Congratulations to the 2012 graduating class valedictorians and salutatorians of Sand Creek, Falcon and Vista Ridge high schools.Sand Creek High SchoolValedictorian Michael Gallegos said he wasn’t actively trying to become the class valedictorian. ìI think it’s a big accomplishment,î he said. ìI didn’t try to get it but when I found out that I got it, I thought it was a big accomplishment.îGallegos will attend the University of Colorado at Boulder this fall. He said he has not decided on his course of study.His advice to younger students: ìGo for it. Challenge yourself; it’ll be worth it in the long run. Taking harder classes helps you develop your work ethic.îSalutatorian Amanda Kelly could not be reached for comment.Falcon High SchoolValedictorian Kaylynn Tate was excited to graduate. ìIt was a lot of hard work, and it’s awesome to get to see if it all pays off,î she said.Tate will attend the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley in the fall. She said she is thinking of majoring in business administration with a minor in music.Tate had this to say to younger students: ìKeeping your grades up doesn’t matter as much as the experience of working hard and preparing for college.îSalutatorian Rachael Sargent said her achievement has meant a lot to her. ìI have really high expectations for myself, and I’ve worked really hard these last four years,î she said.Sargent will attend the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in the fall. ìI’ll be there for at least two years, but eventually I want to get into pre-med and go to medical school,î she said.She said she would advise younger students to ìset goals both short term and long term because they keep you motivated.îVista Ridge High SchoolValedictorian Rachel Nealy said she took as many advanced placement classes as she could to get a higher grade point average. ìIt’s kind of an honor because I worked hard and I’m being recognized for that,î she said.Nealy will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in the fall. She said she has not yet decided on a course of study.She also had advice for younger students: ìSign up for a lot of A.P. classes; the hard work is worth it. Definitely make studying a priority.îSalutatorian Zachary Wood could not be reached for comment.
