GGUSD Board of Education Honors Class of 2023 Valedictorians

• Thursday, May 4, 2023

The Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) Board of Education celebrated the district’s 14 Class of 2023 high school valedictorians during its meeting on May 3 with a video spotlight of each of the accomplished scholars.

“The Board of Education is proud of these amazing scholars who have made the most of their high school career and are well on their way to lifelong success,” said Board of Education Vice President Teri Rocco.

Bolsa Grande High School co-valedictorian Angeline Nguyen will attend the University of California, Los Angeles to major in Neuroscience and pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. Her accomplishments include being named Woman of the Month, being on the Principal’s Honor Roll, and earning AP Scholar with Distinction.

Bolsa Grande High School co-valedictorian Catherine Palm will attend California State University Long Beach with hopes to pursue a career as a Neonatal Physician. Her accomplishments include being President’s Scholar (CSULB), National Merit Scholar, Garden Grove Student Athlete of Character, and Cross Country Garden Grove League MVP sophomore and senior year.

Garden Grove High School tri-valedictorian David Kim will attend the University of California, Irvine to major in Computer Science and Engineering.  His accomplishments include being an Eagle Scout, earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award and Certificate of Merit Piano State Honors.

Garden Grove High School tri-valedictorian Kandice Nguyen will attend the University of California, Irvine in the fall with plans to pursue a career in healthcare. Her accomplishments include earning first place in the JV Backstroke in League Finals, earning the title of National Merit Scholar and high school valedictorian, and earning several 5’s on her AP exams.

Garden Grove High School tri-valedictorian Uyen Nguyen will attend UCI with plans to become a Pediatric Nurse. In high school, she took 15 Advanced Placement classes, serves on the Board of Red Cross where she discovered her interest in the medical field, and enjoys participating in the Class of 2023 Club.

Hare High School valedictorian Deisy Canales will attend Cypress College in the fall with plans to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Her accomplishments include being nominated for Student of the Week, being on the Principals Honor Roll, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

La Quinta High School valedictorian Noah Tran will attend the University of California, Berkeley to double major in Applied Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. His accomplishments include being named Aztec of the Year Finalist, earning his Guild Audition Piano High School Diploma, and taking a total of 14 AP classes.

Los Amigos High School co-valedictorian Zurisadai Aranda Azpeitia will attend the University of California, Los Angeles to double major in Latin American Studies and Education Studies with the goal of becoming an educator. Her accomplishments include being an AP Scholar with Distinction, earning the National Hispanic Recognition Award, and being a Gates Scholarship Finalist.

Los Amigos High School co-valedictorian Daniel Contreras will attend the University of California, Los Angeles to major in Computer Science with the goal to become a Software or Computer Engineer for a tech company. His accomplishments include being a Simon Scholar, member of the National Honor Society and earning the State Seal of Biliteracy and Civic Engagement.

Pacifica High School valedictorian Rachel Yun earned a full QuestBridge Match Scholarship to Yale University where she will double major in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and English with plans to pursue a career as a Cardiovascular Surgeon or Neurosurgeon and publish at least one book of poetry or fiction. Her accomplishments include being named a Gates Scholar, publishing a research paper on neuroplasticity with the International Journal of Health Sciences, and leading the NJROTC to nationals where they earned fourth place.

Rancho Alamitos High School valedictorian Valentine Nguyen will attend the University of California, Los Angles to major in Human Biology and Society with the goal of becoming a Surgeon. Her accomplishments include representing Rancho Alamitos High School as a Girls State Delegate in Sacramento and being named a Simon Scholar, a USC Bovard Scholar and a Garden Grove Elk’s December Student of the Month.

Santiago High School tri-valedictorian Nhu Cao will attend the University of California, Los Angeles to major in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. Her accomplishments include being an AVID Senior Stand-out, being selected for the California Youth Council, joining the Leadership Team for the Orange County Youth Council, and being President of Friday Night Live.

Santiago High School tri-valedictorian Kevin Wong will attend the University of California, Los Angeles and will pursue a career at a large tech company. His accomplishments include getting into his dream school (UCLA), serving as an officer for the Red Cross and CSF clubs, and completing the Early College Academy.

Santiago High School tri-valedictorian Sarah Van will attend Yale University in the fall. She hopes to pursue a career as a Psychiatrist or a Chemist. Her accomplishments include receiving the Questbridge National College Match, being named Key Club’s Club of the Year, and receiving the Key Club Silver Award for Service.

 

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