The following students have received the distinction valedictorian and salutatorian at their respective schools:
BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Valedictorian: Benjamin Marks is the son of Jon and Cara Marks of Richmond. Benjamin has a 4.539 GPA. He is the current commander of headquarters platoon and a member of the National Honor Society. Benjamin is also a member of the soccer and lacrosse teams. Benjamin will attend the University of Virginia next year.
Salutatorian: Hector Cibes-Lee. He is the son of Xavier Cibes and Hwa Young Lee of Henrico. Hector has a 4.492 GPA. He currently serves as the battalion inspector general and senior class president. Hector is a member of the National Honor Society and the Honor Court. Hector will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point next year.
Class of 2023: The 62 cadets have earned more than $3.8 million in scholarships for the next academic year. A record 16 cadets will attend Virginia Military Institute. Eight cadets have earned ROTC scholarships; two will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Michael Beauchamp, MVP in swimming and track and field and the 2023 Academic Athlete of the Year at CHS, was a winner of the National Congressional APP Challenge for the 4th District of Virginia. Michael is captain of the Cyber Patriot Gold Regional Finals team, an Eagle Scout, and AP Scholar with Distinction. He has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy and plans to study mechanical engineering
Salutatorian: Riley Douglas, captain of the Tidewater Conference Champion lacrosse team, is president of the Philosophy and Chemistry clubs and the Math Honor Society. He volunteers for the Special Olympics and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retirement Home, and is a 3-year school ambassador. Riley will study computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Class of 2023: The 112 students earned more than $6.1 million in scholarships and grants, including three military academy appointments. Students were accepted at colleges in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Honduras.
BLESSED SACRAMENT HUGUENOT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Jackson Hawkins, son of Cindy and Steve Hawkins of Powhatan, was actively involved in the BSH soccer, basketball, football and drama programs. Jackson was captain of the varsity soccer team and National Honor Society president. Jackson led the soccer team to victory at the 2023 VCC Championship. This fall, Jackson will attend the University of Virginia and major in mechanical engineering.
Salutatorian: Berkley Roudabush, daughter of Susan and Jay Roudabush of Powhatan, was actively involved in the BSH drama program, cheerleading squad, basketball and tennis teams, Student Council, and National Honor Society. She served as a peer tutor. In the fall, Berkley will study at the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech.
Class of 2023: Includes five “lifers” who have spent over 14 years at BSH. Students won the 2023 VCC Championships for soccer and golf and were runner-up in the VCC football championship. More than half of the class was accepted into the National Honor Society.
CRISTO REY RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Juan Varon is graduating with a GPA of 4.21 and is attending The Catholic University of America next fall. Juan worked this year at the Virginia Cancer Institute for his Corporate Work Study job and is declaring as a biology major.
Salutatorian: Santiago Ocando Romero is graduating with a GPA of 4.07 and is attending William & Mary in the fall. Santiago worked this year at St. Mary’s Hospital for his Corporate Work Study job and is declaring as a biology (pre-med) major.
Class of 2023: Cristo Rey Richmond High School is proud to announce the graduation of our inaugural class of seniors. These 54 talented young men and women received offers collectively totaling more than $4 million in merit scholarships to attend more than 600 colleges and universities.
PENINSULA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Anne Masters, graduating with a 4.79 GPA, will attend William & Mary with plans to major in history and eventually attend law school. Anne was inducted into the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Anne is a member of the forensics team and a lifelong dancer.
Salutatorian: Gia Yun, graduating with a 4.75 GPA, will attend the University of Pennsylvania and plans to major in sociology. Gia was inducted into the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She was captain of the tennis team and served as a member of the Newport News Mayor’s Youth Commission.
Class of 2023: 67 graduates, as well as three additional students who comprise the inaugural graduating class of the St. Vincent Virtual Academy. The average GPA for the class is 3.40. Seniors have received more than 250 college acceptances and have been awarded $3 million in scholarship awards.
ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Angela Drapac will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall to study biomedical engineering. Angela completed 12 AP and Dual Enrollment courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Red Cross Club, Student Ambassador, RCS Catholic Campus Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Help Save the Next Girl, and Student Government. She has served as the team captain for cross country.
Salutatorian: Meagan Beheler will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall to study kinesiology. Meagan completed 11 AP and Dual Enrollment courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Help Save the Next Girl, Student Government, Medico Club, and Film Club. She has served as the team captain for golf and cheerleading. She is also the founder/president of Bundles of Luv, which has made more than 300 blankets for hospitals, nursing homes and shelters in the Roanoke area.
SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
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aledictorian: Erin Woodson is well-known for her accomplishments in basketball, culminating in her selection as a McDonald’s All-American nominee. All of Erin’s athletic and academic accomplishments stem from her constant commitment to improve. Erin is excited to continue her academic and basketball journey at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Salutatorian: Helen Counts is a critical thinker and analytical writer who loves mathematics. She has portrayed many zany characters in theater productions, showcasing her powerful vocals. Helen is also a peer tutor for math and physics. Students who work with Helen appreciate her patience and enthusiasm. She will be attending Christopher Newport University in the fall.
WALSINGHAM ACADEMY
Valedictorian: Scarlett Sullivan has been a Walsingham student since sixth grade. She is an excellent writer, has taken a number of college enrichment courses, and was named a National Merit Commended Scholar last fall. Scarlett will attend the University of Virginia to major in history.
Salutatorian: Mary Blinn joined the Class of 2023 for her eighth grade year after living in multiple places as a member of a military family. She has been very involved in campus ministry during her time at Walsingham. Mary is an accomplished rower and will row at the University of Miami next year as she purses a degree in international studies and a minor in Arabic.
Class of 2023: Walsingham Academy will hold commencement exercises for 42 graduates in its 76th graduating class on Saturday, June 3. Class of 2023 has received more than $4 million in scholarships with 158 college and university acceptances.