Aptos High Top Students

The Aptos High School Class of 2021, which spent the past 14 months learning in a worldwide pandemic, will graduate with their well-deserved diplomas 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at the county fairgrounds in Watsonville.

The Aptos Times is pleased to recognize the 2021 valedictorian and the two salutatorians for their hard work that put them at the top of their class. Here they share their post-graduation plans.

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Valedictorian

Ximena Greatorex

Future plans: I will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall as an aerospace engineering major.

Mariner activities: I participated in JV Girls swimming for 3 years, and have been an avid competitive sailor for Aptos High School and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club throughout all of high school. I was also part of the Interact Club and Debate Team, for one year.

What I enjoyed most at Aptos High: The friendships I’ve made at school. I’ve had amazing friends I’ve known since freshman year that I can’t wait to continue the friendship with even throughout college. I also had fantastic support and learning through the teachers at Aptos High. I’ve had the most fun learning with my math department teachers, and have improved the most with my writing skills from the help of all my English teachers throughout the years. Overall, it has helped me to feel more confident with my communication skills!

Parents: Mom Marina Escobar-Greatorex and dad Martin Greatorex

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Salutatorians

Jesse Chamberlain

Future plans: After careful consideration, I have chosen to commit to the University of California, Santa Barbara in the fall. I also received acceptances from UCLA, UCB, UCSD, UCD, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and a few others.

Mariner activities: I was on the school varsity swim team as well as the girl’s varsity water polo team. I was the girl’s varsity water polo team captain my junior and senior years. I also competed on competitive teams outside of high school for both swim and water polo. I was vice president of my class freshman year and was president of my class sophomore, junior, and senior year. I was in the Surfrider club my junior and senior years and held the treasurer’s position for my senior year. I also held a job throughout my junior and senior year.

What I enjoyed most at Aptos High: How many people I have been able to connect with throughout my high school experience. When I first came to high school, I was worried I would always be too shy to venture outside of my friend group and meet new people. Once I actually sat inside of my classrooms I realized just how similar you can be to your lab partner or the person you borrowed a pencil from. Being able to meet new people in each class was always one of my favorite things about Aptos High.

Parents: Dad Chris Chamberlain, mom Stephanie Chamberlain

Fisher Johnson

Future plans: I will be attending the University of Southern California to play baseball while also studying business administration.

Mariner activities: I played three years of both varsity baseball and football. I also played varsity basketball (not this year because same time as baseball).

What I enjoyed most about Aptos High: I enjoyed the community I created through advanced classes and also the athletics programs. I enjoyed making various “random” friends throughout the year and forming strong, real relationships.

Parents: Paul and Cheryl Johnson

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Thanks for Peggy Pughe, principal at Aptos High School, for her assistance. Photos by Michael Oppenheimer

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