The Class of 2025 is ready to see what the future holds, valedictorians across metro Atlanta told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The AJC asked students at the top of their graduating classes in the region’s four largest counties questions about their high school experience and their plans. More than a dozen of them are headed to Georgia Tech. Several are planning to attend other colleges and universities in Georgia. Some are going to Ivy League schools. They’re planning to study engineering, computer science, economics and medicine.
Though they’re confident they will accomplish all their personal goals, they worry about things beyond their control — like politics, the economy and technology.
Scroll through the photo gallery to see what each valedictorian had to say. Read more below about their best high school memories, their hopes and fears for the future, and how they define the Class of 2025.
Prom, science fairs, track meets among best memories
“My favorite memory is attending all of the science fair events. It allowed me to meet so many new and fascinating people, and I get to hear about their cool ideas and projects!”
― Max Lee, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, plans to study computer science at Stanford University
“This sounds cliche, but my favorite memory is senior prom. It was amazing to see all my friends in their gorgeous dresses and fancy tuxedos. It made me realize how close I’ve gotten to so many people in my class and how much I’ll miss them.”
― Sarah Meiselman, North Springs High, plans to study biology at Davidson College
“Some of my favorite memories were at high school track meets. I loved competing alongside my best friends, cheering them on, and celebrating their successes.”
— Kylie Dommert, Norcross High, plans to study psychology at Northwestern University
“Going up to my Engineering teacher, one shoe on, and asking him to get my other shoe, which had been thrown on top of a tall drawer, with a straight face, us both knowing I had been doing the farthest thing from my work. It represents some fun in an overwhelmingly rigorous and serious high school experience.”
― Dilan Shingadia, North Gwinnett High, plans to study applied math economics at Brown University
“My favorite memory from high school is meeting my three closest friends. They’ve taught me what real friendship is — especially when I was alone and they were already an established trio. Nevertheless, they welcomed me and have cared so deeply for me ever since."
— Chloe Taverne, McNair High, plans to study biochemistry and neuroscience at Spelman College
“Some of my favorite memories from high school have been attending football games with friends and enjoying the incredible school spirit — even if I do not 100% understand what is happening on the field.”
— Kiley Irvine, Milton High, plans to study industrial engineering at Georgia Tech
They’re (mostly) ready to take on whatever’s next
“I’m excited for independence, and I can’t wait to explore a new world with amazing new people, yet I’m hesitant to leave home.”
— Lily Gao, Parkview High, plans to study economics at Princeton University
“I feel like there are certainly going to be many challenges after high school, but I’m ready to face them head on.”
— Ayman Khan, Collins Hill High, plans to study computer engineering at Georgia Tech
“Although I’ll miss my hometown friends and family greatly, I do feel ready to have a little more independence. I’m excited to branch out, meet new people, and study what I’m truly passionate about.”
— Mackenzie Lee, Peachtree Ridge High, plans to study economics at Duke University
“I feel as prepared as possible. My parents raised me to be independent and responsible, guiding me while giving me the freedom to make my own decisions and learn from the consequences. Their support taught me how to navigate life with confidence and accountability."
— Cooper Ruckart, Lakeside High, plans to study computer science at Georgia Tech
“The moment I’ve waited for has arrived, but I don’t feel like I’m ready. I don’t think I would ever be ready. With my high school experience, though, I have the strength to at least brace myself for the ride ahead.”
— Safaa Mohammed, Berkmar High, plans to study bioengineering and economics at Harvard
They worry about politics, careers
“The volatility of democracy and justice — the systems intended to support independent and communal growth seem to fracture. I can worry all I want about my personal life, but systemic and administrative conflict impedes connection while increasingly polarizing our world at micro and macro scales."
— Ellis Schroeder, Druid Hills High, plans to study global health studies and art history at Yale University
“The economy, obviously.”
— Raccoon Toppen, Tapestry Public Charter School, plans to study animal science at Berry College
“Honestly, nothing worries me about the future. I know nothing is permanent, which is what makes life meaningful. I will remember to just enjoy every moment and not worry about the future, because what’s the point of worrying when everything always works out at the end anyway?”
— Mridula Bharathi, Alpharetta High, plans to study neuroscience at Yale University
“I try not to worry about the future because I know in all things God guides my steps, and I choose to trust in His plan."
— Lauren C. Williams, DeKalb School of the Arts, plans to study psychology at Stanford University
“I am worried about the increasing polarization of opinions that lack shared discussion. In recent years, I have witnessed a growing intensity toward social discord as opposed to social harmony through meaningful discourse. It’s not always a matter of right and wrong — it is about sharing compromise, compassion and respect."
— Minh Tran, Grayson High, plans to study computer science and molecular biology at MIT
“I’m scared that the climate of our country will continue to push prejudice toward immigrants and people of color. I believe in a better future for everyone.”
— Samaya Awadh, Lithonia High, plans to study business administration at the University of Georgia
“What worries me most about the future is my career. People often assume valedictorians have it all figured out, but even at the top of my class, I’m still learning. I may not know exactly what’s next, but I trust God to guide my every step.”
— Deion Nash, Langston Hughes High, plans to study computer science and computational media at Georgia Tech
“I wonder how AI and technology in general will be able to grow in the work environment and how that will shape my life by the time I get out of college.”
— Henry Bui, DeKalb Early College Academy, plans to study mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech
“I worry about what the political, economic, and environmental climate of America will look like in the future. I fear my hard work will amount to nothing if everything around me crumbles.”
— Morgan Spruill, Arabia Mountain High, plans to study mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech
Class of 2025: Resilient, diverse, on the cusp
“My friends define the class of 2025 for me, and to me they are the reason that I pushed through difficult classes. They pushed me to be my best and made the worst classes worth attending.”
— Yewoinhareg Gebrehana, Tucker High, plans to study biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech
“The Class of 2025 is a group of people who never gave up. I’m really proud of us because we pushed each other to think bigger, dream and become people who aren’t afraid to lead or make a difference.”
— Jannath Jamal, Chamblee High, plans to study chemical and biological engineering at Princeton University
“What describes the Class of 2025 to me is the word ‘diverse.’ Diversity in work ethic, personalities and goals.”
— Breanndra Taylor, Southwest DeKalb High, plans to study psychology at Kennesaw State University
“Our class is very on the cusp for both digital ages. I feel our age group was one of the last who got to experience cable TV but still grew up with tablets and cellphones.”
— Makayla Youmans, Global Impact Academy, plans to study chemistry at Kennesaw State University
“To me, the Class of 2025 is resilient because we had to enter high school not only worrying about the change from middle to high school, but also the change resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet we still came back stronger than ever, willing to work toward our goals.”
— Adeleine Ebert, Paul Duke STEM High, plans to study biochemistry at Georgia Tech
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