May 17, 2007
Class of 2007 valedictorians and salutatorians named for GCISD

The two highest-ranked students at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s high schools have been named valedictorians and salutatorians of the Class of 2007. At Colleyville Heritage High, Lauren Riddle is valedictorian and Adrianna Tam is salutatorian; at Grapevine High, Michael Anderson is valedictorian and Sarah Mannen is salutatorian. Valedictorian is the student scholar with the highest grade point average for four years of high school. Salutatorian is the student with the second-highest grade point average.

Lauren Riddle, CHHS Valedictorian
Parents: John and Leslie Riddle of Colleyville
• National Merit Finalist
• Vice President of National Honor Society
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• Duke Talent Identification Program’s Advance Program for Young Scholars
• Varsity Tennis (grades 9-11)
• Mentor for “Best Buddies” Program; UIL Science Regional Qualifier; Spirit Sisters; and Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, USA Swimming and Special Olympics
• Attended GCISD schools since eighth grade: Colleyville Middle and then CHHS

Lauren plans to major in Pre-Medicine at Baylor University and then attend medical school leading to an M.D./Ph.D. She would like to do both research and have a practice in the area of genetics. Lauren says her teachers Toni Byam-Pirotte, art history, and Kelly Hall, biology, provided her with the best educational experiences “because of the time and energy they put into their subjects.” Her best GCISD memory was going to Chicago in 11th grade with the art history classes. “In reaching this goal, I now can set higher goals for myself in the future, such as going to a top medical school,” Lauren said.

Adrianna Tam, CHHS Salutatorian
Parents: Koon-Ho Joseph Tam of Euless and Jing Ling-Tam of Arlington
• National Merit Finalist
• President of Debate and Outstanding Team Member Award
• National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society, Latin Chapter
• All-Region Choir and Outstanding Choir Member Award
• Founder and President of Youth Answering Real Needs
• Principal’s Scholar, recipient of numerous Academic Awards of Excellence; Red Jackets and PEANUTS organizations
• 13 years piano, eight years dance and four years cello
• Attended GCISD schools since fifth grade: Heritage Elementary, Heritage Middle and then CHHS

Adrianna plans to major in either International Relations or Pre-Medicine at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and become either a medical doctor or a diplomat specializing in East Asian relations. She says debate teacher/coach Steffany Oravetz provided her with the best educational experience because she “understands me. With her, I can be completely honest, and she has taught me to enjoy life and have fun being who I am.” Adrianna says that “everything” has been a best GCISD memory due to “meeting the extraordinary people I have, learning from them, and being wholeheartedly supported by them.” She says: “Being salutatorian means having certain degrees of responsibility and character, which I plan to maintain. However, in the end, I don’t wish to be thought of as the salutatorian. I am not that much different from everyone else. I strongly believe that each person I meet is amazing, and it is this belief that I hope, above words and titles, will guide me for the rest of my life.”

Michael Anderson, GHS Valedictorian
Parents: Dale and Laurie Anderson of Grapevine
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• Treasurer of GHS Interact
• Vice President of National Honor Society
• Swim Team (grades 9-11)
• Vice President of Amnesty International
• Freshman mentor (grades 11-12) and Council member; Art (grade 9) and VASE state qualifier
• Plays piano and viola, swim teacher, and volunteers at Vacation Bible School
• Attended GCISD schools since seventh grade: Cross Timbers Middle and then GHS

Michael plans to major in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, and then attend medical school and specialize in neurology. Michael’s favorite teacher is AP English teacher Janice Cook because “of her encouragement and unwavering belief that I could accomplish my goals.” His favorite GCISD memory is “getting to be part of the 100th graduating class.” Says Michael: “Becoming valedictorian has shown me that I can accomplish my goals if I work hard and put my mind to it. It has given me confidence in myself that I will bring with me in college.”

Sarah Mannen, GHS Salutatorian
Parents: Dean and Johna Mannen of Grapevine
• National Merit Finalist
• President of National Honor Society
• Band Sectional Leader (French horn) and Senior Representative
• Brown Trail Church of Christ Youth Group and Art
• Attended GCISD schools since third grade: Glenhope Elementary, Cross Timbers Middle and then GHS

Sarah plans to major in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University and apply what she learns to help people solve practical problems. She says computer science teacher Angela Annis has provided her with an exceptional educational experience “through her patience, dedication and genuine interest in every student.” She says: “Being a member of GHS band has been my favorite experience because it allowed me to develop my creative side and meet all kinds of people.” Says Sarah: “Being salutatorian will provide educational and scholarship opportunities for college that will allow me to pursue my future goals. I would like to express my gratitude to all the wonderful teachers and other educators who have allowed me to have so many opportunities.”