This year three students will be named Minarets High School's class of 2019 Valedictorians. Through hard work and determination, seniors Aaron Hall, Greta Ziegler, and Dilan Basila will graduate with the high honor.
These seniors will walk across the stage the night of graduation with a valedictorian stole embroidered with black and gold lettering as well as a purple, gold, and white distinguished scholar cord. Principal Daniel Ching will present the valedictorians with an award at graduation on June 5, 2019.
Aaron Hall
Throughout Aaron Hall's high school career, he currently has a cumulative GPA of 4.29. He has reached this impressive academic achievement by completing Minarets AP courses as well as adding online AP courses to his workload. Hall stated that he spent many nights awake until 3:00 am to complete assignments and to study for exams.
After graduation, Hall is attending the United States Military Academy at Westpoint, studying business or kinesiology. He has received the opportunity to play Division 1 Baseball and has accepted the offer. While at Westpoint, Aaron will be busy studying, playing baseball as well as training to become a US Military officer.
According to Hall, “My parents have been my biggest supporters throughout high school as they were always there whenever I NEEDED them and still were there when I didn’t as much.”
Aaron has said Minarets High School has helped him become a better speaker and presenter, which he says will help him for the rest of his life.
Greta Ziegler
Greta Ziegler currently maintains a weighted cumulative GPA of 4.20. Ziegler stated that she was able to earn high academic success by working hard to understand the content as well as complete the assignments. She also took several AP courses and college classes during her time at Minarets.
Her motto throughout her high school career has been a quote from St. Francis of Assisi, “Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Ziegler is attending North Dakota State where is majoring in pharmacy with the intention of earning a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. She has even gained early acceptance into the pharmaceutical program.
She spoke beautifully when asked who her biggest supporters were throughout her high school career. She said, “My dad and mom were and will continue to be my biggest supporters. Without out their encouragement and support, I would not be who I am today. Their love and support has helped guide me to my career and where I will be continuing my education.”
Ziegler credits Minarets for teaching her how to add professional characteristics to her work and communicate effectively. She stated, “The career I would like to have requires me to interact with people in order to convey critical instructions.”
Dilan Basila
Senior Dilan Basila current GPA stands at 4.13. With the help of supportive teachers and parents she has been able to earn this outstanding GPA and strive for excellence in her education.
After high school, Basila will attend Blinn College in Brennan, Texas with a scholarship for their livestock judging program. She will be majoring in Animal Science and she plans to transfer to Kansas State to obtain her Bachelor's Degree.
Throughout her time at Minarets, Basila biggest supporters have been her best friends (seniors Natalie Anselmo and Michael Rezendes), her teachers, and her parents.
When asked how Minarets has prepared her academically for her future, Basila explained that, “Minarets has prepared me for any situation in which I’d have to speak or present to large crowds. I’ve learned how to collaborate and work with others to get things done whether it be other students, teachers, or professionals.”