Whiz Kids: Eastside Catholic School Names Valedictorians and Salutatorian

Each week, Sammamish Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams who wow us with their accomplishments.

This week, we congratulate a smart group of high school students on the Sammamish Plateau. Why? Well, has announced its Valedictorians and Salutatorians from the Class of 2011.

A valedictorian is the highest-ranking student in a graduating class. A salutatorian is the second highest-ranking student in a graduating class. Grade point average, number of credits taken and extracurricular activities factor into the selection of both academic titles.

Here is a note from Tom Lord, Eastside Catholic School principal, about this year's group of students: 

"We are so proud of our Class of 2011. It's a very bright group of students, and we are honored to have shepherded them through their high school years. And the six students who represent this class as their valedictorians and salutatorians do so in an exemplary manner. They are using their individual God-given gifts to be leaders in their chosen areas, whether it's on the Speech and Debate floor, on the piano or on the athletic field. I look forward to seeing where these students will go in college and afterward."

Valedictorians:

Name, age: Alex Gallant, 18
Residence: Sammamish
GPA: 4.0
Chosen University: Arizona State University
Information: Alex is interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, a field for which Arizona State is well known.

Name, age: Jacob Gober, 18
Residence: Sammamish
GPA: 4.0
Chosen University: Baylor University
Information: A standout scholar athlete, Jacob has served as a student ambassador and is known for his leadership qualities.

Name, age: Miles Linde, 18
Residence: Woodinville 
GPA: 4.0
Chosen University: Washington State University
Information: As a junior, Miles finished in second place at the 2010 Bio-expo, a science competition for advanced science students.

Name, age: Nicholas Mahan, 18
Residence: Bellevue
GPA: 4.0
Chosen University: Notre Dame
Info: A former science teacher said that Nicholas was one of the top 10 students she had ever taught.

Name, age: Rachael Whitehead, 17 
Residence: Sammamish
GPA: 4.0
Chosen University: University of Washington or McGill University
Information: Rachael is known for her inquisitiveness, for taking academic risks, and for asking tough questions.

Salutatorian:

Name, age: Matthew Mahan, 18
Residence: Bellevue
GPA: 3.9
Chosen University: Notre Dame
Information: Mathew excelled on the Speech and Debate team, serving as captain.

Editor's note: This story was revised on May 6, 2011 in order to properly reflect a change in one of the student's status.

Sammamish Patch wants to hear about amazing children and teens and select one or a group each week as the Whiz Kid or Whiz Kids. If you know of such a student, please contact Brad Wong, Sammamish Patch editor, at brad.wong@patch.com.