The Aptos Times is pleased to recognize the two Aptos High School valedictorians, Samantha Wickham and Owen McGinty, and the two salutatorians, Ronja Eilfort and Jillian Wiesner, for their hard work that put them at the top of their class in 2024. Here they share their post-graduation plans and memories of Aptos High.
Valedictorians
Owen McGinty
Parents: Matt and Cassie McGinty
Valedictorians Samantha Wickham and Owen McGinty
What will you do after you graduate?
I’m hoping to relax as much as possible before heading off to college in the fall.
I plan to hike a lot in Nisene Marks with my friends and travel with my family.
College you plan to attend?
UC Berkeley
Do you have a major in mind?
Mathematics
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I was a defense attorney in Mock Trial and a doubles player on the tennis team. I also spent time doing math tutoring in the library after school and online for the SAT.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
I’ll remember my teachers and coaches the most; I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their constant support. I’ll also remember the friends I’ve been lucky enough to meet over the years.
Samantha Wickham
Parents: Quinn Wickham, Mary Beth Ficklin
What will you do after you graduate?
This summer I hope to get a job and spend time going on adventures with my friends and family before I leave in the fall.
College you plan to attend?
University of Pennsylvania
Do you have a major in mind?
I‘m undecided but considering majoring in economics.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I had leadership roles in the Speech and Debate, Ethics Bowl, and Mock Trial Teams, was on the varsity basketball team, a member of the Red Cross Club, and volunteered as a math tutor through the extended learning program in the library after school.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
What will stick with me the longest from my time at Aptos High is all the people I have met and the wonderful friends I‘ve made.
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Salutatorians
Ronja Eilfort
Parents: Bill Eilfort & Sari Luoma
Salutatorians Ronja Eilfort and Jillian Wiesner
What will you do after you graduate?
I intend to pursue at least a
bachelor‘s degree, and possibly go on to get a master’s.
College you plan to attend?
I will be attending Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Do you have a major in mind?
I plan to major in mathematics and music.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I was a member of chamber choir and drama production for all four years. I participated in Mock Trial for four years, becoming president my senior year. I was also involved in Rainbow Alliance for four years, being president for three of them.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
My most memorable experiences were all of my involvement in performances with choir and drama. I enjoyed making art with these groups of people, who will remain some of my closest friendships.
Jillian Wiesner
Parents: Debra and Scott Wiesner
What will you do after you graduate?
Academically, attend UCLA. Before that, I’ll spend my very long summer at the beach with my friends and traveling!
College you plan to attend?
UCLA
Do you have a major in mind?
I am majoring in biology on the pre-med track.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I participated in the indoor volleyball team all four years, was the president of the Pre-Med club, president of the LEO Club, and head of the ASB Clubs Council.
What will you remember most about Aptos High?
I will always remember the dedication of my teachers. While taking AP classes requires a lot of hard work, teaching them requires the same amount of hard work, along with patience and dedication. I am extremely grateful to all of my teachers (AP or not) for always supporting me and putting in the extra effort to help me learn.
In addition to this, the sense of community I have felt at Aptos is unlike any other. I can easily say that wherever I am, I can always find a friendly face at Aptos High. Students and staff are incredibly welcoming and eager to make real bonds with each other, which I think is truly special.