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Reagan High Seniors Triumph Over Adversity
12 Jun
Summary
- Four valedictorians share their diverse high school experiences and challenges.
- Students overcame personal struggles including gender dysphoria and mental health issues.
- Graduates pursued diverse passions from technical theater to healthcare and advocacy.
More than 300 seniors are set to graduate from Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee on June 22. Eleven students will be recognized as valedictorians for achieving perfect 4.0 grade-point averages.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel spoke with four of these outstanding valedictorians about their high school experiences. Juno Picione, an aspiring carpenter, shared his journey of overcoming gender dysphoria and depression to find comfort in his identity.
Simone Farris, who led the Black Student Union, discussed persevering through mental health challenges and hospitalization to maintain her academic achievements and leadership roles.
Rylee Olson, a future nursing student, detailed her path shaped by health care shadowing, managing social anxiety, and athletic injuries while excelling as a basketball captain.
Isabel Franco, a forensics team captain, recounted her experience with undiagnosed hearing loss and learning to adapt, ultimately inspiring her to pursue biochemistry.
