Two current students have been named Santa Fe High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian. These high achievers are following in their siblings’ footsteps.
Rylie Tam is the 2022 valedictorian at Santa Fe High School. Two years ago, this title was held by her older brother Ethan Tam. Not only has this pair of siblings achieved this high honor, but another pair of siblings has been named the top of the class as well. Megan Walls, the 2022 salutatorian, follows in her sister Lacey’s footsteps, who also earned the salutatorian title in 2020.
These achievements did not come without hard work. While these students’ families encouraged their children to achieve, much of this motivation came from within. The students took Advanced Placement courses while at SFHS and dedicated much of their time to their studies.
Principal Dr. Tim Wright is proud of these students, but not surprised by their success. “They all took command of their learning and were always seeking out opportunities to challenge themselves,” said Wright.
Sibling rivalry also played a role in Rylie Tam’s accomplishments. “It was always a joke that I would never let Ethan beat me at anything, and so when I found out I was super happy that I accomplished that,” she said.
Salutatorian Megan Walls was also motivated by her sibling’s success.
“It was motivating, but there was also pressure on top of that,” said Megan. “I feel like everyone thought Lacey was the more ‘book smart’ sister, so it was reassuring for me to make it as salutatorian too.”
Both of this year’s top graduating students have bright futures ahead of them. Megan will be attending Boston University this fall to study environmental science and sociology, while Rylie has earned a full scholarship to Butler University in Indianapolis to play Division 1 Volleyball and study biology.
“I think all four of them will attack college just like they did high school,” said principal Wright. “There are no limits to what they can achieve because they’ve always set such high standards for themselves.”
By Hannah Schoff