HISD’s highest achieving high school seniors gathered at Delmar Fieldhouse on April 30 to celebrate the 2023-2024 valedictorians and salutatorians at this year’s Scholars Recognition Ceremony. These students have worked hard to reach the highest echelon of high school academics and were recognized in front of friends, family, and educators in a touching sendoff to their high school careers.

The Bellaire High School JROTC kicked off the event with the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance. HISD’s Director of Counseling, Karen Young-Jones, welcomed students and their families to the ceremony. Superintendent Mike Miles shared anecdotes about his children and drew parallels between the graduating HISD seniors and his own son, a recent college graduate.

“You have a lot to help the world with,” said Miles. “For some of you, I say this: fight the fights that need fighting. For others of you, I say: be the change you want to see in the world. For others still, maybe your path is the following: be nice, and love your family.”

Honorees were given a special medal upon entry, and parents and guardians were asked to place them around their scholar’s necks, symbolic of growing up and leaving home for their next great adventure. These medallions will be worn with caps and gowns during graduation to showcase the past four years of hard work and dedication.

Principals (or a proxy) from each HISD high school presented their valedictorians and salutatorians and announced where each student would be continuing their education.

Acxel Campuzano was named valedictorian of his graduating class at Jones Futures Academy and took the stage along with his sister, Maria Campuzano, who is salutatorian. The Campuzanos are not only graduating at the top of their class, but are graduating high school with completed associate degrees, which will give them a coveted head-start as they transfer to the University of Houston.

“[This honor] means a lot to me because it shows that all of the work that I put in means something and that I earned my place as valedictorian of my school,” said Acxel. When asked what the most difficult part of the journey was, he smiled and answered, “Physics.”

For information on HISD’s June graduation ceremonies, visit the Class of 2024 webpage.