At the end of senior year, the two seniors with the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) over their four years of high school earn the titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively. This year, these honors have been earned by seniors Jash Mirani as Valedictorian and Mia Flynn as Salutatorian.

The two heard about being recognized as Valedictorian and Salutatorian from Principal Bill Silva during the beginning of April.

“Earning this honor was completely unexpected for me, and for that, it was even more of a privilege. It definitely put my high school career into perspective, as it is really gratifying and motivating to know the work I have put in is being recognized,” Flynn said.

Alongside earning this honor itself, the two students will also be giving speeches at graduation on June 20. Although they haven’t figured out their speeches entirely, they both have key messages to convey to their peers.

“In my graduation speech, I want to make a sharp distinction between who we were when we came into this school and who we are as we prepare to leave… Coming into this school as freshmen, we were given a fresh start. We had the opportunity to change ourselves in some way to become something different, hopefully for the better. Looking back at our four years now, I can safely say that the Class of 2017 is nothing compared to what it was just four short years ago,” Mirani said.

According to Flynn, during her speech, she would like to talk about “learning to learn and learning to think” and how they are the most valuable skills students will take with them moving forward. In addition, she would like to talk about life’s unpredictability, as it may be one of its scariest qualities but is also its most refreshing reality.

While both of these students have had academic success throughout their high school career, both partake in activities outside of the classroom that add a different element to their high school careers.

 Flynn has been involved in sports, such as field hockey and track, among other clubs and extracurriculars.

“I’ve always been impressed by Mia’s work ethic and goal setting. It’s no surprise to me that she excels on and off the track field,” track coach Scott Ferrigno said.

In addition to her relationship between Flynn and her teachers, her peers have also seen her progress and dedication to her learning experience over time.

“I’m really happy and excited about Mia being honored. I’m honestly really proud of her. I know how hard she always works, and I’m happy she’s being recognized for it. Throughout high school, Mia has definitely gained confidence in herself, allowing her to explore her passions and be her own person, and I really admire that. I’m just lucky to have her as a best friend, and I know that her speech at graduation will be amazing,” senior Navva Sedigh said.

Next year, Flynn will be attending the University of Connecticut, and while she is not sure what she wants to major in, she’s always been interested in International Relations. In addition, she hopes to get involved with other student groups and continue playing field hockey or join the running club.

Mirani has been involved in extracurriculars, such as competing as part of the Science Bowl team and Science Olympiad team, as well as other activities.

“I feel like Jash has always been an academic leader and has led by example. He is a hard worker and completes tasks thoroughly… I think that Jash has many possible intended majors and career paths ahead of himself, but I can say with certainty that he would be an asset to the technical fields of science, math and engineering,” Science Olympiad coach and science teacher Eric Tucker said.

Next year, Mirani will be attending University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and plans on majoring in Chemistry on a pre-med track so he can one day go to medical school. In addition, he hopes to participate on a debate team, academic competitions as well as play club tennis and join other intramural sports.

“I’m really happy that Jash and Mia were selected as Valedictorian and Salutatorian. They really represent the best of Farmington High School in terms of their academic achievements, their involvement in the school and community, their participation in so many activities here at the school and they have really brought pride and honor to Farmington High School. It’s wonderful to recognize them for their accomplishments,” Silva said.