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RCPS Valedictorians and Salutatorians 2016
Posted on 05/25/2016
Closeup of 2016 tassel
Rockdale County Public Schools celebrated the valedictorians and salutatorians of 2016 for Rockdale County High School, Heritage High School, Salem High School, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. 

Click here for PDF of the RCPS 2016 Valedictorians and Salutatorians




RCHS salutatorian Landy Alvarez and valedictorian Sadiq Baker

ROCKDALE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL


Valedictorian - Sadiq Baker
College/University: University of Georgia
Potential Major: Exercise/sports science and athletic training
Career of Interest: Physical Therapy
Extracurriculars: Basketball, Volleyball (State Champions), Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta
Awards/Scholarships: Zell Miller, Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 10th grade
RCPS Schools Attended: C.J. Hicks Elementary, Conyers Middle
When He Heard: He was surprised; he was asleep and woken up by his family

Salutatorian - Landy Alvarez
College/University: Georgia Gwinnett College
Potential Major: Biology/Biochemistry
Career of Interest: Neurologist
Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Latino Student Union, Interact Club, Work Based Learning at Rockdale Medical Center and Dr. Kassam’s OB/GYN office, 
Awards/Scholarships: Kimberley Chance Atkins Scholarship, Lew Belcher Scholarship, Univision Liga de Campeones Scholarship, Superintendent’s Scholarship, Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 10th grade
RCPS Schools Attended: J.H House Elementary, Edwards Middle, Conyers Middle
When She Heard: She was excited and satisfied, after working hard for four years.


HHS valedictorian Steven Bishop, salutatorian Fathma Abdulkhader

HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian - Steven Bishop
College/University: University of Georgia
Potential Major: Biology (pre-med)
Career of Interest: Doctor
Extracurriculars: Varsity Soccer, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 10th grade, Rockdale Young Life
Awards/Scholarships: Charter Scholar, Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 10th grade
RCPS Schools Attended: Barksdale Elementary, Davis Middle
When He Heard: He was in the kitchen at home, shaking and holding on to the phone

Salutatorian - Fathma Abdulkhader
College/University: University of Georgia
Potential Major: Biology, neuroscience
Career of Interest: Neurologist
Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Beta Club, Fun Club (serving special needs students), Rockdale Young Life
Awards/Scholarships: Charter Scholar, DAR American History award, Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 10th grade
When She Heard:  She started crying; she was driving and her mom (HHS math teacher Safna Kalariparambil) called to tell her.


SHS salutatorian Ferre-Ghian Trujillo, valedictorian Leilani Smith

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian - Leilani Smith
College/University: Georgia State University
Potential Major: Exercise Science, Psychology
Career of Interest: Physical Therapy
Extracurriculars: Basketball, Tennis, Track, Golf,Team Manager Football and Boys Basketball
Awards/Scholarships: Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 11th grade
Inspiriational Experience: A rotator cuff injury during a basketball game sophomore year sparked Leilani’s interest in physical therapy

Salutatorian - Ferre-Ghian Trujillo
College/University: Undecided
Potential Major: Computer Science
Career of Interest: Programming/Video Game Design
Extracurriculars: East Atlanta Technology Fair
Awards/Scholarships: Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 10th grade
When He Heard: He did not realize what it meant to be one of the top ranked students or what valedictorian and salutatorian meant until his family received a call notifying him he was salutatorian




RMSST salutatorian Julia Long, valedictorian Molly Niemczyk

ROCKDALE MAGNET SCHOOL

Valedictorian - Molly Niemczyk
College/University: Georgia Tech
Potential Major: Business Admnistration, Computer Science
Career of Interest: Marketing Manager
Extracurriculars: Debate Team, Peer Mentor, Math Team, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Theater
Awards/Scholarships: Rotary STAR Student for RMSST (top SAT score), ISEF participant, BioGENEius national finalist, Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 10th grade
RCPS Schools Attended: Barksdale Elementary, Davis Middle

Salutatorian - Julia Long
College/University: Duke University
Potential Major: Computer Science, Math
Career of Interest: Doctor/Oncologist
Extracurriculars: Marching Band Color Guard, Mu Alpha Theta, Interact Club. Math Team, French Club
Awards/Scholarships: Superintendent’s Academic Scholar (top 10) since 11th grade, 1st place in Rockdale Regional Science Fair
RCPS Schools Attended: Peek’s Chapel Elementary, Eastminster School, Davis Middle
Enriched Learning:  She moved back to Rockdale to attend RMSST after going to school in Oklahoma sophomore year where the emphasis was on sports/extracurriculars more than academics