List of 2019-2020 valedictorians, salutatorians at Mississippi Gulf Coast high schools
Biloxi High School
Valedictorian Piper Lind is the daughter of Kurt and Kaara Lind. She has achieved membership in clubs and organizations including Student Council, National Honor Society, Key Club, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Beta Club, ACT 30’s Club, and selected the 2019 Shrimp Bowl Queen. Along with her volunteer work, she has been a dancer for 15 years and a competitive dancer for 6 years including the role of Clara in the Mississippi Ballet Academy and Arts production of The Nutcracker. Piper plans to attend the University of Mississippi and has been accepted into the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence majoring in Biomedical Engineering
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Salutatorian Mikayla Herndon is the daughter of Sandra and Mike Herndon. She has achieved the National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M Music National Honors Society, selected to the Steven Palazzo Leadership Summit, in band participated in the Biloxi High Marching Band, Biloxi High Jazz Band, served as Clarinet Section Leader and President and Vice President for 2018-2020. Also, awarded Highest Overall Average which include Chemistry, AP Language and Composition. She earned the title of National Merit Finalist and the Biloxi High School Hall of Fame. Mikayla will attend Mississippi State University with a double major in Biochemistry and Clinical Psychology.
D’Iberville High School
Valedictorian Hannah Mosley is the daughter of Michael and Shalisha Mosley. She has achieved the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. Additional interests include reading and creating things. Hannah is currently undecided about where she will continue her education saying, “As far as colleges go, I think it would be best not to be hasty in that decision and I’m taking the year to take a good look at my options.”
Salutatorian Lien Nguyen is the daughter of Hanh and De Nguyen. She has taken part of multiple clubs including Student Council, Key Club, and the National Honor Society. Her interests include reading, drawing and painting, and playing video games. Lien will be a first generation college student attending the University of South Alabama majoring in Biomedical Sciences as Pre-Med and then attend Medical School to establish a clinic of her own.
East Central High School
Valedictorian Rylee Sharpton is the daughter of Wayne and Melinda Sharpton. She has been active in numerous clubs on and off the East Central HS Campus. A four-year member of the ECHS Dance Team serving as Captain and Co-Captain for three years, a STAR student, and representing the East Jackson County Distinguished Young Woman Program for 2020. Rylee will attend Mississippi State University with a double major in Biological Sciences and Chemistry, minor in Spanish, and be a member of the Day One Leadership Community.
Gautier High School
Valedictorian Kathryn McArthur is the daughter of Chris and Stephanie McArthur. She has achieved memberships of Beta Club, President of both Key Club and National Honors Society, Historian of the Gautier Mayor’s Youth Council, four year member of Color Guard and Wind Ensemble, Captain of the Color Guard, and a four member of the Mississippi Lions All State Band. Kathryn plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in biology with a minor in music. She hopes to attend medical school to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in pediatrics.
Salutatorian Perla Arellano is the daughter of Francisco and Florielena Arellano. She has achieved National History Day President, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta Vice President, squad leader for the high brass section in the Gautier High School Marching Band for three years, and a finalist for the Bill Gates Scholarship. Perla will be attending the University of Mississippi majoring in International Studies with a minor in history and politics.
Gulfport High School
Valedictorian Sherry Diamond has achieved the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, Eminent Scholar Award, National Merit Finalist, membership in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Student Council, French Club, FCA, Gulfport Mayor’s Youth Council, Prince Jones Scholar Athlete, Exchange Club Students of the Year, GHS Cheerleader all four years and Co-Captain her Senior year, and the Gulfport High School Hall of Fame. Sherry will be attending Louisiana State University majoring in Biology.
Salutatorian Weston Signs has achieved the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, Eminent Scholar, a National Merit Finalist, membership in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, the Gulfport Mayor’s Youth Council, and Saxophone section leader for the GHS Marching Band. Weston will be attending the University of Alabama with an impressive list of scholarships majoring in Accounting.
Hancock High School
Valedictorian Caroline Ashley Isabella Tibbs is the daughter of Ashley and Catherine Tibbs of Diamondhead. Caroline is attending the University of Mississippi majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications. She hopes to work in the marketing field of a global corporation.
Salutatorian Annie Marie Ladner is the daughter of Jennifer and Jackie Ladner of Necaise. Annie is attending Pearl River Community College and then either transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi working towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner or to Mississippi State University to study engineering.
Harrison Central High School
Valedictorian Alyssa Stoner has achieved being a National Merit Finalist, Star student scoring 36 on the ACT, member of the National Honor Society, VP of National English Honor Society, Treasurer of Science National Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Varsity Captain of the soccer team all four years, and the HCHS Hall of Fame. Alyssa will be attending the University of Mississippi majoring in Biology.
Salutatorian Jeremy Wright has achieved being a National Merit Finalist, STAR student scoring a 36 on the ACT, member of the National Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Interact Club, Spanish Honor Society, the HCHS bowling team, and also served as a leader and member of the Boy Scouts of America. Jeremy will be attending the University of Mississippi majoring in Computer Science.
Long Beach High School
Valedictorian Katie Lynn Baker has achieved a Superintendent’s Academic Award, Hall of Fame Award, and STAR Student. Katie will attend Stanford University in California.
Salutatorian Cameron Delaney Hillman achieved a Superintendent’s Academic Award, Hallof Fame Award, the Overall Four-Year Academic Award for English. “Lainey” will attend the University of Mississippi majoring in Biomedical Engineering and then go to medical school to become a dermatologist.
Moss Point High School
Valedictorian Ninoshka Munoz–De Leon is the daughter of Yerine De Leon. She has achieved the distinction as a Presidential scholar, TechMaster, Mississippi Scholar, MPHS Hall of Fame and Highest Honors. Ninoshka was a member of the National Honor Society, Leadership Club and Foreign Language Club. Ninoshka made a 31 on the ACT and will attend Tougaloo College in the fall and major in Biology/Pre-Med.
Salutatorian Kristen Gonzalez is the daughter of Kimberly Knight Gonzalez. She has achieved National Honor Society, Presidential scholar, Mississippi Scholar, Tech Master, MPHS Hall of Fame and Highest Honor. Kristen made a 28 on the ACT and will attend Tougaloo College in the fall and major in Biology.
Ocean Springs High School
Valedictorian Kaeoka Cambridge Siangco is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate Program at Ocean Springs High School. Kaeoka will be attending Dartmouth College in New Hampshire majoring in General Engineering.
Salutatorian Aydin Elise Virga has lived in five states before moving to Ocean Springs for High School. She was a part of the esteemed AP Capstone Program. Aydin will be attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge through the honors college and accelerated law program majoring in Political Communications.
Our Lady Academy
Valedictorian Paige Elise Palazzo is the daughter of Christina and Steve Palazzo. She has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll all four years, member of National Junior Honor Society, Vice President National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Interact Club, and an Ambassador Representative. Paige was also a four-year letterman of the Cresent Soccer and Tennis Teams. Paige will be attending the University of West Florida with a number of scholarships majoring in mechanical engineering.
Salutatorian Elizabeth Maria Elkins is the daughter of DeeDee and Andy Elkins. She has achieved Principal’s Honor Roll all four years, Mu Alpha Beta Mathematics Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Secretary of National Honor Society, Campus Ministry, Co-Editor of the Yearbook Club, Cresent Athletic Club, Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team, Quiz Bowl Team and an Ambassador Representative. Elizabeth was Class President for her 10 th , 11 th , and 12 th grades. Elizabeth will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall. In addition, she has also been accepted to Millsaps College, Spring Hill College, Saint Louis University, and Drexel University all with scholarships. She plans to major in immunology on the pre-med track.
Pascagoula High School
Valedictorian Alondra Reyes has achieved participation in the National Catholic Forensics League, Sergeant at Arms for the Pascagoula Mayor’s Youth Council, National Speech and Debate Competition including 1 st Place in Original Oratory and Most Valuable Performer, State Champion in Expository Speaking at the MHSAA competition, Speech and Debate President and Vice President, National Honor Society President and Vice President, Envirothon President, published author for Silent Hero NHD, 1 st place age group for the Gobble Wobble 5K, and Rotary Club Student of the month. She has also been involved with notable projects such as the Summer Youth Institute University of Mississippi, Sacrifice for Freedom: Pearl Harbor Silent Hero in Oahu, HI, serving at food pantries, direct people at the bi-annual Pascagoula High School Blood Drive, and volunteer work at the Jackson County Exceptional School. Alondra has not decided where she will attend but has applied to the military academies and Ivy Leagues majoring in International Relations. Being a part of the NHD Silent Hero Program, coming home from her opportunity in Hawaii to study the WWII events of Pearl Harbor had a profound effect on her to serve her country and serve others.
Salutatorian Jadelynn Rudolf has achieved Pascagoula Rotary Club Student of the Month, National Honor Society Treasurer, Speech and Debate Treasurer, National Catholic Forensics League Qualifier, Oak Grove Invitational Dramatic Interpretation, Woodmen of the World Advanced Placement US History Award, Pascagoula Mayor Youth’s Council, Student Council, Theater Production, and volunteering for Our Daily Bread, Jackson County Exceptional School, Free Flowin’ music festival, Hope House, Downtown for the Holidays, and Crusin’ The Coast. Jadelynn will be attending Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS majoring in biology with a minor in psychiatry to pursue her goal of becoming a neuro scientist.
Pass Christian High School
Valedictorian Jimmy Hoang is the son of Lien Pham and the late Tuan Hoang. He has achieved National Merit Finalist status, a STAR student, finished his senior year with a 4.447 weighted GPA, served as drum major for the band and a 3 year member of the Mississippi Lions All State Band. He has participated in the Student Council, Beta Club, National Honor Society, eSports Team, and holding leadership positions in many. He also volunteers at Holy Family Parish, the Pass Christian Public Library, and Back Bay Mission among others. Jimmy has decided to attend Princeton University to pursue a degree in Computer Science and a Certificate in Applied and Computational Mathematics. In the future, he plans to work for NASA.
Salutatorian Emma Palmer is the daughter of Angel and Michael Palmer. She has achieved National Merit Finalist status, finished her senior year with a 4.436 GPA, section leader of the Front Ensemble in the Pride of the Pass band, served as Treasurer for Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, National Honor Society, French Club, and the Knitting Circle. Emma will be attending Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in Biochemistry concentrating in Pre-Medicine and plans to attend medical school and specialize in Neurology.
St. Patrick Catholic High School
Valedictorian Jacob Roberts is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Roberts and plans to attend Mississippi State University majoring in computer science.
Salutatorian Avery King is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David King and plans to attend the University of South Alabama majoring in biomedical sciences.
St. Martin High School
Valedictorian Victoria Gabrielle Lee, daughter of Monty and Darlene Lee, is St. Martin’s 2020 valedictorian. She has served her school as a member of HOSA Future Health Professionals, BETA Club, Student Council, Diamond Girls, STinG Mentoring, Aevidum, Mississippi’s FBLA Southern Vice-President, St. Martin’s FBLA President, and the SMHS Marching Band where she also served as color guard captain. Her commitment to her community is seen in her being the three-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold Level; laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, her service to the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, Operation Christmas Child, The Lord is My Help, Salvation Army, and Illuminate Life. Victoria’s academic success includes an Advanced Diploma, STAR Student, America’s National Teenager 2020, Distinguished Scholar, MS Scholar, Tech Master Scholar, Most Outstanding Color Guard Member 2019, and, finally, a Whiddon’s Scholar at the University of South Alabama with the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, a study abroad scholarship, and the Whiddon’s Honors College Scholarship. She will attend USA and major in psychology with minors in forensics and bio-medical science.
Salutatorian Dana Pham, daughter of Karen Tran and Tri Pham, is St. Martin’s 2020 Salutatorian. She has served her school as both a Representative and Executive Secretary for Student Council, as President and Vice President for BETA Club, as a Secretary for HOSA, and as an Ambassador for Aevidum. Her outstanding volunteer work in the community includes Relay for Life, Fall Fest, the annual BETA Christmas Event, work at the VA Blind Rehab and the Paws 4 Cause 5k, and singing Christmas Carols for the elderly in the Bay Cove Assisted Living Facility. Her academic success includes earning an Advanced Diploma, being a distinguished scholar, MS Scholar, and Tech Master Scholar. She is going to University of South Alabama where she will major in nursing. She received the Jaguar Dream Scholarship and the USA Freshman Admission In-State Tier 2 Scholarship.
Saint Stanislaus College
St. Stanislaus High School has announced co-valedictorians for the Class of 2020. Both are National Merit Finalists with a combined scholarship amount of over $1.1 Million.
Co-Valedictorian Houston Holman is the son of David and Elizabeth Holman. He has achieved membership in the National Honor Society, Varsity Quiz Bowl, eSports Team, Senior Representative in Mu Alpha Theta, National Merit Finalist, and a National Merit Scholarship Award recipient. Houston will attend the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Computer Science.
Co-Valedictorian Brennan Toepfer is the son of Keith Toepfer and Preethi Harrison. He has achieved membership in to the Student Council as President, Co-President of Mu Alpha Theta, Hancock Youth Leadership Association, serves as a Student Minister, Track and Field, and a National Merit Finalist. Brennan will attend the University of Mississippi majoring in Biochemical Engineering at the Center for Manufacturing Excellence.
Vancleave High School
Valedictorian Sydney Salter is the daughter of Stephen and Leslie Salter. She has achieved lettering in soccer, volleyball, track including three consecutive district championships, South State appearance, named MVP, named to the All District Soccer Team, played for Gulf Coast United as well as the Coast All Star Game for three years, earned the scholar athlete award, the Sun Herald All Coast Team, and the Clarion Ledger All State Team. She also has been a member of the BUDS program, National Honor Society, ACT 30+ Club, STAR Student, Most Outstanding Student by her teachers, Math and English Award, Hall of Fame on district level, Female Heisman High School Scholarship State Winner, and on the MDE Student Advisory Council. Sydney will be attending the University of South Alabama on academic and athletic scholarships playing on the USA Women’s Soccer Team and majoring in the Chemical Engineering Honors Program hoping to become a veterinarian or a lawyer.
Salutatorian Cheyenne Strickland is the daughter of Michael and Karen Strickland. She has played varsity volleyball winning both multiple district and statechampionships and awarded Most Offensive Player, Most Valuable Player, and served as Captain. She also has been a part of the Student Council, Spanish Club, BUDS Mentor Program, accepted in to the Medical Program, National Honors Society, Hall of Fame, Mississippi Scholars and Tech Masters, earned Science Award, Explosion of Excellence, Boardwalk Pipeline Scholarship, and the Bulldog Hall of Fame Scholarship. Cheyenne will be attending Pensacola State College on a full athletic scholarship majoring in pre-medicine with a focus on chemistry and then on to medical school to become a doctor in her chosen field.
West Harrison High School
Valedictorian Alexia Manganti is the daughter of Amelito and Divina Manganti. She has achieved the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National French Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Beta Club, and Student Council. Also, She has been a band member for 4 years, hornline captain her Senior year and marched in both the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade. Alexia will be attending the University of South Alabama majoring in Exercise Sciences.
Salutatorian Demetria Labat is the daughter of Kokob Labat and Henry Labat. She has achieved High Honors Graduate, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Beta Club, Senior Secretary of Student Council, Gulfport Mayors’ Youth Council, a member of the WHHS band and Drum Captain for 2 years, and marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade. Demetria will be attending Jackson State University majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
This story was originally published June 19, 2020 at 5:50 AM.