Meet the Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Co-Salutatorians

The Class of 2024 is a high achieving one, by any measure. Seniors include four National Merit Finalists, 10 National Merit Commended Scholars, three who earned perfect ACT scores, to name just a few of their many academic accomplishments.

So, it should come as no surprise that in announcing the class valedictorian and salutatorian, it resulted in a tie. Carmela Martinez was named valedictorian while David Koziol and Clare McDonough both were named salutatorians.

“While separated and distinguished by name, Carmela, David, and Clare together represent the very best of the Saint Viator community,” Principal Baffico says. “They are exceptional people who are well-rounded, faith-filled, and ultimately will make a difference in the world, no matter what they decide to do in the future. We are blessed and honored to recognize their outstanding achievements.”

All three students took many of the same classes together and pushed one another to succeed, but hearing the news surprised them.

“When I heard I was going to be valedictorian I was honored but honestly in awe because there are so many intelligent, talented, and passionate people in our graduating class,” Carmela says. “Throughout my life, I just wanted to make my family proud, and I am sincerely grateful for the support they have given me.”

Clare, too, said she was shocked when she heard the news, knowing there were so many high achieving students in the class. But in the end, she said, it was her teachers who helped her succeed.

“Throughout my time at Saint Viator, all of my teachers have pushed me in ways that I cannot even begin to express gratitude for,” Clare says. “The courses have never been easy, but I never doubted the incredible support system that only Saint Viator can provide.”

David agreed, giving his math and science teachers a special shout-out: “A special mention goes to Mrs. Nowak, who has been my anchor since seventh grade, providing unwavering support in my mathematical pursuits. I also extend my thanks to Ms. Dispensa for breaking down the complexities of AP Chemistry and to Mrs. Majka for infusing each morning with her infectious passion for physics during my senior year. These teachers, along with many others, have left an indelible mark on my high school experience.”

All three students are Querbes Scholars and enrolled in STEM courses, while taking eight or more AP courses during their four years. But beyond their rigorous academics, they also excelled on the athletic fields and in leadership roles.

Carmela has participated in girls’ tennis and track and field all four years. She also has been a member of the coding and engineering clubs, while mentoring younger students as a LINK Crew leader, a FIRE Crew ambassador, and on Student Council her junior year. That same year, Carmela advanced to state in the yearbook theme category in her role as a Viatome Yearbook editor, and she was inducted into the Spanish National Honor Society.

David was a three-season athlete his freshman and sophomore years, competing in golf, basketball and baseball, before concentrating on golf his junior and senior years, including this year as captain. He also was elected to Student Council his sophomore and junior years, and served as a FIRE ambassador and in Campus Ministry. Last year he advanced to state with the Math Team and was announced last fall as one of the 10 National Merit Commended Scholars.

Clare has run track since sophomore year and competed on the Scholastic Bowl team the last three years. She also was elected to Student Council her sophomore and junior years, and served as a LINK Crew leader her junior year. Clare has contributed articles to the Viator Voice, and last year she was inducted into the Spanish National Honor Society.

All three are still weighing their options about college decisions, but they know they will be prepared to pursue the difficult majors they have chosen. Carmela plans to major in neuroscience or chemical engineering on a pre-med track, while Clare intends to study biochemistry and molecular genetics. David is planning to study business, majoring in finance and business analytics with a possible minor in mathematics.