High School Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Gwinnett Public Schools recently released the names of valedictorians and salutatorians from Brookwood, Shiloh and South Gwinnett High Schools.

The title of valedictorian is normally given to the student with the highest GPA, and salutatorian is given to the student with the second-highest GPA. Photos of the honorees are attached to the story.

Brookwood High School

• Valedictorian: Akshaya Suresh, daughter of Akila Suresh and Suresh Ganesapandian, will attend Yale University. Her major is undecided, however she plans to pursue a career as an international lawyer. She has received or been offered several scholarships and awards, including a Yale Scholarship; National Merit, John Emory Scholars and the district's STAR student award for earning the highest SAT score in the region (2400). She is a member of the Mock Trial team, orchestra and Mu Alpha Theta, among other activities.
• Salutatorian: Justin Chang, son of Jie Chang and Hong Ju, will attend University of Chicago and major in economics and physics. His career goals are undecided. He has received several awards, including being a Duke University TIP finalist and second place in the county science fair. He is member of Science Olympiad, tennis and MU Alpha Theta, among other activities.

Shiloh High School

• Valedictorian: Kristen Lemaster, daughter of Bev and Kris Lemaster, will attending the honors college at University of Georgia. She plans to major in English and history, and she wants to eventually publish historical fiction. She has received or been offered several scholarships and awards, including a UGA Charter Scholarship, FIRE Essay Scholarship and an AP Scholar award with distinction. She is the secretary of the senior class and a member of the Spanish Honor Society, among other activities.
• Salutatorian: Zubbia Saeed, child of Khalid and Adeeba  Saeed, will attend Georgia Tech and major in biomedical engineering. The student wants to pursue a career as a pharmacist. Zubbia has received or been offered several scholarships or awards, including the HOPE Scholarship, the Maxxis Scholarship and the Honor Roll. The student is a member of the varsity tennis team and the National Honor Society, among other things.

South Gwinnett High School

• Valedictorian: Rachel Harris, daughter of Peter and Jean Harrison, will be attending Brandeis University. She plans to major in biochemistry and pursue a career as a researcher. She has received or been offered several scholarships and awards, including an "Alumni and Friends Scholarship" of $16,910 a semester, the Zell Miller Hope Scholarship, two nominations to the Governor's Honors Program and an AP Scholar Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, among other activities.
• Salutatorian: Jessica Williamson, daughter of Michael and Teresa Williamson, will be attending University of Georgia. She plans to major in biology, and she wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian or nutritionist. Jessica has received or been offered several scholarships and awards, including the 2011 University of Georgia Charter Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa Award recipient and National Society of High School Scholars. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in Relay for Life, among other activities.