University View Academy recently spoke with the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2025 about this honor and about their educational journeys. Check out some of their answers below.
How does it feel to be named valedictorian at UVA?
Elise: It is such an honor to be named valedictorian. I was honestly surprised when I learned that was even a possibility. It feels surreal to me that I have received this title.
How would you describe your experience at UVA?
Elise: I have loved my time at UVA. If I had to describe my experience in only a few words, I would say unrestricting and transformative. The school’s flexible nature truly gave me the opportunity and space for me to figure out what I value and who I want to be. It has opened up new possibilities for me that the strict schedule brick and mortar schools follow would not allow for.
What will you remember the most about your time at UVA?
Elise: Looking back, the things I remember the most about my time at UVA aren’t the actual studying and schooling, but the field trips and events. I remember going to the Renaissance Festival and the Nutcracker ballet with my friends and fellow students, and I look back on these memories with fondness and appreciation.
Why do you think UVA worked well for you?
Elise: I think UVA worked well for me because of the flexibility it provided. I wasn’t stuck doing school from seven in the morning until three in the afternoon. I could structure my school around my day, rather than my day around my classes. It also worked well for me because I could go at my own pace; I could spend less time on the subjects that I grasped easily and take my time on others that I found more complex.
Elise will attend Louisiana Tech University Ogden Honors College in the fall to major in nursing. She has volunteered her time working in ambulances to get a head start on her nursing career. She began attending UVA in 8th grade. She was a member of National Honor Society and also graduated with an Associate of General Studies through UVA’s Early College Program.
How does it feel to be named salutatorian at UVA?
Gabriella: Being named salutatorian at UVA is an incredible honor that I didn’t even know was possible at first. I’m very excited to represent my class at the upcoming graduation and incredibly proud of myself for even getting there at all!
How would you describe your experience at UVA?
Gabriella: My experience at UVA was nothing like I expected at first. I attended brick and mortar public school for over ten years before beginning at UVA, where I thought I’d be isolated in my room submitting assignments and never once seeing my teachers. Instead, I’ve had the best experience ever, with incredible support from staff and several opportunities to meet now close friends through clubs and dances!
What will you remember the most about your time at UVA?
Gabriella: I’ll probably most remember (and mourn) the freedom that this school has given me. I was able to complete assignments in my time frame and not someone else’s. I’ll also remember all our school dances, where I’ve gotten to meet so many great people and enjoy great food and dancing!
Why do you think UVA worked well for you?
Gabriella: UVA worked well for me because I’m a pretty flexible person and this is a flexible school. I was so used to working on someone else’s schedule that I forgot what mine was. UVA has allowed me to focus on me and that’s the best thing you can do.
Gabriella will attend Louisiana State University Ogden Honors College in the fall. She began attending UVA in 10th grade. She was a member of Beta Club and National Honor Society and also graduated with an Associate of General Studies through the Early College Program.
These outstanding students addressed their peers at graduation on Saturday, May 24. We take pride in knowing UVA played a part in empowering them to pursue their dreams.
Follow University View Academy on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.