AHS Names Co-Valedictorians for the Class of 2011

is proud to announce that and are the school’s Co-Valedictorians for the graduating class of 2011.  The two were selected by the school’s Valedictorian Selection Committee from this year’s group of 25 Salutatorians, each of whom has a cumulative, unweighted grade point average of at least 3.95.  Both Valedictorians will be delivering a Valedictory Address at Arcadia High School’s Fifty-Seventh Annual Commencement scheduled to take place at on Friday, June 10.

During his four years at AHS, Jon Ma has earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average while taking a rigorous schedule of classes, including honors and Advanced Placement courses in English, mathematics, history, and science.

Besides being a tremendous student academically, Jon is extremely well-rounded.  Jon has been heavily involved in student government, having served as President of his class during his freshman, sophomore, and junior years.  This year, Jon was elected by the student body as Associated Student Body President.  During his four years, Jon has also been involved with both athletic and academic teams.  He has won numerous individual awards as part of the AHS Speech and Debate Team.  In his junior year, Jon was honored as an Arcadia Legion Boys’ State Delegate.  This year, Jon was voted Prom King and also recently spearheaded a one million dollar student fund-raising effort for the Arcadia Educational Foundation.

Outside of school, Jon has served as an assistant basketball coach for the Special Olympics.  He is also very interested in politics.  Last summer, Jon served as an Intern to the Director of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE).  He has also volunteered on numerous campaigns, including those of Representative Judy Chu, Representative Russ Warner, State Senator Carol Liu, and President Barrack Obama.  Next year, Jon will be attending Princeton University where he plans to major in Economics or Public Policy.

Michelle Zhu has earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average for all four years at Arcadia High School.  Her rigorous schedule of courses has included honors and AP classes in English, mathematics, history, science, and world languages. 

Michelle has maintained her perfect academic record while juggling a busy schedule of extra curricular activities. She is a four-year scholar-athlete who was named a Most Valuable Player for the Girls’ Tennis team during her sophomore, junior and senior years.  Michelle is a decorated member of the AHS Speech and Debate Team and was also recognized for her outstanding work as an attorney as part of the school’s award winning Mock Trial Team.  She is also a member of the AHS We the People Constitution Team and recently traveled to Sacramento to represent the school in a statewide competition.  Michelle was a National Merit Scholarship finalist and scholarship recipient and has served for two years as President of the AHS Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Outside of school, Michelle is an accomplished pianist and singer who sings lead soprano in her church choir.  She has also volunteered for the Sierra Service Project and at the City of Hope’s Helford Clinical Research Hospital.  Next year, Michelle will be attending Washington University in St. Louis where she plans to major in finance and mathematics.

Arcadia High School is also very proud to present 23 Salutatorians for the Class of 2011:

Ray Chen Chao

Derek Chou

Brenda Guan

Elaine Hsiang

Erik Krogen

Joseph Toiwing Li

Vincent Yi Li

Jessica Liang

Flora Liu

Irene Liu

Xiaoge Liu

Brandon Mittman

Jason Pang

Angelica Danielle Possemato

Rachel Redberg

Dionne Sandoval

Monique Giselle Sobero

Jonathan S. Solichin

Tri Minh Tran

Elaine Tsui

Samuel Weijia Zeng

Kate Zha

Tong Allan Zhao