Sugar Hill Christian Academy has announced its highest academic achievers for the 2021-2022 school year with the announcement of their valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2022.
The valedictorian is recognized annually at the end of the first semester as the senior with the highest cumulative grade point average for seven semesters of high school, with the salutatorian being the student having earned the second highest GPA.
Sugar Hill Christian Academy’s salutatorian for the class of 2022, graduating second in his class, is Jack Swift.
The valedictorian for SHCA’s class of 2022, graduating first in his class is Zander Steffey.
“I consider it a true honor to be named valedictorian,” Steffey said. “SHCA has been my second home for as long as I can remember. The faculty and friends I have here are absolutely incredible.”
“I am proud of Zander and Jack for earning the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian,” said Kristi Burlison, SHCA’s vice principal. “They have both challenged themselves throughout high school, taking the most difficult courses offered.”
“These two young men have made an educational career out of hard work, determination and the investment of time,” said Courtney Simmons, SHCA’s dean of students. “Countless hours have been spent in study — both in and out of the classroom.”
Not only have the two young men applied themselves scholastically, but both have been members of various clubs and athletic teams. Both have invested in younger students through the school’s elementary book buddies program, and both have served as tutors through the National Honor Society. Through their examples, they’ve impacted their elders, as well.
Burlison describes Steffey and Swift as well-rounded leaders, “always choosing to be men of character.”
“It is obvious with their high honors that they found success academically, but it is also important to highlight their integrity,” said SHCA’s high school advisor Cheryl Baraban. “These two young men are self-sacrificing, independent, and serve as role models in community involvement and encouragement to their peers.”
“These are the types of young men we will continue to discuss among ourselves and follow their trajectories in life, long after they leave us,” Simmons said.
“It is an honor to be named salutatorian,” Swift said. “I will always be grateful to the friends and teachers who have poured into me at SHCA. Stallions Forever!”
Steffey and Swift will deliver valedictory and salutatory addresses at the school’s 2022 commencement ceremony to be held in May.
FEATURED PHOTO: Jack Switft, left, and Zander Steffey, right, have been named Sugar Hill Christian Academy’s 2021-2022 salutatorian and valedictorian, respectively. Steffey and Swift will deliver valedictory and salutatory addresses at the school’s 2022 commencement ceremony to be held in May. Photo courtesy of Sugar Hill Christian Academy
