WORCESTER—They’ve mastered AP courses, captained sports teams, led clubs, launched nonprofits, and earned statewide and national accolades — all before tossing their caps in the air.
Worcester Public Schools this week announced its 2025 high school valedictorians, an inspiring group of scholars representing a wide range of talents and future ambitions.
In a release from Worcester Public Schools, the district celebrated this year’s valedictorians for their “academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their communities.”
Here’s a look at the standout students leading the Class of 2025:
Burncoat High School
Valedictorian: Kasie Vuong
Kasie Vuong has excelled academically and artistically as a Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts student and participant in the music magnet program. Her 4.95 GPA is backed by 8 advanced placement courses and 7 dual enrollment classes.
Kasie is the co-founder and president of the Asian Students Association, captain of both the math team and varsity volleyball team, and recipient of the Harvard Book Award. Outside school, she volunteers at UMass Memorial Hospital and works at a local bubble tea shop. She plans to study health science and business at Northeastern University, with the goal of earning an MD.
Claremont Academy
Valedictorian: Amrit Boyal
A first-generation student of South Asian descent, Amrit Boyal has earned Seals of Biliteracy in ASL, Punjabi, and Hindi. Her passion for law is evident through an internship at the Worcester Courthouse and her appointment to Governor Healey’s advisory council.
She will attend Boston College this fall to study applied psychology and human development, with plans to pursue a law degree and a career in criminal law and advocacy.
Doherty Memorial High School
Valedictorian: Dea Kamberi
With 12 AP credits and 7 dual enrollment courses, Dea Kamberi has demonstrated both academic rigor and leadership. She is a Bank of America student leader and the winner of the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts award.
Known for helping new students and tutoring peers, she balances her achievements with humility. Dea is attending Harvard University to study Government and Economics.
North High School
Valedictorian: Alexandra Lech
A standout athlete and scholar, Alexandra Lech captained the varsity volleyball team and completed 13 AP courses, earning the AP Scholar with Distinction Award.
She also contributed to Model United Nations, the Yearbook Committee, and the National Honor Society, while volunteering at Friendly House. She will study Electrical Engineering at Boston University, with a potential double major in Biomedical Engineering, and plans to join BU’s club volleyball team.
South High Community School
Valedictorian: Alina Liu
A star in both STEM and the arts, Alina Liu has led South High’s math team and science Olympiad team, restructured the math team for greater engagement, and contributed to the school’s band program.
As treasurer of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, she’s demonstrated organizational leadership. Alina will study at Harvard University this fall.
University Park Campus School
Valedictorian: Melina Fana Aquino
Melina Fana Aquino’s résumé includes poetry publication, the Harvard Book Award, and the HACE Award for academic excellence. She founded Girls Computer Science LearnUp, a Dell Technologies–sponsored program supporting girls in STEM.
She also interned with the Guild of St. Agnes and serves as a computer science Ambassador with Girls Who Code. Melina is attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to further her STEM education.
Worcester Technical High School
Valedictorian: Funbi Fatoke
An AP Scholar and recipient of multiple academic honors, Funbi Fatoke plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology. Born in Nigeria, she has excelled in Worcester Tech’s most rigorous courses while competing in track, serving as vice president of the Caring with Compassion Club, and participating in several leadership groups.
Funbi also completed clinical training as a Nurse Assistant, interned with United Way of Central MA, and works as an independent associate in the financial sector. She’s going to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
