Aptos High Valedictorians
The Aptos Times is pleased to recognize the two 2023 Aptos High School valedictorians and the two salutatorians for their hard work that put them at the top of their class. Here they share their post-graduation plans and memories of Aptos High.
Mia Beatty
What will you do after you graduate?
I will be attending Princeton University in the fall.
Do you have a major in mind?
Astrophysics.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I led the Aptos High underwater robotics team, and I was the president of the Speech and Debate club and the Mock Trial Team.
What did you enjoy most at Aptos High?
Getting to meet so many wonderful and talented individuals, and leading my favorite clubs.
Jordi Martinez
What will you do after you graduate?
I will be going to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo next year to study mechanical engineering.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I was a part of the PCAL Tri-Champion football team my senior year, as well as a part of the SCCAL champion baseball team for four years. I was co-president of our Red Cross Club, secretary of the Surfrider Club, and vice president and co-founder of our school’s Pre-Med Club.
How did Covid affect your high school experience?
In retrospect, COVID helped me in that I used my time to volunteer to coach a baseball team, intern at Precision Physical Therapy, and tutor at Kumon of Aptos. Academically, COVID enabled my tenacity to study independently and search out ways to be successful on my own.
What did you enjoy most at Aptos High?
Some of my most memorable moments from Aptos High come during rivalry sports games against Santa Cruz and laughable times in my calculus and economics classes. I am grateful for all the teachers, coaches, and my family and friends that have supported to where I am today. The people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve made, and the memories I share have provided me with the most enjoyable time at Aptos.
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Aptos High Salutatorians
Nicole Bettencourt and Samia Parsons • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Nicole Bettencourt
What will you do after you graduate? Do you have a major in mind?
I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania.
Currently, I am considering majoring in biochemistry.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
Family responsibilities, dairy farm responsibilities at grandparents’ dairy farm in Turlock, Dairy Princess ambassador for California dairy industry, publication of oral history research with Professor Diniz Borges from Fresno State University, independent research on Azorean immigrants in California, nonprofit California Portuguese Youth Cultural Heritage Studies Society, president and founder of Aptos High Portuguese Club, volunteer at Our Lady Help of Christians Church Catholic Church, and dancer and competitor at Dancenter, Capitola.
How did Covid affect your high school experience?
I felt that I lost a sense of structure and routine and it took a while for things to get back to normal.
What did you enjoy most at Aptos High?
The teachers and staff were always very caring and supportive and there was always a wide variety of clubs and activities to join on campus.
Parents: Manuel and Fatima Bettencourt
Samia Parsons
What will you do after you graduate? Do you have a major in mind?
After graduation, I will be attending UC Davis as a microbiology major.
What activities did you participate in at Aptos High?
I am a member of the Students for Climate Action and Pre-med clubs. Outside of high school, I have played roller derby with the Santa Cruz Derby Groms for almost four years and worked for Teen Kitchen Project for almost three.
What did you enjoy most at Aptos High?
I enjoyed meeting lifelong friends and working with amazing teachers the most.
Parents: Eric and Suraya Parsons
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Top Photo: Valedictorians Jordi Martinez and Mia Beatty