At the end of eighth grade, Raymond Park science teacher Lucas Gobel stated, “The valedictorian of your class is sitting in this room.” Four years later, this statement proved to be true. And not only was the valedictorian sitting in that room, but the salutatorian was as well. Grant Coburn and Justice Galan, both out of Raymond Park Middle School, have reached the top academic achievement possible for a high schooler.
The final valedictorian and salutatorian designations will not officially be determined until grades from this semester are finalized, but Coburn and Galan will be the two holding those titles.
Grant Coburn is a student-athlete, running both cross country and track. He has shown his determination through those sports. As a top performer in both sports, he has left his mark in Warren Central Athletics. The growth that he has shown from freshman year to now has been noticed by many.
“Grant is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete,” head boys cross country coach Sean O’Brien said. “He's one of the hardest workers, if not the hardest worker, I have ever coached.”
Off the field is where Coburn shines even more, though. In the classroom, Coburn has it all figured out, as he managed to get an A- or higher in every single class he took in high school. This kind of focus and determination does not go unnoticed. He inspires all those around him to be the best they can be as well.
“[Grant] has been an amazing teammate and pushed me to work harder than I ever thought I could,” junior Jackson Haynes said. “I am really glad I was on this team when I was because he has really made me a better person overall.”
Coburn currently plans to begin his career in software development after he graduates. While working, he also plans to pursue a degree in software development from Ivy Tech to advance his skills further.
Right next to Coburn at the top of the Warren Central Class of 2024 is Justice Galan.
Galan is also a student-athlete, playing on the lacrosse team at Warren. She has been an extremely influential member of the lacrosse team as one of the best players, as well as one of the best leaders.
She has worked hard toward meeting her goals in high school and done everything she can to ensure that she was successful.
“I did courses that I thought would help my college experience, and I ended up here,” Galan said.
Galan had some powerful support along the way to this moment. She believes that she could not have done this alone and is thankful for everyone who has helped her throughout high school.
“A lot of my teachers, a lot of my friends, my parents, I would say basically everyone helped me,” Galan said.
She has big goals for her future as well. She plans on traveling to Bloomington in August to work toward meeting those goals. She plans to study marketing at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business while also having the possibility of earning her MBA or a law degree.
As far as how others can reach the heights that these two seniors have, Coburn offered his advice, which may be viewed as simple, but he believes can go a long way.
“Just do your work and stay focused,” Coburn said.