SAUSD 2020 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Century High School

Valedictorian
Fatima Rodriguez
College: College of the Holy Cross
Major: Neurobiology
It is an honor to be recognized as a top 100 student. High school has been an amazing journey. I am happy to see that my hard work has paid off. I would love to thank my family, counselors, and friends for their support.

Salutatorian
Judit Perez
College: Johnson & Wales University
Major: Visual Communications
It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top 100 seniors in the district. Century High School has played an important role in my educational journey. I would like to thank my family and advisors for supporting me throughout this journey.

Chavez High School

Valedictorian
America Corona
College: Santa Ana College
Major: Biology
It is an honor to be part of the Top 100 students in SAUSD. High school came with many challenges and obstacles so this award will always be a moment to remember. No matter what happened in the past, I am a better person now with the energy to keep accomplishing my goals. This would not have been possible without the help and support of my teachers, counselors and my parents. This honor will remind me that hard work pays off and it will give me strength for the years in school to come.

Salutatorian
Bruce Ortiz
College: Santa Ana College
Major: Physics/Art
I am full of invigorating energy by being selected as a Top 100 student in SAUSD. It proves that I can do anything as long as I am committed. I want to give thanks and appreciation to my fellow comrades, teachers, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Cairns, and most especially my family, and the SAUSD. Without this support, my will, credo, determination, and drive for success this wouldn’t have been possible.

Godinez Fundamental High School 

Valedictorian
Emma Gutierrez
College: Columbia University
Major: Bio Engineering
Knowing I have been selected as part of the Top 100 makes me overjoyed that all my hard work has paid off. I am confident that I am on the right path to succeed in college. In addition, I would like to thank all my teachers and counselors.

Salutatorian
Natalie Flores
College: USC
Major: Biology
I am honored to be amongst the top students in Santa Ana to represent my community well. My diligent work ethic and years of academic challenges have built perseverance and led me to success. I hope to continue my academic excellence in college and build my legacy.

Lorin Griset Academy

Valedictorian
Sarai Elias
College: Santa Ana College
Major: Sociology
I am so excited and really happy to be selected as part of the Top 100. I am currently completing my first semester at Santa Ana College and plan on transferring to a university and becoming a Social Worker.

Salutatorian
Jose Abraham Munoz
College: Santa Ana College
Major: Art
I am honored to be selected and represent Lorin Griset Academy in the Top 100. I am working full-time right now and will be starting Santa Ana College in the future to study Art.

Middle College High School

Valedictorian
Franklin Guevara
College: Stanford University
Major: Chemical Engineering
I am greatly honored and appreciative for this recognition as a Top 100 student. I believe that this is only the beginning and that I, along with my fellow peers, will be able to blaze new trails and change the course of those that will look up to us. I hope that I will achieve my own dream of participating in groundbreaking research that positively impacts the world.

Salutatorian
Pedro Morales
College: Cal State University, Fullerton
Major: Computer Science
Thank you for this honor. This recognition validates that my hard work has paid off. I feel honored and privileged to be among hardworking and goal driven students.

Santa Ana High School

Valedictorian
Priscilla Arceo
College: University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: English
It's a great feeling to be recognized as Top 100 in the district. I am extremely grateful for all the love and support I receive from my friends and family. I am excited to continue learning and to come back to my community to forge an even better future. A huge thank you to Mr.
Skelly, Cielo, and my closest friends for being a constant driving force and motivation for me.

Salutatorian
Sergio Escobar
College: University of California, Irvine
Major: Computer Science
I am truly honored to be in the Top 100 this year. Throughout my time at Santa Ana High School, I have learned to overcome adversity and to have pride in myself. Being recognized for my accomplishments gives me the courage to keep moving forward in order to make the world a better place.

Santa Ana Valley High School

Valedictorian
Jose Mendoza Ruiz
College: USC
Major: Communications
This recognition shows how hard work and dedication can result in admission to my dream school. It is truly an honor to be one of the Top 100 in the SAUSD. Along with other students from other schools, I believe we can change the world.

Salutatorian
Monique Caridad
College: UCLA
Major: Math
This honor represents my life as a scholar: determined, diligent and hardworking. Not only does this award give me deep significance but it is significant to my immigrant parents that sacrificed so much to ensure I receive an education.

Saddleback High School

Valedictorian
Benito Garduno
College: UC Los Angeles
Major: Civil Engineering
Being in the Top 100, to me, means finally seeing the effort I have put in my education over the past 4 years, and has got me closer to one day being the first in my family to get a college degree.

Salutatorian
Jamila Jezabel Penaloza
College: UC Los Angeles
Major: Psychology
Being part of the Top 100 means I am on my way to completing my dreams and being able to support my family.

Segerstrom High School

Valedictorian
Irene Le
College: UC Los Angeles
Major: Bioengineering
Being chosen to be part of the Top 100 is a recognition I will treasure. This monumental moment brings such delight that my hard work throughout the years is recognized. I still have much to learn, but life looks promising.

Salutatorian
Khang Le
College: MIT
Major: Aerospace Engineering
I can't believe I'm a top 100 student! I hope that I can use the knowledge and experience I gained from high school so I can become the best engineer in the world!