The Aptos Times is pleased to recognize the two Aptos High School valedictorians; Benjamin Baker and Zia Wang, and the three salutatorians; Sophie Cornish, Natasha Newcombe and Pax Young, for their hard work that put them at the top of their class in 2024.
The graduation ceremony is Thursday, June 5, 5 p.m. at Cabrillo College.
Here the top students share their post-graduation plans and memories of Aptos High:
Valedictorians
Benjamin Baker
Parents: John and Rachelle Baker
What will you do after you graduate?
This summer I want to spend quality time with my family and friends before I have to leave in the fall for college.
There’s also some good books and movies I haven’t had a chance to get to, so it’ll be nice to go through those over the break.
College you plan to attend?
University of California, Berkeley
Do you have a major in mind?
Cognitive science
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I was on the Aptos High varsity soccer team, played the alto saxophone in the Aptos High concert and pep band, and helped run the school’s trading card club.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
The people are what will stick with me the most from my high school experience. I will always remember hanging out with my friends at break in the upper quad, and staying up late on calls to finish projects.
All of my teachers actually cared about me and my learning, so even though that sometimes meant extra work, I truly value their lessons and guidance.
Zia Wang
Parents: Li Jiang and Yunwen Wang
What will you do after you graduate?
Before leaving for college, I plan on spending the summer with my friends and continuing to work at my jobs.
College you plan on attending?
I will be attending UCLA.
Do you have a major in mind?
I am currently undeclared for physical sciences.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I ran cross country and track in my underclassmen years.
In my latter years, I co-founded the Aptos High Key Club and participated in Ethics Bowl.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
I will remember all of the amazing connections I have made with staff members and peers.
Furthermore, the immense support shown to me by my wonderful friends and teachers over the years will always stay with me.
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Salutatorians
salutatorians: Sophie Cornish, Natasha Newcombe and Pax Young • Photo Credit Jondi Gumz
Sophie Cornish
Parents: Monica and Simon Cornish
What will you do after you graduate?
I will travel with my family and spend time with friends.
College you plan to attend?
I plan to attend the University of British Columbia.
Do you have a major in mind?
International relations
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I ran cross country and track and field and was a part of the LEO Club throughout all of high school.
I also participated in the Superintendent Student Advisory for two years.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
I will remember the friends I have made and practices in Nisene Marks with my teammates.
Natasha Newcombe
Parents: Shawn and Angela Newcombe
What will you do after you graduate?
Aptos High School has been an amazing experience that has provided me with the opportunity to get accepted into schools like UC Davis, Stanford, and Pepperdine.
College you plan to attend? Do you have a major in mind?
After I graduate, I have decided to attend UC Davis as it is the number one vet school in the nation!
I will be majoring in animal science as I pursue my dream career as a wildlife veterinarian. I look forward to gaining vet experience over the summer and hopefully participating in study abroad programs in the near future!
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
At Aptos High School, I pursued student leadership in YLC and Student Senate while participating in eight different student-run clubs.
I embraced officer positions (such as the director of events and vice president) in LEO Club and Dream Volunteers where I helped facilitate community service events and encouraged student activism.
In my free time, I loved volunteering for Jacob’s Heart, Adopt a Family, AJHS Athletics, local beach cleanups, and summer camps.
I was also heavily involved in high school sports like flag football, track and field, and soccer. I was elected team captain of JV soccer and Varsity flag football and enjoyed successful league seasons with my teammates.
In track and field, my teammates and I won SCCAL four years in a row while representing AHS in championships, league finals, and CCS.
Outside of school, I played club soccer and earned my second-degree black belt at Freedom Taekwondo. I also enjoyed playing the piano, hosting bake sale fundraisers, and spending time with friends and family.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
I will always remember the incredible sports programs, fun prom dances, and most importantly, all of the amazing friends I have made at Aptos High School!
Pax Young
Parents: Suzannah Young & Arnett Young
What will you do after you graduate?
I plan to continuing on to college to study aerospace engineering and get my PhD.
College you plan to attend?
I just officially committed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Do you have a major in mind?
Aerospace engineering
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
- Co-president of mock trial
- Vice president of robotics
- Team captain of ethics bowl team for speech and debate
- Community service through LEO Club and Key Club as well as independently.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
The community and the friends I have be able to find here and the support of my teachers.
TOP PHOTO: Valedictorians Banjamin Baker and Zia Wang • Credit Jondi Gumz
