Grafton High School - Class of 2026

Mikaela Scott

GPA: 4.9083

High School Extracurricular activities: Varsity Swim 4 years, national history day finalist rho kappa, mu alpha theta, science and Spanish honor society, national honor society

Community Involvement: Eco-Explorers (cofounder and co leader), vice president victory leaders club, York County Youth Commission special projects committee lead, Riverside Hospital volunteer and ambassador, co author and mentee under Dr. Velkey at CNU for behavioral neuroscience research project using zebrafish as model.

College attending: University of Virginia

Studying/Major: Biology major Public Policy Minor on the premed track

Tell us about a person or experience that has had a significant impact in your life? Emma Seré has had one of the most significant impacts on my life. We've been best friends since second grade, and growing up alongside her has shaped me both academically and personally. Throughout high school, we've supported each other through everything as classmates, co-leaders of Eco-Explorers, co-valedictorians, and now future roommates at the University of Virginia. She constantly pushes me to work hard while also reminding me to enjoy the journey, and I'm so grateful to have had someone so kind, driven, and supportive by my side for so many years.

What was the most useful advice you have received from someone about high school? One of the most useful pieces of advice I received about high school was to focus on balance and not sweat the small stuff. It's easy to get caught up in every grade, assignment, or stressful moment, but I learned that high school is about much more than academics. Making time for friends, family, activities, and experiences that make you happy is just as important as working hard. Looking back, the moments I'll remember most are the memories and connections I made along the way, not the small things I stressed over at the time.

What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? I'll miss homecoming the most; getting ready with friends, making bouquets, taking pictures, and going to the dance together. It was always such a fun tradition that brought everyone together and made the whole week feel special.

What is your most memorable experience or highlight from your high school years? One of my most memorable highlights from high school was teaching elementary school students through Eco Explorers. It was so much fun working with the kids and watching them get excited about learning and participating in hands-on activities. Those moments made the experience really meaningful and are something I'll always remember from high school.

Emma Seré

GPA: 4.9083

High School Extracurricular activities: Varsity Swim Team, Spanish Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society

Community involvement: Youth Volunteer Corps, Eco-Explorers, Research at Hampton University, Riverside Regional Medical Center Volunteer

College attending: University of Virginia

Studying/Major: Biochemistry

Tell us about a person or experience that has had a significant impact in your life? Mikaela Scott has had a significant impact in my life, motivating me both academically and personally to always strive to achieve my goals. I am so grateful to have been able to make it through high school together as best friends, classmates, co-leaders of Eco-Explorers, and now co-valedictorians. I would not be where I am without her.

If you could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to rising high school students, I would say make sure to take every opportunity to enjoy your high school experience. Go to the games, the dances, and all the events as much as you can! People always say that time flies, but you never truly realize it until you're about to graduate. Enjoy the people around you and make all the memories you can!

What was your favorite class you've taken in high school and why? My favorite class I have taken in high school has definitely been biology at GSST. I loved my classmates, the content, and my teacher. It gave me a solid foundation that will help me in college and in my future career.

What school tradition or experience will you miss the most? The school tradition I will miss the most is HOCO week. From decorating the hallways to attending the football game, I always loved the school spirit and amazing vibes the entire week!

What is your most memorable experience or highlight from your high school years? My most memorable high school experience was participating in the Powderpuff football game. I had so much fun attending the practices and playing in the game with all my friends and loved that we were able to collect food and raise funds for a good cause!

Landon Su

GPA: 4.9083

High School Extracurricular activities: Fencing (9 years), Piano (12 years), NASA LaRC Summer Intern, Robotics, Rho Kappa

Community involvement: Fencing Assistant Coaching, Community Piano Performing, Peninsula Chinese American Association

College attending: Yale University

Studying/Major: Mechanical Engineering

Tell us about a person or experience that has had a significant impact in your life? My parents have had the most impact on who I am. They immigrated to the U.S. with almost nothing but determination and watching them build a life here has taught me more about perseverance than any classroom ever could. I wouldn't be the person I am without the standard they set simply by living the way they do.

What was the most useful advice you have received from someone about high school? If you're going to commit to something, don't second guess your choice, or you're never going to be satisfied with how things turn out. Always asking "What if?" is only going to leave you in a constant state of uncertainty and regret.

What's one class you wish had been offered or you had been able to take in high school? Cooking. I've always wanted to learn how to cook, and it's one of those skills that everyone ends up needing. Besides, I feel that it would've been a fun break from the more academic side of school.

If you could create one new rule (or change a rule) at your high school, what would it be and why? I would require every senior to complete a sustained, self-directed, individual or collaborative capstone project on any topic that they are genuinely curious about. Not a book report or a group poster, but something more real, like original research, a designed product, or a community initiative. A capstone project would allow the students to further explore their passions.

Describe your high school experience in one word. Anchoring