Eastside Catholic School is proud to announce the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2025. This year, we celebrate six valedictorians and six salutatorians, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements, leadership and commitment to excellence.

Class of 2025 Valedictorians

• Oliver Cobb
• Emmett Compston
• Hadley Hagwell
• Sylvie Macartney
• Ayush Thapa
• Leila Vierra

Class of 2025 Salutatorians

• Justin Bernal
• Parker Cobb
• Jack Deily
• Iida Glantschnig
• Landon Miklautsch
• Geronimo Valle

President Gil Picciotto praised the honorees, “Being named valedictorian or salutatorian isn’t just about academic achievement—it’s a testament to dedication, perseverance and the ability to excel in multiple areas. These students have shown remarkable grit and determination, balancing their studies with meaningful extracurricular activities. By doing so, they’ve worked to become well-rounded individuals who are making the most of their unique talents. As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, 'Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.' While we celebrate their achievements today, we know this is just the start of their journey, and we’re excited to see what they accomplish in the future."

High School Principal Soonja Larsen echoed this sentiment, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2025,” High School Principal Soonja Larsen said. “Their dedication, hard work and academic excellence set them apart as examples of success within our school community. Their commitment to learning and ability to inspire others are commendable qualities that will undoubtedly contribute to their future success. I am immensely proud of their accomplishments and positive impact at EC. I'm eager to celebrate the achievements of these students and witness the great things they will accomplish in the future!”

Of the 12 honorees, six students began their academic journey at Eastside Catholic in middle school: Justin Bernal, Oliver Cobb, Parker Cobb, Emmett Compston, Hadley Hagwell, Ayush Thapa.

Future Plans and Words of Advice from Our Honorees
Our valedictorians and salutatorians shared their post-high school plans and advice to their younger students.

Valedictorians:

• Oliver Cobb, aspiring to study marine biology at Bowdoin University, encourages students to “Do all the things! Go to class events, participate in school departments you would otherwise brush off. You will meet communities you would have never encountered otherwise.”
   
• Emmett Compston wants to study engineering. “Seek as many opportunities as possible to improve on what you like to do.”
   
• Hadley Hagwell plans to study engineering or physics and will attend the University of Chicago. “Take hard classes and get to know your teachers.”
   
• Sylvie Macartney is still undecided about her future major but offers simple wisdom: “Take the time to do the things you enjoy.”
   
• Ayush Thapa hopes to attend a West Coast college to explore computer science and its intersection with media, including music, games, animation and simulation. “Be open to new experiences, especially ones that challenge you or take you out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid of difficult things. Instead, you should embrace them. Nothing worth having comes easy.”
   
• Leila Vierra would like to study biochemistry and French. “Create your own assignment tasks on Canvas so you are planning ahead. Get 8-9+ hours of sleep—it makes the world of a difference, trust me! Don't be afraid of taking risks and enjoy the present moment before it becomes the past.”

Salutatorians:

• Justin Bernal plans to study math or engineering. “Practice time management and get enough sleep.”
   
• Parker Cobb would like to study chemistry. “Do your homework and seek help from your teachers. It is also important to treat yourself for the hard work you put in and remember to do things that make you happy.”
   
• Jack Deily, aiming to study economics or data science, doesn’t know where he will attend college but is excited to find out! He advises, “Don’t let yourself get boxed in. Try a bunch of stuff while you have the time.”
   
• Iida Glantschnig plans to study architecture at the University of Notre Dame. “It's easy to feel like you must have everything figured out, but the truth is, things unfold in their own time. Work hard, try new things and trust that setbacks have a purpose. Sometimes, the best things come from paths your never expect to take.”
   
• Landon Miklautsch would like to study mechanical engineering. “Push yourself to do more than you think you can handle: take the harder classes, run for that leadership position or play that sport, because those environments increase your motivation. You need 8+ hours of sleep to perform well in both academics and athletics. If you set these goals for yourself, you will be more inclined to work efficiently and stay organized because you will not have the time to be lazy. In doing so, you will excel so much more than you think.”
   
• Geronimo Valle, who also aspires to study mechanical engineering, advises younger students to embrace challenges head-on: “Do the things you fear, or you will regret not taking the chance. You always do.”