The Olympic Heights Class of 2025 has set a high bar for academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. Students in this exceptionally competitive class have demonstrated remarkable dedication and hard work throughout their high school careers. It’s time to get to know the best and brightest from the Class of 2025.

Coming in at number 10 is Annika Eden, a varsity tennis player and the vice president of Key Club. Ximena Reyes, co-president of the National Honor Society and a board member of both Best Buddies and the Spanish Honor Society, secured the ninth spot. Danielle Rodriguez takes the eighth spot, balancing her academics with being a varsity soccer player and the vice president of the Latin Learners Club.

Jaiden Scott, who is co-president of DECA and secretary of the Math Honor Society, ranks seventh. At number six, Olivia Kottas stands out for her involvement as the vice president of the Spanish Honor Society, as well as her work with special needs children and adults outside of school.

In the fifth spot is Arianna Henderson, a competitive dancer and team captain who also serves as the founder and president of the Latin Learners Club. Joey D’Annunzio, who has led the lacrosse team as a two-year varsity captain and founded the Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), holds the fourth spot. Madison Levitt takes the third position, excelling academically while leading as president of the Science National Honor Society, interning at a physical therapy office, and holding a leadership role in Key Club since her sophomore year.

While the top ten is filled with impressive students, salutatorian Austin Schneider and valedictorian Sachin Ramnarace have truly distinguished themselves through their incredible academic accolades.

Since his freshman year, Austin Schneider has pursued academic excellence, driven by the example set by his older brother, who also graduated at the top of his class. Determined to challenge himself, he took on the most rigorous courses while maintaining an impressive extracurricular schedule: competing as a member of the varsity wrestling team and actively participating in Kindness Matters and the Spanish Honor Society.

Though his achievements stand on their own merit, Schneider credits his mother as the unwavering support system behind his every triumph and challenge. “My mom always set me up for success while leaving enough room for me to be independent,” he shared.

For Schneider, success isn’t defined by grades or rankings but by the effort put forth. “As long as you’re truly trying your best with good intentions, you’re succeeding,” he explained. He believes it is crucial to not be overly critical of oneself, stressing that most setbacks aren’t as serious as they seem in the moment. “It is never that deep,” he added. What truly matters is giving everything your all and, if mistakes happen, learn from them and strive to improve.

Schneider plans to carry this mindset into the University of Florida’s Honors Program, where he will major in biology on a pre-med track. With aspirations of becoming an obstetrician, he is eager to dedicate himself to a profession that brings new life into the world—a future that is as promising as his determination.

Valedictorian Sachin Ramnarace similarly draws his motivation to excel from his family. His parents grew up in small Caribbean nations where access to education and opportunity was scarce, so seeing their perseverance to provide for both him and his sister has instilled in him a deep appreciation for the opportunities he now has. He is determined to take advantage of the benefits they have afforded to him.

Ramnarace has demonstrated this in his packed schedule. Not only has he led as co-president of the National Honor Society and secretary of the Spanish Honor Society, but he has also interned at a physical therapy clinic, shadowed an orthopedic surgeon, and tutored students from low-income backgrounds. To balance such a hectic agenda, Ramnarace finds it essential to not put too much pressure on himself.

Throughout his endeavors, Ramnarace has learned the value of taking risks. “There are so many things we are all capable of doing, but the fear of failure often prevents us from carrying it out,” he shared. High school has also taught him that grades and rankings are not what defines an individual. Rather, success is measured in how “we are able to change the world around us” and “in what we do with the knowledge we have gained,” he remarked.

Ramnarace, who is still undecided about which university he will attend, plans to study molecular biology. He is considering a career in medicine and wants to become an orthopedic surgeon. With his ambition and drive, there is no doubt that Ramnarace will continue to thrive.

The Class of 2025 has undoubtedly left a legacy of hard work, resilience, and leadership. As they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives, the future looks bright for Olympic Heights’ top achievers.