Family Spotlight
Caldera’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian is Griffin Blanchard! Griffin successfully completed the most rigorous academic course selection possible at Caldera High School. He took every Advanced Placement class offered outside of the arts. He was a peer mentor in AP Physics this year, helping to support student success. He is the student many go to when they have questions about a topic or a class. Griffin earned his AP Capstone Diploma and is one of only five other capstone diploma candidates in the Class of 2025. Outside the classroom, he was involved in track and field and golf, balancing his academic excellence with athletic participation. Known for his humility, kindness, and quiet leadership, Griffin will continue his academic journey this fall at Lehigh University, where he plans to study engineering.
Congratulations to Salutatorian Ali Heinly! Ali continually challenges herself and thrives in every situation imaginable. She is hard working, organized, responsible, and resilient. Ali found success in multiple avenues of her educational and extracurricular experiences at Caldera High School. We are truly in awe of her humility and grace. While at Caldera, Ali received the highest marks in the most rigorous courses. She is a multi-sport athlete and an active member of our community, completing numerous hours of community service while also balancing a part-time job. Ali will attend Pacific University to study biology and bioinformatics.
Congratulations to La Pine High School’s 2025 Valedictorian, Payton Johnston! A dedicated scholar and leader, Payton is an AP Scholar and serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society. She has been recognized for her scientific achievements at the Regional Science Expo and contributes her voice on the Statewide Teen Advisory Board for the “My Future, My Choice” program. In addition to her academic and leadership pursuits, Payton has studied dance for 15 years and embraces the Central Oregon lifestyle with a love for snowboarding and hiking. She’s also the proud owner of a pet bearded dragon. This fall, Payton will attend the University of Florida, where she’ll begin her journey in the pre-nursing program, continuing her commitment to learning, leadership, and service.
La Pine High School is proud to recognize Steven Miller as Salutatorian! Steven is attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and starting his journey to become an officer in the Air Force. His goal is to become a fighter pilot. Steven has been very busy over the years and a few accomplishments include National Honor Society secretary, co-founder of La Pine High STEM Club, captain of the La Pine soccer team, and journalist for The Bulletin. He volunteers with La Pine Soccer Academy, La Pine community Kitchen, and has been a camp counselor in Bend. Achievements include Outstanding Cadet Medal and Honor Cadet Medal from ROTC, recommendations from U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz and Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, MVP track award, and multiple scholar awards. In his spare time, Steven produces music, plays guitar, and enjoys skateboarding and traveling. At home, Steven helps care for his three younger brothers, Noah, Atreus, and Ares.
Congratulations to Bend Senior High’s 2025 Valedictorian, Aaron Goyal! A standout scholar and accomplished musician, Aaron is earning his International Baccalaureate Diploma and has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, awarded to the top academic performers in the nation. This fall, Aaron will attend Oregon State University, where he’ll pursue a unique combination of passions, Computer Science and Classical Guitar Performance. With a brilliant mind for technology and the soul of an artist, Aaron is poised to make his mark in both the digital and musical worlds.
Joining in academic distinction is Bend Senior High’s 2025 Salutatorian, Sanika Mehta Patterson. Sanika is also earning her IB Diploma and has been recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, reflecting her exceptional academic achievement. This fall, she will head to Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. We congratulate Sanika on her remarkable accomplishments and look forward to all that she will achieve.
Congratulations to Summit High Valedictorian Kenji Hoshi! Kenji has combined academic excellence with a passion for adventure and hard work. In addition to advanced math and science classes, during high school he completed an associate degree in business from COCC while also excelling as a freeride skier and a competitive mountain biker. Throughout high school, Kenji worked part-time as a cook and pursued passions like photography and climbing. He looks forward to a gap year filled with travel, work, and creative exploration.
Summit High is proud to recognize this year’s Salutatorian, Finnegan Howell. A dedicated track athlete, Finnegan has been a member of the team all four years, with the highlight of his high school career being the opportunity to compete at the state championships as a pole vaulter. Outside of athletics, he has been involved in the Gardening Club and Neuroscience Club, furthering his interests in both the natural world and the sciences. Finnegan is headed to Oregon State University to major in engineering and physics. While he’s still exploring his career path, his passion for science, math, and nature fuels his academic journey.
We are proud to recognize Nicole DuValle as Mountain View’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian! A dedicated student and leader, Nicole was a four-year member of the cheer team and served in Mountain View’s leadership program for two years, including this year as Vice President. Her commitment to excellence, both in and out of the classroom, has made a lasting impact on the Mountain View community. Nicole will attend the Honors College at Oregon State University, where she plans to study Nuclear Engineering.
Congratulations to Mountain View’s 2025 Salutatorian, Ivy Williams! Ivy will be heading to New York University this fall to pursue pre-med studies. Over the past two years, she has dedicated her time to volunteering at St. Charles Medical Center and serving as an active member of Mountain View’s Sparrow Club, demonstrating both compassion and commitment to others. And in a fun twist, she didn’t like ice cream until she was 10 (we’re still trying to understand how that’s possible!).
Bend Tech Academy’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian is Luke Harris! At BTA, Luke was an active leader, serving on the Leadership Team for three years, including as Treasurer. He was involved in Cross Country, Church Youth Group, and New Hope Church, and leading the High School Worship Team. He is also recognized as an ECMC Scholar. Luke’s passion for building and design has been shaped by years of meaningful volunteer work with Amor Ministries and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. These experiences sparked his interest in architecture and inspired his desire to serve others through engineering. This fall, Luke will attend Olivet Nazarene University to study Architectural Engineering. Luke enjoys playing guitar and running.
Congratulate BTA’s 2025 Salutatorian, Phoebe Karpstein! Phoebe is a compassionate and dedicated leader who has spent her high school years making a difference both in and out of the classroom. A committed peer leader with Sources of Strength all four years, Phoebe also served on the Youth Advisory Council as a senior, helping to promote mental health and resilience among her peers. She has been a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball, bowling, and varsity track and field - all at Bend Senior High School. Phoebe also values giving back to her community, volunteering with the Family Access Network program in 9th grade. Above all, she treasures her family, which remains the most important part of her life. Phoebe will attend Oregon Institute of Technology to pursue a career as an EMT. She is also an ECMC Scholar and recipient of the McDonald Family Scholarship.
Congratulations to 2025 Realms High School Valedictorian James Humphrey! James will continue his academic journey at Whitman College, where he plans to study environmental science. He was awarded the prestigious Whitman Achievement Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments. A skilled gardener, James founded and led a sustainable Garden Club during his time at Realms, leaving a lasting impact on the school community. He has a deep appreciation for native plants and enjoys exploring Central Oregon’s trails to photograph wildflowers. At home, he grows his own vegetables, combining his love for nature with hands-on sustainability. We are incredibly proud of James and look forward to seeing all that he will achieve in the future!
Attending a graduation ceremony? Here’s what you need to know!
- Seating at all ceremonies is on a first-come, first-served basis. Families may bring low-backed chairs and blankets for outdoor ceremonies. Umbrellas and shade tents are prohibited.
- You will find parking, transportation, and designated seating available for ADA needs at all ceremonies. Please look for specific information at your student’s high school. Dogs are not allowed unless they are registered service animals.
- Spanish and American Sign Language interpreters will be provided as needed. Please contact your student’s high school to communicate those needs.
- Spectators may bring water containers. No other refreshment containers or coolers will be allowed at the ceremonies. Our campuses are tobacco, alcohol and substance-free zones.
- Air horns or other noise makers are prohibited during the ceremony. We want every graduate's name to be heard without disruption or interruption.
- In the event of lightning or high AQI levels, the event may be postponed or moved indoors. It is a “game day” decision, which will be made by our administrators using OSAA guidelines. In this event, communication will be sent to families.
