Valedictorian: Steven Higginbotham

Every year two students are selected to speak for the entire student body at graduation. The Valedictorian is the student with the highest ranking GPA for all work completed during the course history for high school classes. Valedictorian is the title that everyone knows about. It’s broadcasted on television shows and movies as a smart individual who is the most prepared for their future and their life at college, or whatever route they choose to go.

 Steven Higginbotham, 2013’s Largo High School Valedictorian, is no exception. Valedictorian means having the top GPA of the entire senior class, with the Salutatorian following closely behind in the Senior Class ranking. This year’s Salutatorian is Adrianna Wilson.
Steven says he wasn't planning on becoming Valedictorian, that he just took the most challenging courses in order to challenge himself. Steven Higginbotham has a whole support team behind him, which includes his parents and his girlfriend, all of whom are very proud of him.
After high school, Steven isn't completely certain about the direction he wants to go, but graduating is the first step to getting there.

The 2013 Valedictorian race was a close one; often times the two are less than a tenth of a point apart in a recognized academic difference. This year’s Salutatorian is Adriana Wilson.
Since ninth grade Adriana worked towards the common goal all students have; get their diploma, shake hands with the Principal, and get as far from high school as they can. After they graduate college starts to take over the void.
Adriana is planning on attending the University of Florida to study Pre-medical. Throughout high school her biggest influence was her parents “who motivated [her] to try [her] best at everything.” Through her high school career Adriana attended various clubs and activities she excelled at. These included National Honor Society President, Spanish Honor Society Vice-President, Orchestra, Tri-m music Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Science club, and Quill and Scroll Honor Society.
When she graduates she will be leaving plenty behind that she will miss, including friends and “all of the fun that [she] never thought [she] would have in high school.” Though the tight knit relationships we make in high school are destined to never last post graduation, there is still hope for every friendship.
The end is near; only a few short months separate the seniors from graduation where they will walk off campus (Bright House field) one final time. It’s the right of passage every person goes through at some point. Though she is probably going to “cry my eyes out during the event,” graduation will be the moment “I will never forget.”

​Salutatorian:  Adrianna Wilson