HighSchool Academics

2023 LPHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian

outstanding work ethic.

Isabella is currently involved in the Chatos Drill Team, National Honor Society, Senior Council, La Porte High School Musical, National Society of High School Scholars, Phi Theta Kappa and the ACE Program. She has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Honors, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, and National Hispanic Recognition Scholar. She plans on attending Baylor University after graduation and majoring in Biology on the premedicine track.

Congratulations to 2023 La Porte High School

Valedictorian Isabella Grace Balboa and Salutatorian

Jorge Andres Vanegas Mendivil.

Isabella is the daughter of Sonia and Christopher Balboa. Isabella expressed her thanks to her parents for their constant love and support throughout her high school journey. She thanks her parents for teaching her an

Salutatorian Jorge Vanegas Mendivil was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, before coming to La Porte for kindergarten. His parents are Jorge Veneers and Liliana Mendivil. Jorge said his parents have been his support through every step of his life. He is honored to be La Porte High School’s Salutatorian for the Class of 2023.

Jorge was recently recognized as an AP Scholar and is a member of the award-winning LPHS Orchestra. After graduation, he plans on attending UT Austin where he will major in Chemical Engineering. His desire is to build a career in researching renewable energy technology as a chemical engineer.

Academic Decathlon team advances to State

Nine La Porte High School Academic Decathlon Team members competed at the State Academic Decathlon meet recently and brought home several honors.

Amy Du is the 2023 TEXAS runner-up and was awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Kennedy Marks and Bekah Gilmore also earned State runner-up spots in their events. Other team members are Jacob Joji, Carol De La Rosa, Keenan Urban, Lauranh Nguyen, Daniel Ortiz and Michelle Springer.

Academic Decathlon students qualified to compete at the state meet after winning eight medals, including the individual runner-up at the regional meet on Jan. 27-28. Jaime Licon coaches the team; Michael Karm is the assistant coach.