Congratulations to the 2025 metro Atlanta valedictorians

Education

Congratulations to the 2025 metro Atlanta valedictorians

Valedictorians from the metro Atlanta area are heading to schools like Georgia Tech, MIT, Stanford or the Ivy Leagues for college.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked 50 valedictorians from high schools around metro Atlanta about their future plans. They're going to Georgia Tech, Emory University, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale and more. They're hoping to study subjects like engineering, computer science, economics and medicine. (Illustration by Cassidy Alexander)

Ayman Khan is the 2025 valedictorian of Collins Hill High School in Gwinnett County. Khan plans to study computer engineering at Georgia Tech. "I feel like there are certainly going to be many challenges after high school, but I'm ready to face them head on." (Handout)

Ivy Nhan is the 2025 valedictorian of Mountain View High School in Gwinnett County. Nhan plans to study biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech. "Class of 2025 embodies passion. Although dispersed through many sectors, everyone seems to have a passion in something whether it be in a hobby or academics." (Handout)

Dilan Shingadia is the 2025 valedictorian of North Gwinnett High School in Gwinnett County. Shingadia plans to study applied math-economics at Brown University. “(My best memory was) 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.” (Handout)

Christine Park is the 2025 valedictorian of Lanier High School in Gwinnett County. Park plans to study business administration at Georgia Tech. "High hopes and expectations define the Class of 2025." (Handout)

Juan Ramos Peña is the 2025 valedictorian of Meadowcreek High School in Gwinnett County. Ramos Peña plans to study mechanical engineering at MIT. "I have always strived for a worry-free mentality, focusing on the present and letting the future worry for itself. However, I often find myself thinking about how I will balance academics, relationships and my personal growth all at the same time, aspects of my life that I deeply value." (Handout)

Adeleine Ebert is the 2025 valedictorian of Paul Duke STEM High School in Gwinnett County. Ebert plans to study biochemistry at Georgia Tech. “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 towards our goals.” (Handout)

An'zel Allen is the 2025 valedictorian of South Gwinnett High School in Gwinnett County. Allen plans to study computer science at Georgia Tech. "I am ready for life after high school because I have learned to adapt to all the challenges that might come my way!" (Handout)

Max Lee is the 2025 valedictorian of Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology. Lee plans to study computer science at Stanford University. “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!” (Handout)

Kylie Dommert is the 2025 valedictorian of Norcross High School in Gwinnett County. Dommert plans to study psychology at Northwestern University. “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.” (Handout)

Mackenzie Lee is the 2025 valedictorian of Peachtree Ridge High School in Gwinnett County. Lee plans to study economics at Duke University. “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.” (Handout)

Minh Tran is the 2025 valedictorian of Grayson High School in Gwinnett County. Tran plans to study computer science and molecular biology at MIT. “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." (Handout)

Loc "Louis" Nguyen is the 2025 valedictorian of Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County. Nguyen plans to study biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech. “I can see life 25 years from now will be controlled by machines, robots and all kinds of new technology.” (Handout)

Youngjin Kim is the 2025 valedictorian of Mill Creek High School in Gwinnett County. Kim plans to study engineering or operations research and financial engineering at Princeton University. "I worry about being away from my parents and the overwhelming possibilities that the future holds. These possibilities excite me, but also worry me; there are so many pathways to take and choices to consider, and I fear making the 'wrong' choice or living my life regretting what could've been."(Handout)

Safaa Mohammed is the 2025 valedictorian of Berkmar High School in Gwinnett County. Mohammed plans to study bioengineering and economics at Harvard College. “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.” (Handout)

Zavish Abbasi is the 2025 valedictorian of Discovery High School in Gwinnett County. Abbasi plans to study electrical engineering with computing at MIT. "Twenty-five years from now, I expect myself to have a job that will allow me to live a very comfortable life, and to be a part of many communities that make me feel like I'm at home. I think I will have accomplished my goal of finding my passion." (Handout)

Lily Gao is the 2025 valedictorian of Parkview High School in Gwinnett County. Gao plans to study economics at Princeton University. “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.” (Handout)

Sarah Meiselman is the 2025 valedictorian of North Springs High School in Fulton County. Meiselman plans to study biology at Davidson College. “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.” (Handout)

Anna Siegel is the 2025 valedictorian of Dunwoody High School in DeKalb County. Siegel plans to study business at Georgia Tech. "In 25 years I will most likely be far along into my career. I am not sure what my life will look like beyond that, but am excited for the future." (Handout)

W. Bennett Oyler is the 2025 valedictorian of Riverwood International Charter School in Fulton County. Oyler plans to study computer science at Stanford University. “I think life will look totally different in 25 years from now. Technology will replace lower skilled jobs and those without human touch. Additionally, education will fundamentally change with unlimited information at our fingertips. Finally, human-technological interactions will be completely different and more seamless than we have ever experienced before.” (Handout)

Mridula Bharathi is the 2025 valedictorian of Alpharetta High School in Fulton County. Bharathi plans to study neuroscience at Yale University. “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?” (Handout)

Ramin Goziyev is the 2025 valedictorian of the Innovation Academy in Fulton County. Goziyev plans to study chemical engineering at Georgia State University. “Hard to tell (what life will look like in 2050). Given technological innovations are growing at an exponential rate, I would not be half-surprised if we managed to terraform Mars by then.” (Handout)

Zachary Davis is the 2025 valedictorian of the Columbia High School Magnet Program in DeKalb County. Davis plans to study actuarial science at Georgia State University. "Adaptability defines the Class of 2025. We entered high school at the end of a pandemic and now we are entering adulthood in normalcy." (Handout)

Breanndra Taylor is the 2025 valedictorian of Southwest DeKalb High School in DeKalb County. Taylor plans to study psychology at Kennesaw State University. “What describes the Class of 2025 to me is the word ‘diverse.’ Diversity in work ethic, personalities and goals.” (Handout)

Mia Yamakita is the 2025 valedictorian of Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence in Fulton County. Yamakita plans to study human and organizational development and communication at Vanderbilt University. "Although I am ready, I feel nervous to what the future holds. Transitioning from an online high school to an in-person college almost feels like it marks as a point in my life where I won’t be a kid anymore." (Handout)

Saniya Francis is the 2025 valedictorian of Miller Grove High School in DeKalb County. Francis plans to study computer engineering at Georgia Tech. "I am worried about the economic state of the world." (Handout)

Kelly Lenox is the 2025 valedictorian of Archer High School in Gwinnett County. Lenox plans to study economics at Harvard College. “I want to come back to Georgia after finishing my degree at Harvard. Hopefully, I’ll have started a family with a wife and kids in 25 years. I’ve always wanted to start my own business as well, so I imagine myself being an entrepreneur. I’ll stay involved at my church too, growing in my relationship with God.” (Handout)

Deion Nash is the 2025 valedictorian of Langston Hughes High School in Fulton County. Nash plans to study computer science and computational media at Georgia Tech. "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." (Handout)

Henry Bui is the 2025 valedictorian of DeKalb Early College Academy in DeKalb County. Bui plans to study mechanical engineering 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.” (Handout)

Angie Hernandez Chavez is the 2025 valedictorian of Cedar Grove High School in DeKalb County. Hernandez Chavez plans to study business administration at Emory University. “So much could occur (in the next 25 years). I’ll be 43 years old, which is crazy to imagine. I don’t have a clear image of what life would look like but hopefully, we all pursued the life we wanted. And hopefully we were able to introduce a good change and contribution to society.” (Handout)

Cooper Ruckart is the 2025 valedictorian of Lakeside High School in DeKalb County. Ruckart plans to study computer science at Georgia Tech. “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." (Handout)

Morgan Spruill is the 2025 valedictorian of Arabia Mountain High School in DeKalb County. Spruill 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.” (Handout)

Lauren C. Williams is the 2025 valedictorian of DeKalb School of the Arts in DeKalb County. Williams plans to study psychology at Stanford 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." (Handout)

Carissa Swope is the 2025 valedictorian of Stephenson High School in DeKalb County. Swope plans to study neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University. "My favorite memory from high school was from my last senior pep rally, where the basketball team and teachers competed in a basketball competition in the gym. I'm happy to say the teachers won!" (Handout)

Jannath Jamal is the 2025 valedictorian of Chamblee High School in DeKalb County. Jamal plans to study chemical and biological engineering at Princeton University. "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." (Handout)

Makayla Youmans is the 2025 valedictorian of Global Impact Academy in Fulton County. Youmans plans to study chemistry 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 cell phones." (Handout)

Raccoon Toppen is the 2025 valedictorian of Tapestry Public Charter School in DeKalb County. Toppen plans to study animal science at Berry College. "What worries me about the future? The economy, obviously." (Handout)

Samaya Awadh is the 2025 valedictorian of Lithonia High School in DeKalb County. Awadh plans to study business administration at the University of Georgia. "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." (Handout)

Kiley Irvine is the 2025 valedictorian of Milton High School in Fulton County. Irvine plans to study industrial engineering at Georgia Tech. "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." (Handout)

Yonatan Nemenman is the 2025 valedictorian of Chamblee High School in DeKalb County. Nemenman plans to study physics at Emory University. "By 2050, I'll be living with my wife and kids, working a job that I love and the economy will not be in ruins (fingers crossed)." (Handout)

Hanna Elias is the 2025 valedictorian of Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County. Elias plans to study industrial engineering at Georgia Tech. "To me, the definition of the Class of 2025 is found within our collective dedication and ambition. The Class of 2025 follows its dreams with complete devotion as many peers have started businesses and are pursuing their aspirations despite their young age." (Handout)

Beyoungtis Tarver is the 2025 valedictorian of Columbia High School in DeKalb County. Tarver plans to study fine arts at Kennesaw State University. “(In 25 years) I think life will be comfortable and the world will hopefully be a better place for everyone.” (Handout)

Indiya Ray is the 2025 valedictorian of Southwest Dekalb High School in DeKalb County. Ray plans to study political science at Alabama State University. "I am worried about not being able to balance the high expectations I have set for myself with personal peace while in college and beyond." (Handout)

Danielle Kangnigan is the 2025 valedictorian of Banneker High School in Fulton County. Kangnigan plans to study physics and mathematics at New York University. "I have hope for the future because of the bright voices in this Class of 2025. We will not allow for oppression to overtake the world. Twenty-five years from now, there will be liberation across the world, people will not stay subjected forever and all we have to lose is our chains." (Ben Gray/AJC)

Maya Smith is the 2025 valedictorian of Creekside High School in Fulton County. Smith plans to study mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. "(I'm worried about) the rapid pace of climate change, finding a stable career and making all the correct choices as life gets more complex." (Handout)

Kennedy Winfrey-Gay is the 2025 valedictorian of Arabia Mountain High School in DeKalb County. Winfrey-Gay plans to study nursing at the University of West Georgia. "'Go getters' would define the Class of 2025 as many students are determined to reach their goals." (Handout)

Niquitta Nijimbere is the 2025 valedictorian of Redan High School in DeKalb County. Nijimbere plans to study biochemistry at Vanderbilt University. "Life, in my opinion, leaves so much variability in results that I am uncertain of what’s going to happen in the future. Despite this, I am confident of my ability to tackle the uncertain nature of the future." (Handout)

Yewoinhareg Gebrehana is the 2025 valedictorian of Tucker High School in DeKalb County. Gebrehana plans to study biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech. "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." (Handout)

Ellis Schroeder is the 2025 valedictorian of Druid Hills High School in DeKalb County. Schroeder plans to study global health and art history at Yale University. “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." (Handout)

Chloe Taverne is the 2025 valedictorian of McNair High School in DeKalb County. Taverne plans to study biochemistry and neuroscience at Spelman College. “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." (Handout)

Kaleb Whitlow is the 2025 valedictorian of Marietta High School in Marietta City Schools. Whitlow plans to study mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. "Twenty-five years from now, I envision myself working as a mechanical engineer and raising a family. I also see myself giving back and serving the amazing Marietta community." (Handout)

Renato Dell'Osso is the 2025 valedictorian of Decatur High School in City Schools of Decatur. Dell'Osso plans to study computer science at Georgia Tech. "The class of 2025 does A LOT. They don't sit around or waste time; they're always involved in something or working on a project. I know so many people who are involved in multiple teams, have jobs and work on personal projects, all while taking heavy course loads. More than anything else, the class of 2025 is full of doers." (Handout)

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked 50 valedictorians from high schools around metro Atlanta about their future plans. They're going to Georgia Tech, Emory University, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale and more. They're hoping to study subjects like engineering, computer science, economics and medicine. (Illustration by Cassidy Alexander)

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