Lakota Announces Class of 2022 Valedictorians, Salutatorians

As we approach the commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2022 - scheduled at Cintas Center May 18 for Lakota West and May 20 for Lakota East - Lakota is proud to announce this year’s valedictorians and salutatorians.

Lakota East’s valedictorian is Ilyas Malik (pictured center), with a cumulative GPA of 4.83. He plans to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. In addition to leading Lakota East’s chapter of Technology Student Association (TSA), Ilyas has spent his senior year as president of the state-level organization. Also part of East’s Science Olympiad team and the National Honors Society, Ilyas has enjoyed volunteering with Cincinnati’s Tutor Teens throughout his high school career. 

Connor Pletikapich (pictured right) and Vanessa Sims (pictured left) were both named Lakota East’s salutatorians. 

Connor is graduating with a 4.79 GPA and plans to study data analysis at the Ohio State University. Connor is a four-year varsity soccer athlete for Lakota East and an All-Conference, All-City and 2nd Team All-State athlete. In addition to the National Honors Society, Connor has been involved in Lakota East’s Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT). 

Vanessa will also graduate with a 4.79 GPA and plans to attend the Ohio State University, where she will study biochemistry before attending medical school. In addition to playing varsity softball, Vanessa has spent her senior year as president of Lakota East’s Spanish Club and is considering a double major to include Spanish. 

At Lakota West, valedictorian honors belong to Dana Shi (pictured left), who will graduate with a GPA of 4.8545. Dana will attend Purdue University this fall to study electrical engineering. The president of Lakota West's National Honors Society and a member of the the board for Ohio's Technology Student Association (TSA), Dana also plays piano and works for her family's restaurant business.

Anusha Patel and Mitchell Weckman (pictured center) were both named Lakota West’s salutatorians. 

Anusha will graduate with a GPA of 4.8483. She has plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to pursue a career in computer science. Anusha, whose interests include drawing and reading, has contributed to Lakota West through her involvement in the Key Club and Student Government. 

Mitchell earned a GPA of 4.8386. Mitchell will attend Purdue University for engineering. A member of Lakota West's varsity lacrosse team, peer mentoring group and the National Honors Society, Mitchell also spends his time volunteering to support his church's tech needs and snowboarding.