These 6 Gators Top Their Class

Most high schools have one valedictorian and a single salutatorian. That’s not the case at where six students are at the top of the class this year.

The high school has a traditional valedictorian and salutatorian and the International Baccalaureate program boasts three students who tied for valedictorian and one who was named salutatorian.

These six high achievers recently sat down with Patch to talk about the honor, offer their advice for other students and discuss their future plans.

Zachary Higgins, 17

Class ranking: Traditional valedictorian with a 4.61 grade point average

Plans for the future: He intends to go to college to major in either math or science. Eventually, he’d like to be a professor.

Advice for other students: “Pay attention,” he said. “Do what you need to (in order to) get the good grades.”

Hobbies: Soccer, other sports and reading.

Allyssa Webb, 17

Class ranking: Traditional salutatorian with a 4.428 GPA

Plans for the future: Allyssa hopes to attend the University of South Florida and has plans to eventually go to pharmacy school.

Advice for other teens: “Take school seriously and do your best.”

Hobbies: Allyssa likes to read and volunteers at University Community Hospital.

Victoria Padgett, 17

Class ranking: IB valedictorian with a 4.738 GPA

Plans for the future: She intends to go to the University of Florida to major in biology or neuroscience.

Advice for other students: “Just put forth the best effort and make it your goal to work hard,” she said. “You have to prioritize.”

Hobbies: Victoria runs cross country and is on the track team. She also volunteers. “I really enjoy working with kids.”

Wenyi Gu, 18

Class ranking: IB valedictorian with a 4.738 GPA

Plans for the future: Wenyi will attend Princeton and plans to major in political science. Eventually, she’d like to work in international law.

Advice for other students: “Stay focused and have good time management skills,” she said. “Keep your eyes on the goal.”

Hobbies: She’s in band and plays both the clarinet and piano.

Erin Chow, 18

Class ranking: IB valedictorian with a 4.738 GPA

Plans for the future: She’s undecided on a college at his point, but wants to major in history with an eye toward entering pre-med. Eventually she’d like to become a nurse, physician’s assistant or doctor so she can specialize in overseas medical missions.

Advice for other students: “Keep an open mind as you go through high school,” she said. “Your likes and dislikes change.”

Hobbies: Hiking and camping. Erin says she is really “outdoorsy.” She also likes to play tennis, the guitar and volunteers at Pine View Elementary School and other locations.

Rebecca Hamilton, 17

Class ranking: IB salutatorian with a 4.69 GPA

Plans for the future: She’s undecided on where to go but wants to major in marine biology and hopes to become a teacher or researcher.

Advice for other students: “In order to succeed in things, having a goal in mind is a good thing,” she said. “I know what I want to achieve.”

Hobbies: Rebecca plays the guitar and likes horseback riding. She also volunteers at Quantum Leap Farm.

Land O' Lakes High School's graduation ceremony is set for May 27 at 5 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.