Each ABSS high school recently recognized its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025 during their graduation exercises.
This marks the second year that high-achieving ABSS graduates have received Latin honors, rather than class rankings based strictly on final Grade Point Averages that had been used to determine each high school’s Top 10 graduates.
All 14 valedictorians and salutatorians in the Class of 2025 were dually-enrolled in the Career and College Program (CCP) at Alamance Community College, enabling them to earn college credits while also completing the requirements to graduate from high school.
Three top-ranking graduates – Graham High School valedictorian Skylar Parsons, Southern High co-salutatorian Rylee Senecal, and Williams High School salutatorian Inaaya Siddiqui – simultaneously earned their high school diplomas and an associate’s degree from ACC.
All 14 valedictorians and salutatorians are planning to attend college. Six will be heading to the state’s flagship public university in Chapel Hill next month; two are heading to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University; and two are staying in the county to attend Elon University. Two of this year’s valedictorians (Grettel Martinez Rojas from Cummings and Sophia Parsley from Southern) are planning to attend UNC-Greensboro and Wake Forest University, respectively.
Two valedictorians have overcome additional challenges to excel in high school: Southeast High School valedictorian Preskee La describes herself as a refugee whose parents had little education; and Western High School valedictorian Francisco Perez Velasquez is a native of Ecuador who became a naturalized U.S. citizen two years ago.
The name of the valedictorian and salutatorian for each of the seven traditional ABSS high schools is listed below, in alphabetical order by school, along with reflections on his/her accomplishments during high school and plans after graduation.
CUMMINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Grettel Martinez Rojas, 18, is the daughter of Quirino Martinez and Griselda Rojas of Burlington. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has been awarded several college scholarships, including being accepted as a Guarantee Scholar at UNCG, a program that provides financial assistance for high-achieving college freshmen whose families meet certain income thresholds.
Rojas has also been awarded a Lula Martin McIver Scholarship worth $5,631 per year and a Golden Leaf Scholarship worth $3,500 for each year of college. She’s planning to major in Kinesiology, the science of movement and performance, to become a physical therapist. “I have always wanted to help others and as a physical therapist I will have the opportunity to help patients through their recovery/rehabilitation process and give them a better quality of life,” Rojas tells The Alamance News.
The Cummings High School valedictorian also points out that she will be the first in her family to attend college. “As a first-generation college student I am excited to have the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree, and eventually a doctorate degree, as I will be able to honor the sacrifices of my parents. I hope to serve as a role model for other first generation students and show that being a first-gen student is not a limitation but a motivation,” Rojas says.
Rojas’ activities outside the classroom included serving as the secretary for the National Honor Society. She was also in the Freedom Scholars Program at Elon University and a member of the SkillsUSA Club (a career and technical student organization) at Cummings.
“My favorite class I’ve taken during high school has been my British Literature class I took through ACC,” Rojas tells The Alamance News. “It opened my mind to literature that is beyond that of which I had previously been exposed to.”
Reflecting on her next chapter in life, Rojas says, “What I will most miss about high school is being surrounded by some of the teachers who genuinely care for us and are willing to go the extra mile to help. I will be forever grateful and will remember the teachers who have helped shape who I am today.”
Salutatorian Bryan Montano Del Mazo did not respond to an inquiry from The Alamance News.
EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Marissa Elam, 18, who is the daughter of Monica and John Elam of Mebane, plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in User Experience Design and minor in dance, for which she has received a scholarship of $28,211 for up to each of four years.
Elam’s extracurricular activities have included: studying and performing at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill; performing as a member of the Chapel Hill Dance Theater since 2018; serving as a member of the National Honor Society and National Art Honor society at Eastern; and competing in the ABSS Science Olympiad during her junior year. She also attended the North Carolina School of the Arts ballet intensive summer program in 2022 and 2023 and choreographed ballet pieces for the Chapel Hill Dance Theater and North Carolina School of the Arts Winter Festival.
Elam’s accolades include: the Carol Richards Dance Award; first place winner in the Regional, District and School Science Fair, Chemistry category; Excellence in Python (coding language); choreographed a contemporary ballet piece, in addition to attending the N.C. Governor’s School for a month of intensive study in dance.
Elam has been employed as a Ballet and Jazz Teacher Assistant at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill and Summer Arts and Dance Camp teacher assistant since 2020.
The valedictorian for Eastern’s Class of 2025 credits her parents with motivating her to excel, as well as her sister who was the class valedictorian at Eastern High School in 2022.
Salutatorian Abby Brinker, 17, is the daughter of Jessica and Jason Brinker of Mebane.
Brinker plans to attend Elon University but has yet to settle on a major, though she will play soccer for the Phoenix. She has received several college scholarships, including: an athletic scholarship; Elon University Presidential Award; and an Elon College Fellows Scholarship.
Brinker’s extracurricular activities at Eastern have included: National Honors Society officer; student body president; key club member; captain of the girls’ soccer team at Eastern and of the N.C. Fusion Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) girls’ soccer team in Greensboro; and captain of the Eagles’ swim team.
Brinker helped the girls’ soccer team at Eastern bring home numerous titles during her time in high school, including: ECNL Mid-Atlantic All-Conference in 2022-23 and 2023-24; North Carolina High School Athletics Association 3A State Champion in2023 and runner-up in 2022; Central 3A All Conference in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and All Region in 2023 and 2024; and All State in girls’ soccer for 2024. Brinker also holds the high school’s record in girls’ soccer for most career goals. She has also worked at the Dogwood Swimming Pool in Mebane during high school.
The salutatorian says her most memorable experience at Eastern was “winning the state championship in soccer while representing my school [and] passing my first AP exam.”
Like many of her high-achieving peers in the Class of 2025, Brinker says her parents always pushed her to give 100 percent and to follow through once she committed herself to something.
GRAHAM HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Skylar Parsons, 18, is the daughter of Dee Dee and Patrick Parsons of Graham. She is planning to attend UNC-Chapel Hill to study nursing on an academic scholarship.
Parson’s extracurricular activities have included playing club soccer and club volleyball, in addition to working at Tropical Smoothie Café and in between her classes at Graham High School and ACC.
“What I’ll miss most about high school is my friends, but I can’t wait to make new ones as I move forward,” Parsons says, as she credits her mother with motivating her to excel in school and beyond.
Salutatorian Mareli Aureoles, 18, is the daughter of Maria Leon and Elidio Aureoles of Graham. She is planning on attending Elon University to major in biology, for which she has received an Odyssey Scholarship.
The Odyssey Scholarship is designated for students who will be the first in their families to attend college; have overcome significant obstacles to excel academically; and will bring cultural or socioeconomic diversity to the university, according to the parameters outlined by Elon University.
Aureoles’ extracurricular activities in high school have included: volleyball; National Honor Society; Queens in Pearls (a girls’ mentoring program offered through a local nonprofit that works to instill self-confidence in young women and teach them to overcome adversity); and Elon University’s Village Project.
SOUTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Preskee La, 18, is the daughter of Naw Paw and Eh Kee La of Graham. La will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill to major in business, for which she has received a Carolina Covenant Scholarship, which is a full ride for students from families whose incomes meet certain eligibility requirements.
The valedictorian’s extracurricular activities have included volunteering with an ASPIRE leadership program; and serving as a member of the National Honor Society at Southeast and as a youth leader at Durham Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
One of La’s passions includes hosting a podcast, for which she interviews other students about their passions and how they have shaped them, she tells the newspaper.
“Although I am nervous, I am most excited about the opportunity to keep growing,” says La. “I look forward to all the challenges that life will give me and use my experiences to grow as a person. I’m excited to use my perspective to encourage others and show them the value of education. Most importantly, I want to use this chance as an opportunity to help people like me.”
In addition to wanting to make her parents proud, La says she had an “amazing counselor” at Southeast whose encouragement helped her to succeed in school and beyond. “Every time I felt discouraged and felt like I couldn’t do something, she gave me a glimmer of hope and told me that I wasn’t alone, that I could get through all of this,” she elaborates.
“Coming from a distinct background with my parents having very minimal education, I promised myself and carried a deep desire to make them proud,” Southeast’s valedictorian says.
“As a refugee, I am so incredibly fortunate and blessed to have access to opportunities, particularly in education, that were not available to my parents,” La tells the newspaper. “These experiences have taught me to appreciate the value of learning and perseverance. My parents have shaped my mindset to value every opportunity I can get, strive for excellence, and take on every challenge that may come my way. My journey has brought me to be the best version of myself.”
Salutatorian Carson Story, 17, who is the daughter of Jennifer and Tim Story of Haw River, will be attending UNC–Chapel Hill to study nursing, for which she has received a State Employees’ Credit Union People Helping People Scholarship.
Story has been both a standout scholar and standout athlete at Southeast, where she served as captain of the women’s varsity swim and soccer teams; the latter won the 3A State championship in women’s soccer in 2023. She was also named Academic All Conference.
“I loved being a part of the women’s soccer team at Southeast,” says Story. “Being able to make it to the second round of playoffs in our first year was incredible. It showed our drive and the large amount of work Coach Brooks and the captains put in for us to be successful.”
Story has also served as senior class president; an officer in the National Honor Society; a member of the the ASPIRE student leadership team; a junior marshal; and a semi-finalist for a Morehead-Cain Scholarship.
“My parents motivated me the most through high school to be my best self,” the salutatorian adds. “They have always been hard on me to succeed in high school and life. At Southeast, Coach Brooks also really helped me grow through soccer and get ready for college.”
SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Sophia Parsley, 18, is the daughter of Amanda and Jacob Parsley of Liberty. She will attend Wake Forest University but hasn’t yet decided on a major.
Her extracurricular activities at Southern have included: Bible Club (president); the career and technical student service organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Fellowship of Christian Athletes; student council; National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; Link Crew; and volunteering in the nursery at her church and with the after-school program at E.M. Holt Elementary School.
Parsley’s activities and accolades at Southern High School have included: being named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors; serving as junior marshal; and competing in the FCCLA National Leadership Conference three times.
“My favorite classes were health sciences,” Parsley recalls of her time at Southern High School. “Not only was the content super interesting, but [my teacher was incredible], knew her stuff, and actually enjoyed teaching. I also enjoyed her random side conversations that would get us off track, but taught us important life lessons.”
Like many of Southern’s previous valedictorians, Friday Night Lights is a common fond recollection for Parsley. “One of my favorite high school memories was watching the dance battle to ‘Get Low’ between the dancers and football players during the homecoming pep rally during my sophomore year,” Parsley tells the newspaper.
“The thing that I will miss the most from high school would be the football games. Generations of Southern Alamance residents come together to cheer on the Patriots every Friday night and that was something I loved being a part of. The one thing that I am most excited for in the future would be all of my travel plans. As much as I love my community, I am ready to see the world, experience different cultures, and meet new people.”
Self-motivated to succeed, Parsley says, “No one wanted me to succeed more than me, but I am blessed to have an incredibly supportive family and best friend right by my side to help me achieve my goals.”
Co-salutatorian Katelyn Rumley, 18, is the daughter of Andrea and Thomas Rumley of Haw River. She is planning to attend N.C. State University to major in environmental science.
Rumley’s extracurricular activities and awards at Southern have included: girls’ volleyball (all four years), National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society; AP Scholar; ServSafe Certification (the industry standard for foodservice safety); two-time winner of the Academic All-Conference Award; Excellence in Science and Excellence in Mathematics awards from Southern; Summa Cum Laude; N.C. Academic Scholar; ACC transfer pathway for an Associates in Arts degree; and N.C. High School Athletics Association Scholar Athlete Individual and Team awards.
“My favorite classes were AP Environmental Science and AP Statistics,” the co-salutatorian recalls. “The course content along with the help of great teachers made me look forward to these classes.”
“I [also] liked attending school sporting events and cheering on our team,” says Rumley. “The student section was always fun and I enjoyed being a part of it.”
Co-salutatorian Rylee Senecal, 18, is the son of Carie and Ken Senecal of Burlington. “I will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Biology on the pre-med track,” for which he has received a State Employees’ Credit Union scholarship to offset part of the costs of tuition.
Senecal’s extracurricular activities in high school have included: National Honor Society president; Future Farmers of America chapter vice president; student council representative; Hunter Safety Team member, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Southern.
Senecal has won numerous awards during his time in FFA at Southern, including: National Nursery Landscape Career Development Event (CDE) Champion; National Forestry CDE Individual Placer, 3rd Place; Highest Individual in the State for the Nursery Landscape CDE (N.C. FFA); and state champion for the Forestry and Nursery Landscape CDE Events (N.C. FFA). He has worked throughout high school at Curtis Flower Farm in Snow Camp. Senecal says he also received a National Distinguished Student Leadership Award for the National Student Council Association.
“My most memorable experience in high school was when my team and I won the National Nursery Landscape competition at the National FFA convention in Indianapolis,” the co-salutatorian recalls.
A desire to build a strong future for himself motivated him throughout high school, Senecal says. “If I don’t put in the work now it will reflect in my future, and I live by the quote, ‘You reap what you sow,’ every day,” he explains.
WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Francisco Perez Velasquez, 18, is the son of Gisella Velasquez and Christopher Perez of Elon. This fall, he will be attending the University of Chicago to major in Business Economics with a minor in Finance. He was a finalist for a full scholarship through QuestBridge and was one of 2,627 U.S. high school seniors (and 132 planning to attend the University of Chicago) to receive a National College Match Scholarship Recipient for the Class of 2029.
The valedictorian at Western High School was busy both at school and in his community. Throughout high school he has served as: Co-Founder and Current President of SINAI, a youth ministry at Blessed Sacrament Church; led a youth revival; co-founded the confirmation program portion of the youth ministry; hosted a retreat; and spoken at parish-wide events. “The ministry now serves over 300 youth,” says Velasquez, noting that he continues to mentor his peers and advocate for Catholic identity.
“Beyond academics, I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, which has led to a deep involvement in my church and various service organizations, each of which has become an integral part of my identity,” says Velasquez.
Velasquez’s academic accolades include: 2025 finalist for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Program; Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Semifinalist; North Carolina Governor’s School nominee; honored by the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program and the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program; twice named an AP Scholar by the College Board and ABSS; National Honor Society / Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica recognition; and the President’s List at the Part-Time Honors list at ACC, among others.
A certified Red Cross lifeguard and WSI-certified (Water Safety Instructor), he has also been honored twice for exemplary leadership, high competency, vital rescue actions, and for going above and beyond expectations in lifeguarding.
Rodriguez says his favorite classes at Western were AP Research and AP United States History.
“I enjoyed the challenge of AP United States History (APUSH) and developed a meaningful connection with Mr. Suttles, who became one of my most impactful teachers,” the valedictorian explains. “Mrs. Williams taught me AP Human Geography during my sophomore year and later AP Research in my junior year, allowing her to truly witness and be a part of my academic and personal growth.”
He says one of his most memorable experiences was meeting his counselor during class registration for his sophomore year at Western. “I recall seeing my class rank for the first time and jokingly asking, ‘Do I have a chance of getting into Harvard?’” Velasquez tells the newspaper. “It started as a lighthearted comment, but over time, that conversation became more realistic. I didn’t end up at Harvard, but earning a full-ride scholarship to the University of Chicago, one of the world’s greatest universities, has been just as impressive.”
“I had to become the person who come break through and overcome adversity,” the valedictorian adds. “Even during the most challenging moments of the past four years, I believed in my heart that I could have the life I wanted, and I did what I said I would do, all by the grace of God. Despite everything, I have only completed the prerequisites for the greatness that lies ahead. My final academic standing in high school is not the end of the story.”
Co-Salutatorian Juliette Onder, 17, is the daughter of Shelly Pilversack and Gregory Onder of Elon. She plans to attend North Carolina State University to major in engineering.
In addition to being dually-enrolled at ACC, Onder was also dually-enrolled at Elon University, where she took four classes this year, including Multivariable Calculus, Italian, and Psychology.
Outside of her studies, Onders was a member of: the cross country and swim teams and competed at Regionals in both sports during senior year; competitive dance and dance team (9th-11th); served as game day Captain; awarded All-American Dancer by the National Dance Alliance; and was a member of the National Honor Society and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. She was a volunteer tutor for other students and a member of the Key Club and Interact Club at Williams, as well, Onder tells the newspaper, adding that her favorite classes were AP Calculus and AP Chemistry.
Onder’s accolades include: National Merit Commended Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction and Capstone Scholar; and Female Scholar Athlete Award.
“I was accepted to NC Governor’s School for Natural Science, and it was one of the best experiences of high school,” the salutatorian recalls. “I met new people, learned a lot, and had so much fun during those four weeks.”
Co-Salutatorian Hamilton Plunkett, 18, is the son of Graham attorney Clay Plunkett and Jill Plunkett, who live in Elon.
Next month, Plunkett will head to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study business on a four-year academic scholarship. He has also received a one-time, $2,500 Danny Patton Scholarship for golf from the Alamance Community Foundation. The scholarship is reserved for seniors on Western’s Men’s and Women’s golf teams, baseball team, and/or cheer team who demonstrate good character, a love of their sport, and plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university, according to the Alamance Community Foundation.
Plunkett simultaneously earned his high school diploma while also dually-enrolled at Alamance Community College and taking a communications class at Elon University during his senior year at Western. His extracurricular activities included serving as vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and as a member of the National Honors Society and Spanish National Honors Society.
The rising Carolina freshman was also a standout athlete who played football and basketball during all four years at Western; ran track during his freshman and sophomore years; and played men’s golf for the Warriors during junior and senior year.
“My most memorable experience was playing both offense and defense in football my senior year and winning the home playoff game against Vance County,” Plunkett recalls for The Alamance News.
Plunkett joins six other ABSS valedictorians, salutatorians, and co-salutatorians who graduated in June and plan to attend the state’s flagship public university in Chapel Hill.
[See Editor’s Note below about Plunkett’s omission from an earlier story about valedictorians and salutatorians.]
WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Lauren Turner, 18, is the daughter of Candace and Sam Turner of Burlington.
“I plan on attending UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall with the intention of double majoring in Mathematics (BS) as well as Statistics and Analytics,” Turner tells the newspaper, adding that AP Calculus and AP Statistics “were likely my favorite classes during high school.”
“I played varsity tennis all four years as well as varsity swim all four years.
Her other extracurricular activities at Williams High School have included serving as: student body president; National Honor Society president; Mu Alpha Theta deputy prime minister; and participating in the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) for the past three years. Turner was also a member of: Kiwanis (Key) Club; UNICEF; DREAM team; National Beta Club; and National English Honor Society, in addition to being active in the youth group at Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington.
The valedictorian’s awards during high school include: AP Scholar with Distinction; Superintendent’s Award for Excellence; Mathematics Achievement Award; Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award; Academic All-Conference for both tennis and swim each year; All-Conference for both tennis and swim each year; All-Region for tennis during sophomore, junior, and senior year; All-State for tennis in 2024; and the Alamance Junior Tennis Foundation Sportsmanship Award.
Turner has worked during high school at the Olde Forest Racquet Club.
“I am most inspired by my parents, my friends, and my IB teachers, who all helped to push me to be the best version of myself,” Turner says.
Salutatorian Inaaya Siddiqui, 18, is the daughter of Mohsin and Saman Siddiqui of Burlington and will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill to study biology, for which she has received an Eden’s Family Scholarship and a Burlington Civitan Scholarship.
The salutatorian’s extracurricular activities have included: Co-founder of UNICEF Club at Williams; National Beta Club; vice president of National Art Honors Society; volunteer at the Al Aqsa Community Clinic at Burlington Masjid, where she also serves as a Sunday School teacher volunteer; member of the Freedom Scholars Program and Elon Research Program at Elon University; and member of two honor societies, Mu Alpha Theta, and the National English Honor Society. In addition, she also attended the Governor’s School during the summer before her senior year at Williams.
“My favorite classes were those I took through the art department at Williams, including pottery and visual arts,” Siddiqui recalls. “I enjoyed my [International Baccalaureate] classes with the IB faculty at Williams; they challenged me to think critically.”
“The most memorable experience co-hosting the Cultural Festival at Williams with the UNICEF club,” the salutatorian tells the newspaper.
“What motivated me to excel was knowing that my hard work wasn’t just for me,” Siddiqui adds. “It was for the people who sacrificed so much so I could be here – my family’s sacrifices; my parents’ long hours; and the example they set pushed me to make the most of every opportunity.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Western Co-Salutatorian Hamilton Plunkett’s biographical sketch and achievements were omitted from last week’s print edition and an earlier online story about this year’s valedictorians, salutatorians, and co-salutatorians after officials at Western failed to identify him as a co-salutatorian, according to the ABSS administration.
