This article was written by Amber Bhutta, class of 2019.
In keeping with tradition, administration recently released the names of this year’s co-valedictorians and salutatorian.
Co-Valedictorian Shayaan Subzwari
Despite receiving the accolade of Co-Valedictorian, senior Shayaan Subzwari’s academic involvement extends far beyond the classroom – and the 20 AP classes he has taken – as he partakes in Mu Alpha Theta, Quiz Bowl, History Bowl and Science Bowl. He also plays piano and has a black belt in taekwondo.
“I would say that my participation with Quiz Bowl has probably been the most meaningful,” Subzwari said. “It’s been a way for me to pursue my interests in various fields and also make new friendships.” Through his involvement in Quiz Bowl, Subzwari feels he has gained the knowledge to further improve his academic standing and eventually earn the title of Co-Valedictorian.
At the most recent Mu Alpha Theta competition, senior Shayaan Subzwari helped set up and hand out awards as a Heritage officer. (Photo/Joanne Haner)
“I’m honored by this opportunity to represent our class at graduation and thankful for my family, teachers and friends that have always helped me along the way,” Subzwari said.
Co-Valedictorian Saaketh Vedantam
Co-Valedictorian and senior Saaketh Vedantam participates in Mu Alpha Theta, Science Bowl and competitive programming. Outside of school, he plays in the Florida Youth Orchestra and competes in the Florida Student Association of Mathematics (FLSAM).
“FLSAM is probably the most meaningful to me because it gave me exposure to major national math competitions where I met many other students who share similar passions as me,” Vedantam said. His involvement in FLSAM stems from his underlying penchant for science and math, something that has also manifested through the numerous Advanced Placement math and science classes he has taken. Ultimately, Vedantam feels his passion for STEM helped him earn the title of Co-Valedictorian.
As a part of the Mu Alpha Theta competitive math team, senior Saaketh Vedantam competes at the regional, state and national level. He won several first place awards at last year’s state convention in April. (Photo/Joanne Haner)
“It feels pretty good,” he said about becoming Co-Valedictorian. “In ninth grade, I never thought it would happen in such a competitive school.”
Salutatorian Andrew Ma
Involved in Mu Alpha Theta, Science Bowl and the coding club, Salutatorian and senior Andrew Ma considers his role as president of the coding club as his most valuable extracurricular experience.
“At school, I feel like coding is an unexplored area that has a lot of potential,” Ma said. “As president, I help implement the curriculum and teach, but I also try to bring it to the level of prestige that other more established clubs, like Mu Alpha Theta, have.” He furthered that his motivation in the coding club carries over to his academic career.
“Even if you’re getting A’s, there’s always someone out there who’s doing better than you, and that motivates me to work hard,” Ma said, citing this competitive atmosphere as the primary reason for earning salutatorian.
Also a member of the math team, senior Andrew Ma has been to three state and national conventions and has two state championships as well as one national championship under his belt. (Photo/Joanne Haner)
“[Becoming salutatorian] feels like everything I’ve been working for these past four years has been validated,” Ma said. “Earning this title is really an honor.”
