PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

When did you realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

Since freshman year. Anytime I would get a summary sheet for dual enrollment, I would see the rank “#1” and it would leave me with the biggest smile on my face. Official, however, I found at senior breakfast. The whole day I felt an odd sense of calm. When the moment arrived and I picked up my card, I couldn’t believe my eyes. An 11.0 GPA and a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA stared back at me. It was beyond anything I had ever imagined. In that instant, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I screamed with joy, unable to process the magnitude of my achievement. I’m grateful to have such supportive and loving friends, who shared in my elation. Without hesitation, I reached for my phone and called up my parents, my voice overflwing with excitement as I shared the incredible news. They had always been my pillars of support, and I knew they would be just as thrilled as I was. Their pride and joy echoed through the phone, magnifying my own feelings of accomplishment. This moment will forever be etched in my memory—the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifie, and determination. It serves as a reminder that dreams can indeed become a reality with unwavering dedication.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school before entering 9th grade?I would urge my younger self to prioritize self-discovery and learning. These are valuable tools that can help us navigate through life’s challenges and achieve our aspirations.

What is your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory has to be the senior breakfast. It was an absolutely beautiful moment that I’ll cherish forever.

What is the most important lesson you learned (from a teacher or another student) while in high school?

What extracurricular activities did you participate in and why?

National Honor Society (11th - 12th grade, Plant City High School): Treasurer

Science and Engineering Club (9th – 12th

Grade; Plant City High School): President Robotics Club – Competition Team Member (9th and 10th grade, Plant City High School)

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA): (9 th and 10th grade)

Letters for Rose (Ambassador 10th -12th grade) Science Honors Society (President 12th grade)

What are your college plans and future career goals?

My college plan is to attend the University of South Florida to major in Health Administration and Nursing.

What advice would you give students who want to be valedictorian or salutatorian?

As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the invaluable lesson of hard work. It is not just about the hours spent, but the mindset and unwavering commitment to give my all in everything I do. Hard work is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity, enabling us to surpass our own expectations and achieve greatness.

When did you realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

I had known that I was ranked 2nd since my sophomore year. However, I always worried about it since rank is never set in stone until they freeze GPA’s in January. So there was about a month long period where I had no idea what rank I ended up getting. However, when I found out at senior breakfast, I was more relieved than anything.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school before entering 9th grade?

That a lot of change will happen, both around you and within you. But it’s not something to be afraid of!

What is your favorite high school memory?

I don’t have a specific memoy, but I loved my AP U.S. History class that I took Junior year. We were always laughing and I genuinely enjoyed everything I learned.

What is the most important lesson you learned (from a teacher or another student) while in high school?

In a letter to me, my guidance counselor told me to remember to “stop and smell the roses”. I’ve learned that it’s important to slow down and take the time to enjoy life.

What extracurricular activities did you participate in and why?

I participated in Spanish Honor Society, Latin Quarters, National Honor Society, and Leo Club. Volunteering and my Hispanic culture our important to me so I chose clubs that aligned with those values.

My advice would be to learn how to balance. It is okay to have strong ambitions, but learning how to balance, without comparison, will be your greatest strength.

What are your college plans and future career goals?

I’ll be attending the University of Florida in the fall, and I plan to major in Computer Science!

What advice would you give students who want to be valedictorian or salutatorian?

Don’t burn yourself out trying to take so many classes for the sake of being valedictorian or salutatorian. Take classes and get involved with clubs you’re passionate about.

VALEDICTORIAN: TINA LOHTIA KUMAR SALUTATORIAN: