FRANK WILLIAMS

VALEDICTORIAN / SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL

Frank, 18, plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in biology.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN: Work hard, be committed and stay focused. Take full advantage of any opportunities that come your way. My high school experience was cut short, as I didn’t get to attend prom or say proper goodbyes to my classmates, and now won’t get the chance to walk the graduation stage. You will never know when another opportunity will resurface.

PARTING ADVICE FOR THE CLASS OF 2020: I know times seem strange and unusual right now, but don’t let that stop you from continuing to achieve great things in life. As this chapter comes to an end and a new one begins, we have an increased opportunity to become productive citizens in society when we enter adulthood.

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON HE LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL: Set high expectations. Coming from middle school, I didn’t see myself as academically capable, causing me to choose on-level and elective classes, which did not provide an adequate challenge. But once I began high school, I excelled and increased my expectations.

PATRICIA MEZA VALEDICTORIAN / TRINIDAD GARZA EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Patricia, 18, plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in international relations and global studies.

EXCERPT FROM HER VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH: What a unique and even revolutionary time we’re in. I also feel the disappointment you may be feeling, missing out on prom, our final senior activities, ending of our sports seasons and senior nights, walking across the stage during graduation, even having proper goodbyes from the amazing staff that has supported us constantly. But there is hope, despite the vast ambiguity before us. We have not been robbed of the milestone that this is as we continue to step forward into our future.