We are in the homestretch. In two days we will witness the commencement of approximately 990 students from Perry Meridian and Southport high schools. It’s been a year to remember as our students and staff have shown incredible strength and perseverance. We are honored to celebrate their successes.
Perry Meridian and Southport have announced their valedictorians and salutatorians.
Raul Moreno tops Perry Meridian’s senior class with a 4.63 GPA – a remarkable achievement for anyone, especially a student who spoke no English when he arrived in Perry Township when he was 5. Despite the challenge of learning a new language, Raul thrived.
He has competed in cross-country, swimming/diving, track and volleyball and has been active in the Creative Writing Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Blue Crew. He served as class president in student voice for the past two years.
Moreno plans to study astrophysics at Indiana University as a Wells Scholar. The honor is awarded on the basis of merit and provides tuition, academic fees and a living-expenses stipend for four years.
Perry Meridian’s salutatorian honor belongs to David Seals, who earned a 4.58 GPA. He is a four-year member of the varsity tennis team and orchestra and is active in Key Club, Blue Crew and Math Club, where he earned a first place this year. He plans to study aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Iowa State.
Southport has named Kaylie Turner as its valedictorian. She has 4.76 GPA and a record of achieving excellence in the most rigorous courses. She is the first student in Southport’s history to be named an Indiana Academic All-Star, a distinction that recognizes seniors who excel in the classroom and take on leadership roles in their schools and communities.
Turner is president of the Riley Dance Marathon and served as a member of the 4-H Foundation’s state committee. Her next adventure awaits at the University of Mississippi, where she intends to study economics and Spanish with a concentration in pre-law.
Kelsey Andreis, who earned a 4.72 GPA, is Southport’s salutatorian. She was placed in our district’s gifted and talented program during her early elementary years. She goes out of her way to help with community events, including watching preschoolers during meetings, selling T-shirts for a fallen officer and leading school fundraisers.
Andreis plans to study neuroscience at IU.
We are proud of the students who will walk across the stage this week, as well as the scholars who are on the path to do the same in the future. We look forward to celebrating graduation at 6 p.m. Friday at Southport and 8 p.m. at Perry Meridian.