Get to Know Lakota's Class of 2025 Valedictorians & Salutatorians

With graduation fast approaching, it's time to learn more about the Lakota seniors who have earned the esteemed titles of valedictorian and salutatorian for 2025. 

Congratulations to Lakota East’s valedictorian Luke Huggins who is finishing his high school career with an impressive 4.9371 GPA. Lakota West’s valedictorian Ishanvi Karthikeyan is graduating with a stellar GPA of 5.0372.

Lakota East’s salutatorian Jackie Griggs earned a GPA of 4.9228 and West’s salutatorian Prithika Padmanabhan is graduating with a 4.9375 GPA.

Equally impressive are these students' plans for the future.

Looking Ahead

East Valedictorian Luke Huggins will be attending Ohio State University to major in Physics. He is also exploring options for a double major, likely in Chemistry or Mathematics. Luke's ultimate goal is to obtain a PhD and work in a field that involves research and continuous learning. He wants to educate himself as much as possible – he just loves learning. Luke's AP Physics class, taught by Dr. Severns, had a special impact on him. He says, "Doc was the first person I talked to when I was considering majoring in physics, and he agreed with me that it was a great idea. I would like to thank Doc for being an amazing teacher and helping me make it to where I am today." 

East Salutatorian Jackie Griggs is set to attend Xavier University to major in Chemistry, with plans to continue to pharmacy school. She aims to become an outpatient pharmacist in a hospital, where she can interact with patients and make a positive impact on their lives. Jackie’s experiences shadowing pharmacists have reinforced her desire to pursue this path and contribute to patient care. She feels prepared for college because she was pushed academically with tough classes at Lakota. Jackie points out that even though AP Chemistry was the most challenging course she had ever taken, her teacher Mrs. Gosky was very open and welcoming and eager to help her understand. “I would spend my study halls in her class to ask her questions and ask for clarification. Her commitment to helping her students was very inspiring and showed her genuine care of her students.” 

West Salutatorian Prithika Padmanabhan is headed to Case Western Reserve University to pursue a degree in Biochemistry on the pre-med track to become a pediatric cardiologist. She is also considering a minor in business or public policy to complement her studies. Prithika's fascination with the medical field stems from her childhood, and her interest in cardiology was solidified by her participation in the Mercy Health internship and her Anatomy and Physiology classes. Prithika highlights her elementary school math plus teacher as a significant influence on the person she is today. She shares, "Mrs. Croy taught me how to be confident in myself. She was always a source of support and strength, and she shaped all her students to not only think about math critically but become confident and strong human beings."

West Valedictorian Ishanvi Karthikeyan has yet to decide on her college destination but plans to double major in Molecular Biology/Biophysics and Neuroscience, with a potential minor in Environmental Health. Ishanvi aims to earn an MD-PhD and become a clinical neurogeneticist, hoping to treat patients with neurological conditions while conducting research to develop better treatments. Ishanvi appreciated the support from her teachers, especially when it came to extracurricular activities. Teachers like Mrs. DeRossett and Mrs. Hofferberth helped Ishanvi pursue her passions and pave her way for the future through their support of the Pre-Med Club and the Science Competitions and Opportunities Club. 

More Than Academics

These remarkable students are not only academically gifted but also well-rounded individuals who have excelled in various extracurricular activities. Luke has been actively involved in Cross Country, Track, Academic Quiz Team, Chess Team, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, and Boy Scouts. He has also gained work experience at Kings Island, Olive Garden and as a Liberty Township Government Intern.

Jackie is a competitive dancer for Encore Performing Arts and a member of the Lakota East Dance Team. She has been part of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, HOSA Biomed Club, Relay for Life, and the Student Leadership Team. Jackie also loves volunteering at Matthew 25 Ministries and Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.

Prithika is a dancer of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance from the state her parents are from in India. She learns and teaches her own classes, and she is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, volunteering weekly to teach lower belts. Prithika is the president of HOSA, vice president of FBLA, and on the leadership team for Helping Hands and Youth In Philanthropy.

Ishanvi is the founder and president of both the Lakota West Pre-Med Club and the Lakota West Science Competitions and Opportunities Club. She is co-president of Lakota West Biomed HOSA, vice president of Environmental Club, and Community Service and Communications director of NHS. Outside of school, she is the VP and COO of a nonprofit focused on spreading Neuroscience awareness, a student ambassador for BigFuture/College Board, the Center for Excellence in Education, Code.org, and GirlCon. Ishanvi also tutors on Schoolhouse World, plays violin as Concertmaster of the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Co-concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra, and plays Carnatic violin and sings Carnatic music.

Advice for Other Students

Pursue Your Passions: These students emphasize the importance of engaging in activities you truly enjoy. Luke advises students to participate in sports, classes, and extracurriculars because they genuinely want to, not out of obligation. He says, "Motivation is much stronger when it comes intrinsically." Ishanvi encourages students to pursue their passions even if there isn't an established path, and to create their own opportunities if necessary. She advises, "You can always find a way to achieve your goals no matter how hard the path might be."

Ask Questions: These students agree on the importance of asking questions. Ishanvi believes that curiosity and seeking answers are crucial for personal and academic growth. Jackie adds, "Some advice I would give is to ask questions! It is okay to be confused or curious and your teachers are there to teach you." Asking questions helps in understanding complex topics and building strong relationships with teachers and peers. 

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Take Advantage of Opportunities: Prithika emphasizes that you need to “Put yourself out there!” She was incredibly shy, but as she explored more opportunities and joined more clubs, she started finding her voice. Prithika is now confident, engaged, and involved. “I love the person I am becoming as I transition to college, and I owe this version of me to trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. I 100% advise anyone to do the same!”