Notre Dame Fairfield Announces Valedictorian and Salutatorian

FAIRFIELD– Notre Dame High School has named Lichel Johnston and Kimberly Hernandez as the 2023 valedictorian and salutatorian. This recognition comes in light of their strong academic achievement, with Johnston and Hernandez earning the two highest GPAs in their graduating class.

“I could not be more proud of these two students,” Principal Cipriano commented. “Lichel and Kim have demonstrated great discipline throughout their high school careers and are both deserving of this recognition. I have no doubt of their continued success in college and life thereafter.”

This fall, Johnston will attend Yale University to pursue interdisciplinary studies in ethics, politics and economics on a pre-law track. As the class valedictorian, she will address her fellow students at graduation on Friday, June 2nd.

"I feel incredibly honored to be this year’s valedictorian,” Johnston said. “My time at Notre Dame has been filled with immense perseverance, focus, and dedication to my studies, and this distinction is a culmination of all my efforts. I would like to thank my friends, family, and the Notre Dame community for always offering me words of encouragement and a helping hand!"

Much like Johnston, Hernandez is also ready to embark on her next chapter. Upon graduating, she will study English with a focus in creative writing at Bucknell University. As the salutatorian, Hernandez will have the honor of speaking at Baccalaureate Mass on Wednesday, May 31st.

“Despite how unconventional these past four years have been, I can confidently say that I’ve been supported every step of the way by dedicated faculty, encouraging friends, and a loving family,” Hernandez explained. “This honor is as much about my love of learning as their endless care.”

For more information, please contact Dr. Christopher Cipriano at ccipriano@notredame.org.

Notre Dame in Fairfield is a Catholic high school with a nearly 70-year tradition of academic and athletic excellence. The school is known for its tight-knit yet diverse community with students hailing from 32 cities and towns in CT and NY. Fueled by an intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of ethics, graduates leave armed for college and the world beyond.