PWCS honored 26 high school students this spring as salutatorians and valedictorians from the 2020 graduating class. From computer science to law, these bright young minds will fan out to seek degrees at major U.S. colleges and universities, more than half of which are in the state of Virginia. Unity Reed High School, formerly known as Stonewall Jackson High School, named three valedictorians this year.
An at-a-glance, look at the aspirations of the 2020 PWCS salutatorians and valedictorians:
Syed will attend George Mason University in the fall to study computer science. Syed hopes to inspire others and create technological leaps within the science field. He wants to apply his knowledge to help those who experience struggles and help create better lives for them. He hopes his future projects and endeavors will accomplish this and leave a great impact on the world.
Beyene will attend Stanford University in the fall to major in political science on a pre-law track. Beyene aspires to continue contributing to those around her as a servant leader. Whether it be as a social activist or perhaps a political figure, she hopes to use her voice to empower, uplift, and unify as all leaders should.
Farias will be attending the University of Virginia, where he plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Kim will be attending the University of Virginia as a legacy this fall. She plans on majoring in biology to pursue a future in medicine. Through her studies, she aspires to become a physician and assist those who are less fortunate and in need. She wants to have a positive impact on the world and persevere through any challenges along the way.
Buettner will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and has plans to study life science.
Gladstone will attend the University of Virginia and study mechanical engineering. He hopes to make the world a better place through innovative technology, whether that be by working for engineering companies, creating new technology businesses, or inventing new products.
Rigby will attend the University of Virginia to study engineering. By using the knowledge and skills she gains through her studies and career, she hopes to make the world a better place. Her goal is to use innovative ideas to benefit the lives of others.
Koirala will attend the University of Virginia, and study computer science. Koirala aspires to create innovations in technology and safety for the future society by utilizing his education, experience, and knowledge.
Huynh will attend George Mason University in the fall to study computer science. He hopes that through his studies in computer science, he will be able to provide solutions to meet the demands of those in need, create tools that expand equity, and innovate to optimize daily lives.
Al-Hamdy will attend James Madison University and major in finance. Regardless of his career, he wants to do whatever he can to help people.
Tran will study computer science in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech. He aspires to find a fun career in which he can support his family and give back to the community.
Domingos-Kioza will attend the University of Virginia and majoring in global development studies with a minor in biomedical engineering. She hopes to work for the benefit of regions and groups of people around the world. Domingos-Kioza attended Hylton High in order to learn about different languages and cultures. As a graduate from the school, she aspires to help people achieve a better life, whether it's through science or working for an international organization.
Manandhar plans on attending the University of Virginia as a Rodman Scholar. He plans on a double major in chemistry and computer science, on a possible pre-medical track. He hopes to improve the process of computer automation in dentistry and surgery and utilize sensors to locate fossils in environments that are not easily accessible with current methods in the paleontology field.
Pant will be attending Virginia Tech to major in computer science and minor in international public policy. He hopes his studies will allow him to work in the fields of cyber security and national security. He wants to use his skills and experience to help protect the nation's most important programs, systems, and infrastructure. In the long term, he hopes to work as a professor or teacher. Pant is passionate about mentoring and working with adolescent students and believes he can affect real change in a classroom.
Gigi plans to attend the University of Virginia to major in finance. He has an interest in the securities markets and venture capitalism. Gigi hopes to achieve a position that allows him the opportunity to help others in meaningful ways and inspire young people to be the best version of themselves. Gigi aspires to influence consumers' lives in a positive manner.
Osei will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. He plans to major in economics with a concentration in finance. He wants people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to have easier access to banking. He hopes individuals of all wealth levels can gain financial independence and achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Nguyen will be attending the University of Virginia to study computer science and/or applied math. He hopes to help advance technology through computer-focused research.
Garrigan will be attending Northern Virginia Community College to major in neuroscience. Originally, before the pandemic crisis, she was planning on participating in an international bridge-year program called Global Citizen Year, in which she would travel to Ecuador for language and cultural immersion, service projects, and fellowship. She said she hopes she will still be able to participate in this program for the 2021-22 academic year. Garrigan hopes that she will be able to live a life of service and hopes to continue to infuse community service into her work and study.