Each year, the top students of the graduating class are recognized for their academic achievements—and this year, the honor goes to two incredible students who have left their mark both inside and outside the classroom. Ruiqi Liu is this year’s valedictorian, and Laura Zhang is the salutatorian. From community service and competitions to academics and leadership, both students have excelled in every area.
We sat down with them to learn more about their experiences, favorite moments, and what they’ve learned on their journey through high school.
Were you surprised to be named valedictorian or salutatorian?
Laura Zhang: Yes, I was actually pretty surprised. There are so many smart and hardworking people in our grade. I didn’t really expect it to be me.
Ruiqi Liu: It was a mix of surprise and expectation. I wasn’t aiming for it, honestly—I was just focused on doing my own thing. So while it’s exciting, it’s not something I saw coming clearly.
Favorite class or teacher?
Laura: I really enjoyed Physics C with Mr. Sckalor. It taught me how to think more logically and scientifically. It was a fun, eye-opening class.
Ruiqi: A lot of classes can be enjoyable if you find a way to engage with them. I want to give credit to Ms. Spinelli for all the research and emotional support, and Mr. Dickson, who’s been really important to me. And Mr. Sckalor as well—he leads a great class.
A class you wish you had taken?
Laura: I wish I could’ve taken more foreign language classes—maybe Spanish. I think it would be really useful and interesting, especially since it’s kind of similar to Latin, which I already take.
Ruiqi: I wish I explored topics like behavioral economics or societal structure more. Something beyond solving problems—something about understanding how the world works beneath the surface.
Favorite high school memory?
Laura: Definitely the little moments—hanging out with friends, going into the city or to Flushing to eat. Just enjoying life with people I care about.
Ruiqi: For me, high school feels more like a series of time periods rather than single moments. I don’t have one memory that stands out—I wrote my college personal statement about a whole phase of my life, not one day.
Advice for your freshman self?
Laura: I’d tell myself to be more outgoing and involved. I wish I had tried more activities and made more connections earlier, even if I didn’t think they were right for me at the time.
Ruiqi: Think beyond what you’re immediately focused on. There’s a bigger world out there than what’s in front of you.
What are your goals for the next few years?
Laura: I want to explore different paths and discover what I really enjoy. I’m leaning toward a STEM major, but I also want to take humanities classes, get involved in student groups, sports, volunteering, and research.
Ruiqi: I’m currently working on a tutoring program that I want to improve and grow. At Northwestern, I’m hoping to help build a strong academic community. I’m also pursuing a double degree in chemical engineering and flute, so my main goal is to survive that without burning out.
Something people might not expect about you?
Laura: I really enjoy snowboarding and skateboarding during my free time.
Ruiqi: I overthink everything. I tend to reflect more than necessary, probably.
A song that got you through high school?
Laura: My music taste changed a lot, but I listened to a lot of Conan Gray.
Ruiqi: I mostly listen to classical music. I enjoy all the different eras—it’s what I connect with most.
If you could have any superpower?
Laura: I’d want to read minds—but I know that might be a little invasive!
Ruiqi: I’d want the ability to express exactly what I mean with perfect clarity. That would be useful in both science and communication.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Laura: I’m not sure if I’m qualified to give advice, but I’d say—work hard, play hard. Have fun, but also be proud of the effort you put in.
Ruiqi: Life and learning are full of trial and error. The point of education isn’t just to learn facts—it’s to build a foundation you can grow from.
