The following includes a list of the valedictorians and salutatorians from Andrean High School, Bishop Noll Institute and Marquette Catholic High School. Each of these top academic achievers responded to a questionnaire about themselves and their future plans. Congratulations to all 2025 high school graduates and may their future be filled with blessings!
Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for: Bishop Noll Institute (June 5), Andrean High School (June 6), and Marquette High School (June 11).
BISHOP NOLL INSTITUTE
Valedictorian Anna De La Torre
Parish: St. John the Baptist, Whiting
Parents: Juan and Gina De La Torre, Robertsdale/Whiting
What dreams do you want to pursue after graduation?: I plan on pursuing med school or my doctorate after college. My dream would be to use my education to open a non-profit clinic or hospital similar to St. Jude in underserved areas.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?: My proudest accomplishment is having a proficient impromptu speech. I used to be terrible at speaking, so I'm proud to turn my weakness into a strength.
Ideally, how do you see yourself in 10 years? In 20 years?: In 10 years, I envision myself being married with one or two children. I'll be working in a hospital or going to medical school. I hope to earn a living to support my family while I plan out my dream of a hospital.
How will faith be a part of your future?: I know college and beyond will be difficult, but I know that God will always be a source of support, comfort, and motivation. He will steer me in the right path that I need to take in order to surpass obstacles and make a positive impact on others.
Additional quote: “(BNI) was a very transformative experience. I have met many friends and teachers who I feel changed the trajectory of my life in ways I cannot even fathom. They all encouraged me and helped me grow and mature as a person. I would not be the person I am today without them.”
BISHOP NOLL INSTITUTE
Salutatorian Zekiel Zukley
Parish: Our Lady of Grace, Highland
Parents: Tina Zukley, Hammond, and Mark Zukley (Deceased)
What dreams do you want to pursue after graduation?: I want to pursue my education with the goal of starting a business. I want to be well rounded so that I can solve any problem thrown my way.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?: My proudest accomplishment to date is the formation of my habits and discipline. I wouldn't have achieved anything if it weren't for all the work I've put in developing my study habits.
Ideally, how do you see yourself in 10 years? In 20 years?: In ten years, I see myself with a business. I am fluent in 2 languages. I hope to be closer with my Lord and have a thriving family. In 20 years, I see myself buying land in Kentucky and moving so I can raise my family in a suitable environment for any endeavor they choose.
How will faith be a part of your future?: It will be necessary. I don't plan on living a challenging life so my faith will be first and foremost. I will make sure that my family celebrates mass together, prays together, and stays together. Through Christ anything is possible.
Additional quote: “Learning Spanish in class, and using it to understand what other people say outside of it, and having the ability to use what I learn to get to where I want is fulfilling to me. It feels like an investment with a return.”
ANDREAN HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Marissa Clements
Parish: St. Paul, Valparaiso
Parents: Richard and Jessica Clements, Valparaiso
What dreams do you want to pursue after graduation?: After graduation, I will pursue my dream of majoring in Theology with the hopes of becoming a teacher one day.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?: My proudest accomplishment is winning the tennis sectional championship three years in a row with my team.
Ideally, how do you see yourself in 10 years? In 20 years?: I see myself finished with my higher education and working in a Catholic high school (teaching subjects like theology or history).
How will your faith be a part of your future?: I am attending Ave Maria University, where I will be active in my faith by practicing the sacraments and continuing to pursue a personal relationship with God.
ANDREAN HIGH SCHOOL
Salutatorian Anthony Cuadra
Parish: Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville
Parents: Ray and Melissa Cuadra, Schererville
What dreams do you want to pursue after graduation?: A dream of mine has always been to travel the world. I want to meet new people, expose myself to different cultures, and attain new experiences. I hope to learn from these experiences. Another dream is to start my own engineering firm. By combining innovation with service, I want to positively impact the world.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?: An easy answer might be finishing top 10 in my class. But what I’m truly most proud of is the person I’ve become over the last four years. I’ve built meaningful, lasting relationships with my peers, family, faculty, and community. Staying true to myself while being open to new people, experiences, and ideas. That balance has allowed me to become the best version of myself.
Ideally, how do you see yourself in 10 years? In 20 years?: In 10 years, I see myself working at a respected engineering firm, while contributing to projects and developing professionally. I hope to be building a life with someone I love and forming a home founded on love and respect. In 20 years, I hope to be a vital part of my family and community - giving back to those who supported me along the way. My goal is to be someone my family, friends, and community can rely on, just as I have relied on them.
How will your faith be a part of your future?: Faith will guide me to fulfillment. It will keep me grounded and help me pursue a purposeful life. By listening to God’s calling, I will be led towards a life defined by purpose and service. Surrounding myself with faith will allow me to lead an enriching life and make a lasting impact on others and my community.
MARQUETTE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian Kori Ladd
Parish: St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Watervliet, Mich.
Parents: Edward and Kelly Hearn, Watervliet, Mich.
What dreams do you want to pursue after graduation?: After graduation, I plan on attending the University of Michigan. Attending this distinguished school has been a dream of mine since I was a young child. Both of my parents attended this university, so I have always desired to follow in their footsteps and do the same. I also will pursue my dream to become a healthcare or patent attorney.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?: The accomplishment that I am most proud of is being inducted into the Hall of Champions for the American Power Boat Association. The Hall of Champions is the highest and most prestigious honor that racers of APBA can earn. This award truly shows all of the hard work and dedication that I put into boat racing on and off the water.
Ideally, how do you see yourself in 10 years? In 20 years?: In ten years, I see myself as a young attorney with large ambitions and an even larger path ahead of me. In twenty years, I see myself as a strong and passionate person living life to the fullest. I see myself as a great attorney who is able to come home to a loving family in which she is extremely grateful for.
How will your faith be a part of your future?: My faith has been one of the most influential aspects of my life. For the past ten years, I have experienced the all-around benefits of education surrounded by faith. Although where I go next is not a religious institution, I will take my faith with me. I carry it through my love, compassion, and in moments of uncertainty. My faith has been, and always will be, one of the most important parts of my life.
MARQUETTE HIGH SCHOOL
Salutatorian Sedona Vendramin
Parents: Autumn and Bill Vendramin, LaPorte
What dreams do you want to pursue after graduation?: I will be pursuing my dream of neuroscience and management at Indiana University Bloomington, with the end goal of getting a Ph.D. in neuroscience to work in neuroscientific research management.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?: My proudest accomplishment has been receiving an international finalist award at DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Marketing Management Team Decision Making.
Ideally, how do you see yourself in 10 years? In 20 years?: In 10 years, I see myself working in research management starting my scientific journey after going through a Ph.D. program. In 20 years, I see myself running a non-profit organization that raises funding and researches neurological diseases.
