Valedictorian, salutatorian, STAR student announced for the Class of 2022
February 9, 2022
St. Pius X recently announced the Class of 2022’s valedictorian, salutatorian and STAR student, the student in the top 10% of their class who earns the highest SAT score. Senior Katie Graebner was named valedictorian, senior Maxi Brogi salutatorian, and senior Sam Grass STAR student.
Both Graebner and Brogi said that they were excited but not surprised when their names were called.
“I did not know ahead of time, but I was hopeful because a lot of my friends were saying things like ‘I’m so excited to cheer for you,’” Graebner said.
Grass knew weeks in advance, recalling an encounter with Dean of Academics Mr. Jason Eaglen.
“I had like 3 months notice. [I found out] in the SAGE line. Mr. Eaglen was scary because he was really close to my face,” Grass said.
Grass chose math teacher Mrs. Lesley Bowman as his STAR teacher, an award that the STAR student gives to the teacher who helped them the most throughout their four years in high school.
“She’s the GOAT,” Grass said. “I’ve had her for three years. She’s the best math teacher ever.”
Brogi also attributed his success to former teachers.
“My favorite teacher was Mr. Scirocco,” Brogi said. “I know the current students won’t get the chance to have him, but his class really expanded my mind.”
Graebner credits the people closest to her.
“My parents, my teachers and my friends were all very supportive,” she said.
Each of the students appreciated the congratulations they received the day of the assembly.
“Everybody was congratulating me, and it made me feel very nice. People who haven’t talked to me in years were saying things to me,” Brogi said.
He went on to explain what he thought when president Mr. John Favier and principal Dr. Edye Simpson gave him a white box after his name was announced as salutatorian.
“I thought there was a cake in the box, but there was not, and people kept asking me for a slice of cake,” he said.
Graebner also received some confusion on the misleading shape of the box.
“Everyone was super nice and was saying congratulations,” she said. “A lot of people were asking me what was in the box. People asked me if it was a cake.”
Instead of a dessert, the box contained a crucifix plaque with each student’s name and award on it.
Graebner and Brogi also offered words of wisdom for those who aspire to rise to their academic achievements.
“If you think you can handle a harder level class, or an Honors or AP class, take it for the bonus points,” Brogi said. “Getting the award is cool, but you should take the time to take the classes you want and research the things you’re interested in.”
Graebner added, “Try to set goals for yourself in order to achieve them and remember to be grateful for all the people that help you get there.”
In their four years at St. Pius, Graebner has participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the Math Club, Music Ministry, the Writing Center, and serving as an NHS tutor; Brogi has been involved in swimming, pole vaulting, and summer swim coaching; and Grass has done track and wrestling.
Graebner is undecided about college but said she may attend the University of Alabama, Brogi is deciding between Georgia Tech and the University of Michigan, and Grass will attend Georgia Tech.
