When most people think of the best students in high school, they usually think of the valedictorian, the student with a 4.0 GPA who is involved in almost every extracurricular activity offered at school. They often overshadow the achievements and honors taken by the second-best student in the grade, the salutatorian. This year’s salutatorian, Gabriella Simal, is a co-captain of Mepham’s kickline team and makes herself a role model for students pursuing the sciences at Mepham. I asked Gabby a few questions about her time at Mepham as she prepares to graduate at the top of the class.

What does being salutatorian mean to you?

“Being salutatorian means that my dedication and hard work has paid off. I have maintained a really strong work ethic throughout my time at Mepham, and it’s really nice to be recognized for it.”

How did you react when you found out you were selected as one of the top two students of the Class of 2023?

“I was very excited and I couldn’t believe it.”

What was your favorite memory from Mepham over the past four years?

“My favorite memory at Mepham is the football games. Being on the kickline team and having that opportunity to emerge myself in school spirit is something I always looked forward to.”

What were some awards and honors you’ve earned over your four years at Mepham?

“[I was honored as] AP Scholar with Honor, [a member of the] Math, English, Science, History, Spanish, and National Honor Societies, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and Salutatorian.”

What was your favorite class at Mepham and why?

“My favorite class at Mepham was AP Biology because it led me to my passion and future career endeavors.”

Where are you going to school next year, and what will you be majoring in? And where do you see yourself in five years?

“I am going to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I am majoring in biology. In five years I see myself working to be a physician assistant specializing in pediatric oncology.”

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

“I would say to really get involved in the school and take advantage of all the opportunities they provide.”