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Celebrating Excellence: Meet Our Local Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Iman Ahmad, Jason Choy, Yajaira Cruz, Joshua J. Hall, Amanda Hammel, Sean Munsie, and Julia Ribeiro are valedictorians.

By Sharon Aron Baron

As the end of another academic year approaches, Parkland Talk shines a spotlight on the exceptional students from our local schools who have risen to the top, earning the titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

They have worked tirelessly and are incredibly dedicated to their studies, extra-curricular activities, and community.

At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Jason Choy, of Coral Springs, leads the class as Valedictorian with a GPA of 5.51. A National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar with Distinction, Jason will head to the University of California, Los Angeles, to study Computer Science.

The school’s Salutatorian, Matthew Baron, of Parkland, will take his leadership skills, honed as Captain of the tennis team and co-president of MAO, along with his GPA of 5.50, to Duke University to pursue Cinematic Arts.

Coral Springs High School announces Julia Ribeiro as Valedictorian. Her dedication has earned her an AP Scholar designation and a GPA of 5.35. Julia plans to study Psychology at NOVA University.

The Salutatorian, Makayla Gilzean, a well-rounded student with leadership roles in the College and Career Transition Club and the Human Relations Council, will take her 5.31 GPA to Duke University to study Biomedical Engineering.

J.P. Taravella High School commends Sean Munsie of Coral Springs, their Valedictorian, who made a significant impact in educating over 500 students about healthy eating. He’s planning to pursue Nuclear Engineering at the University of Florida Honors with a GPA of 5.31.

Devesh Hargobin, of Coral Springs, the school’s Salutatorian, who holds multiple leadership roles in DECA, will be studying Logistics & Supply Chain Management at Florida International University Honors with a GPA of 5.23.

Iman Ahmad of Coral Springs has risen to the top of her class at Coral Glades High School, securing her position as Valedictorian with a GPA of 5.6709. Silver Knight Nominee and SAC member Iman plans to major in Government at Dartmouth.

Her counterpart, Salutatorian Olivia Schwartz, also of Coral Springs, has a 5.6429 GPA and will take her skills as a National Debate Champion and National Merit Scholarship recipient to the University of Florida to major in Computer Science.

Coconut Creek High School announces Joshua J. Hall from North Lauderdale as its Valedictorian. His stellar GPA of 5.103, coupled with his impressive list of achievements, has set a high standard.

He has been recognized as a Posse Scholarship Recipient, a College Board National African American Recognition Award recipient, and Broward Biliteracy Gold Medalist among his accolades. Joshua will further his studies at Hamilton College, majoring in Creative Writing.

The school’s Salutatorian, Britney Walters, of North Lauderdale, is a Practical Nursing Program graduate from Atlantic Technical College. She will take her 5.095 GPA and passion for service to Florida Atlantic University to study Nursing.

Monarch High School‘s honors belong to the Hammel sisters, Amanda Hammel (Valedictorian) and Kaitlyn Hammel (Salutatorian), both from Coconut Creek.

With a GPA of 5.5294, Amanda has earned an AICE Merit Diploma and numerous certifications in tech-related fields. She will major in Animal Science-Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Florida.

Kaitlyn shares her sister’s academic dedication with a GPA of 5.5278 and holds an AICE Merit Diploma, among other awards. She plans to major in Marine Science at the University of Florida.

Salutatorians are Matthew Baron Makayla Gilzean, Kaitlyn Hammel, Devesh Hargobin, Martin Mathew, Olivia Schwartz, and Britney Walters,

At Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, the high honors go to Yajaira Cruz and Martin Mathew.

Valedictorian Yajaira Cruz from Hollywood, with a GPA of 5.41, has been recognized for her role model characteristics and will pursue Neuroscience and Behavior at Florida Atlantic University.

Salutatorian Martin Mathew, of Pembroke Pines has a GPA of 5.39 and is known for his exceptional contribution as a student teacher and outstanding performance in AP and DE courses. He is set to study Biology at the University of Florida.

We applaud these students for their remarkable accomplishments and wish them the best as they embark on their collegiate journey. Congratulations to the Class of 2023.

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Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.