Lakota Announces Class of 2021 Valedictorians & Salutatorians

Lakota is proud to announce the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2021.

Lakota East’s valedictorian is Christopher Mages, with a cumulative GPA of 4.8964. He plans to major in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, with the goal to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals or battery technology. 

In addition to excelling in his studies, Chris is also an Eagle Scout and a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 942.  He was on the Academic Quiz Team, a member of National Honor Society and the Junior State of America (JSA). One of his favorite Lakota East memories is receiving the Julius Sumner Miller Enchantment with Physics Award because it represented the culmination of all his hard work in the various sciences. It was also special because he received it from his favorite teacher, Liz Gosky.

Katherine Niewald is Lakota East’s Class of 2021 salutatorian with a cumulative GPA of 4.8525. In the fall, she will attend the University of Kentucky and major in Accounting. She also plans to participate in Army ROTC. 

During high school, Katherine was in Marching Band, Yearbook Club, French Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and the National Honor Society. Her favorite classes were AP BC Calc, AP Chem, and Honors Advanced Comp because she enjoyed both the course materials and how these classes had environments in which she was able to have fun with her friends and teachers while learning. Katherine will most likely pursue a career in the business world. But she adds “you never know where life brings you, so this may change depending on what I find interesting as I go along.”  

At Lakota West, valedictorian honors go to Anitvir Taunque with a 4.9884 GPA. He will be attending The Ohio State University to major in Biomedical Sciences with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. Anitvir also earned a perfect ACT this year and was named a candidate to the United States Presidential Scholars program.

During high school, Anitvir was very active in community service, selected for several medical internships, was captain of the chess team, served as a TAP MD student reporter, and was an award-winning public speaker. His HOSA team recently placed first in the state competition in the Biomed Anatomage category, and will compete internationally in June. He is also an accomplished musician.

William Comer and Arianna Kenny were both named Lakota West salutatorians.

Ariana is graduating with a 4.9623 GPA. She has maximized her opportunity utilizing the College Credit Plus pathway to excel academically. She plans to attend Xavier University in the fall to major in Pre-Med.

In addition to academics, Arianna was very involved in community service, working the polls during the Presidential election and serving as a youth volunteer at the Midpointe library. Other interests include playing the piano, drawing & painting, and cooking.

William graduates with a 4.9061 GPA, with plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in Computer Science Engineering.

He is a very well-rounded student having taken full advantage of extra-curricular opportunities. Along with excelling academically in the classroom, William plays lacrosse, ran cross country, and was a member of the bowling team and jazz band. He is an avid hiker and an Eagle Scout, having completed the lax practice wall for his Eagle Scout Project. He took many College Credit Plus courses with an interest in upper level computer science and piano.

Congratulations to these outstanding students for their hard work and determination throughout their high school career.