McDonogh 35 Class of 2020 is proud to announce Tarionne Smith as Valedictorian and Jada Vincent as Salutatorian.
Tarionne Smith said she set the goal to be valedictorian of the Class of 2020 during her freshman year.
“When I was named valedictorian, I was proud of myself and how all of my hard work has paid off,” she said, adding that her family was also excited and happy for her.
Smith said what motivated her to achieve a 3.9 GPA was constantly thinking of her future.
“I know I needed good grades to get accepted into my top colleges,” she said.
She will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana this fall where she will be majoring in pre-pharmacy.
“I have a love for science,” she said. “I want to work as a retail pharmacist and conduct scientific research.
She said she’s looking forward to college.
“I’m excited to learn new things and meet new people,” she said.
Jada Vincent McDonogh 35 Class of 2020 Salutatorian said “It felt amazing being named salutatorian.”
With a GPA of 3.7, Vincent claimed the second highest academic spot for her class and will be giving a speech as part of the graduation ceremony to be held July 1 at The Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center.
“I always stayed on top my work,” she said. “I reminded myself every day that I needed to stay on top.”
Though she admits to being a little nervous about speaking to her fellow graduates, she knows they and her family are proud of her accomplishment.
A member of the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams, Vincent will put her athletic skills to use as she pursues a degree in kinesiology pre-athletic training at Louisiana State University this fall.
“I love sports and won’t be playing in college, so I decided to stick to what I know and I love helping people,” she said. “I want to be a physical therapist or athletic trainer.”
While she’s looking forward to college and meeting new people, Vincent offered some advice to her underclassmen at McDonogh 35.
“Stay on top of your work at all times,” she said. “Don’t let up and you can get to where you want to go!”