.
Question 9: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I see myself living a happy, fulfilling life after I graduate from USC, working in a job that I enjoy.
Question 10: Who is your favorite teacher and why?
A: My favorite teacher is Mr. Fenstermaker, my IB History of the Americas teacher and ASB adviser, because he made our lectures fun and interesting.
Question 11: What is your proudest accomplishment in high school?
A: My proudest accomplishment has been working in the ASB in the Assemblies Committee because I love planning the assemblies and working alongside the other amazing people in the ASB.
Question 12: What do you look forward to the most this summer?
A: I am looking forward to making lasting memories with my friends and family before I go to college.
Question 13: What are you looking forward to the most about college?
A: I am looking forward to forging new friendships and learning new things about myself.
Question 14: What advice do you have for underclassmen about maintaining their grades?
A: I would advise underclassmen to find friends and classmates who will encourage them to study and work hard. I really enjoyed studying with friends at cafes and libraries and would recommend that others do that, too.