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: Art history.
Question 3: What was one of your most memorable experiences in high school?
A: It was probably leading in the “Sound of Music” as the first Sunny Hills musical with the new theater teacher at the time, Mr. [Christian] Penuelas.
Question 4: How do you think beginning high school through distance learning positively or negatively impacted your high school journey?
A: Beginning high school after distance learning was relaxing, but I was less motivated to join clubs and extracurriculars because I was tired from constantly being on Zoom.
Question 5: What is your biggest regret in high school?
A: My biggest regret is not joining a team like Helios or The Accolade because they seem like fun opportunities.
Question 6: What advice about school would you give your freshman self if you were to start high school again?
A: Do not be afraid to join programs and activities and pursue hobbies.
Question 7: What were some of your extracurriculars and leadership roles?
A: As a member of the choir and theater, I was also part of the COFA [Conservatory of Fine Arts] cabinet. I was the assistant director of quad show as a freshman and a sophomore, secretary as a junior and director of quad show as a senior. I’m also the current co-president of the Art Club and president of the Protecting People’s Languages club.
Question 8: What class threatened your valedictorian status the most?
A: Ms. [Mariam] Tan’s AP [Advanced Placement] Calculus AB class. My grade dropped to 89% because being the lead in the musical took up a lot of time.
Question 9: What would you say was the most rewarding aspect of being valedictorian?
A: Being able to prove that I am capable of being valedictorian while taking theater, choir and other classes that lower my overall GPA.
Question 10: What was your favorite class in school?
A: My favorite class was special studies in drawing and painting with Mr. [Brian] Wall in my sophomore year because it was a fun, welcoming environment and allowed me to grow as an artist. I have a lot of memories from that class.

Question 11: Who was a mentor who helped you throughout your academic journey?
A: My mom was one of the most important mentors throughout my academic journey. I would always be able to get emotional support and allow me to rant to her about my struggles and problems.
Question 12: What is a study habit would you recommend to someone else?
A: Do not procrastinate.
Question 13: What is something you look forward to the most after graduating?
A: I’m definitely looking forward to the college experience after graduating.