MISSION, TEXAS (May 22, 2024) - Veterans Memorial High School announces its Top 3 Students for the Class of 2024. This year Nikolas Alexander Salinas has been named valedictorian, Elliah Jade Rodriguez is the salutatorian, and Kailey Ann Kaufman is the third-ranking student. Congratulations to these students and the Class of 2024 for all their educational accomplishments.
Nikolas Alexander Salinas
Veterans Memorial High School has named Nikolas Alexander Salinas as their Class of 2024 valedictorian. He is the son of Vanessa Munoz. He plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin where he will be pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. His ultimate dream job is to become a mechanical engineer. While in college, Salinas is looking forward to taking more challenging yet interesting classes.
This summer, Salinas is set to embark on an internship opportunity within his uncle’s company. While in high school, Salinas was actively engaged in various activities. These activities include robotics, the science bowl, and the National Honor Society.
Salinas leaves a few words of encouragement for next year’s seniors; “Be responsible and build disciple so that you can complete your tasks well and on time,” said Salinas. “Achieving this will provide benefits that will follow you past high school and beyond.”
Elliah Jade Rodriguez
This year’s Veterans Memorial High School salutatorian, Elliah Jade Rodriguez, is the daughter of Rubicela Rodriguez and Hector Rodriguez III. She will be attending The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley where she will be pursuing a bachelor of science in biology. She plans on pursuing a career as a pharmacist. Rodriguez states that she is most looking forward to furthering her education and meeting others with similar passions while in college.
As the current school year comes to an end, Rodriguez eagerly anticipates summer. She is looking forward to gaining valuable work experience through her summer job and giving back to her community through volunteering.
Throughout her high school journey, Rodriguez has consistently demonstrated a commitment to both academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. Engaging in activities like FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) Robotics, and varsity soccer.
She leaves the Veterans Memorial High School upcoming seniors with a few words of advice, “Have faith in the lord and all things are possible.”
Kailey Ann Kaufman
The 2024 Veterans Memorial High School's third-ranking student is Kailey Ann Kaufman, and she is the daughter of Heidi Kaufman and Andy Kaufman. She will be headed out to The University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in kinesiology and health science.
Her heart is set on being accepted into the bachelor of science nursing program at UT Austin. Kaufman shares that her dream job would be to become a traveling labor and delivery nurse.
This summer, Kaufman will be starting her summer job coaching track athletes and is looking forward to transitioning to her life in Austin.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new things,” said Kaufman.
Kaufman has kept a busy schedule throughout high school with her educational goals and participating in extra-curricular activities including; cross country, girls track and field, Distributive Educational Clubs of America, student senior class organization, health science technologies club, and National Honor Society.
She leaves the upcoming senior class with a few words, “Don’t take your senior year for granted,” said Kaufman. “Involve yourself in things and don’t be scared of failure.”
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