Ruth Daghfal
General Studies Valedictorian
How does it feel to be awarded valedictorian?
I feel very honored; I know that many other people have worked very hard for it. I wouldn’t be here without all of the teachers and coaches that put a lot of their time into my learning.
Do you have any ideas about what you will say in your speech?
I don’t know yet, but I am hoping it will be witty, profound, memorable, and, of course, brief.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My family is extremely influential to me. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for them, but I certainly would not be valedictorian if not for their love and support. They are all amazing people who pushed me to be greater than what I already was, encouraging me, supporting me, and teaching me all the way through.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I will be going to Wheaton College where I hope to major in Biochemistry. I will also be running there and will be involved in other extracurricular activities.
What will you miss most about high school?
I will miss the Cross Country and Track Team. The people on the team are some of the greatest people I’ve ever met. I will also miss my teachers and friends who have all supported me and stuck with me through these crazy four years.
What is one thing from your speech that you want the Class of 2019 to remember most?
As I said before, I don’t really know what I want to say yet, but I guess I hope they remember that they should never give up. It will be hard and there will be failures, but if you work through the hard times, you come out stronger than ever.
What do you plan on majoring in?
I plan on majoring in biochemistry so that I can go to veterinary school. I love working with animals and am fascinated with biology and anatomy.
Are you satisfied with all your four years in high school?
I am very satisfied with my four years in high school. I’ve learned a lot and made great relationships. It’s exciting to think about the next 4 years and what might result from them.
Sindhu Shankar
Academies Valedictorian
How does it feel to be awarded valedictorian?
I feel extremely honored and happy to be graduating valedictorian of the academies for the class of 2019.
Do you have any ideas about what you will say in your speech?
I don’t have a specific idea yet. I know I want to thank everyone who has helped me get where I am in life but also keep a light/fun tone — it’s graduation after all!
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
I have had many people greatly influence me throughout my life, but if I had to choose just one person I will pick my older brother, Siva. He is very hard-working, but he also knows how to balance his work and fun.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation I am planning to attend a four-year college and then pursue medical school. In the long run, I am hoping to become a pediatrician.
What will you miss most about high school?
I will miss all of the friends I have made throughout my time at Indian Trail. I’m sure I’ll see everyone at some point, but not seeing the people I have talked to every day or in the past four years is something I will truly miss.
What is one thing from your speech that you want the Class of 2019 to remember most?
Since I am not exactly sure what I will be saying in my speech I’m not sure how well I can answer this question.
What do you plan on majoring in?
I plan to double major in biology and economics.
Are you satisfied with all your four years in high school?
I am very satisfied with how my four years at Indian Trail have went. I have made amazing relationships with many of my teachers and have developed friendships I know I will keep for the rest of my life. Indian Trail has helped me grow into the person I am today, and that is something I am forever grateful for.
Liza Iqbal
Academies Salutatorian
How does it feel to be awarded salutatorian?
It’s okay, I am fairly indifferent about the whole recognition. Don’t get me wrong, it is an honor to be labeled as the academy salutatorian, but I am not anyone special. There are so many other kids who are more deserving of this position than myself. However, throughout my years in high school I have worked incredibly hard and it is nice to see it pay off in the end.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My family has been my backbone throughout the years and have always supported me in anything I set out for myself. They encouraged me to work hard and set high standards for myself. Without them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in right now.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on pursuing a path on the pre-med track. I have always had a passion in medicine, and would love to study and apply it in my future profession.
What will you miss most about high school?
I will miss my friends and the idea of being able to see them in class everyday, especially since we are going our separate ways in the next fall.
What do you plan on majoring in? My major, as of right now, is biology.
Are you satisfied with all your four years in high school?
There are definitely moments where I could have done better, but I think these moments are in any and every situation. However, my four years in high school have got me where I needed to be and in the end that is all I can ask for.
Janaki Rawal
General Studies Salutatorian
How does it feel to be awarded salutatorian?
I am so incredibly thankful for those who helped me get here but I also feel this is well deserved for all the hard work I have done and for the many moments I missed staying home to do school work.
How did you stay on top of your school work?
I prioritized school work above everything but my family. Truly, I have given up many moments and it hasn’t been easy but it has been very rewarding.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My brother, Maharshi Rawal. We are about three years apart in age, but share similar interests and beliefs. I genuinely believe that the close bond we share has molded me into the person I am today.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on attending Marquette University this upcoming fall.
What will you miss most about high school?
The teachers. I have had lots of teachers who have impacted me and made a difference in my studies.
What is one thing you will remember most from high school?
The extracurriculars that I was involved in. Joining clubs and sports helped me find my place in the school and the memories that I have from them, I will cherish.
What do you plan on majoring in? Biological sciences
Are you satisfied with all your four years in high school?
I am highly satisfied with my four years of high school. I have always been the type of person to take on new obstacles with confidence and push through and I believe my perseverance helped get me to where I am now.
Story and photos by Charity Threlkeld, Staff Writer
