2025-2026 GGUSD Valedictorians

Bolsa Grande High School

Christina Pham will attend University of California, Los Angeles in the fall to major in Physiological Science. She hopes to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist. Christina’s top accomplishments include placing 3rd in Orange County Academic Decathlon for Social Science, earning the State Seal of Biliteracy, and receiving AP Scholar with Distinction. Her favorite high school activities were competing in Academic Decathlon, hosting school blood drives with the American Red Cross, and serving as co-president of Project Vietnam, where she connected with the Vietnamese community while exploring medical professions. Prior to Bolsa Grande High School, Christina attended Heritage Elementary, Ethan Allen Elementary, and McGarvin Intermediate. A resident of Santa Ana, Christina is the daughter of Steve Pham and Anh Diep.

Garden Grove High School

Axel Nguyen will attend University of California, Irvine in the fall with the intention of majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He plans to pursue a career as a pharmacist, helping provide medicine to those in need. Axel’s top accomplishments include earning AP Scholar with Distinction, receiving the AP Capstone Award, and winning league championships with his swim team in 10th grade. His favorite high school activity is spending time with friends and making jokes with them. Prior to attending Garden Grove High School, Axel attended Evans Elementary School, Peters 4-6 Elementary School, and Ralston Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, Axel is the son of Tim Nguyen and Angie Nguyen.

Hare High School

Kenny Vo will attend Irvine Valley College to pursue a major in graphic design and animation with the goal of designing and animating video games. His top accomplishments are being named valedictorian, earning an Adobe Certified Professional Credential and completing four years of Mixed Martial Arts. His favorite high school activity is being part of ASB. Kenny attended Evans and Murdy elementary schools. A resident of Garden Grove, his parents are Duong Vo and Tien Nguyen.

La Quinta High School

Claire Tran plans to pursue a career in engineering and is currently considering attending a top-ranked university. Her accomplishments include founding the Women in STEM Club, being named a National Honor Society Scholarship Semifinalist, and serving as Chairperson of the City of Westminster’s Youth Committee. Claire’s favorite high school activities include leading Women in STEM Club, participating in Robotics Club, and being involved in National Honor Society. A resident of Westminster, she previously attended Ethan B. Allen Elementary School and Sarah McGarvin Intermediate School. Claire is the daughter of John Tran and Thu Truong.

La Quinta High School

Ryan Hoang is considering attending University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, Berkeley, or University of California, Irvine to study biology-related fields, with plans to pursue a career as an immunologist or pathologist. His accomplishments include earning the Eagle Scout Award, achieving all 5s on multiple AP exams, and contributing to the H.E.A.R.T. Project educating middle school students about heart health. Ryan’s favorite activities include varsity swim and water polo, participating in Aztec Broadcast Channel, and completing an internship with University Lab Partners. A resident of Westminster, he previously attended Ethan Allen Elementary School and Sarah McGarvin Intermediate School. He is the son of Van Le and Thang Hoang.

Los Amigos High School

Angelina Cao plans to pursue her college education and future career goals while exploring her interests in academics and the arts. Her accomplishments include earning 5s on all her AP exams, serving as a board member for her favorite clubs, and completing her first scrapbook. Angelina’s favorite high school activities include participating in National Honor Society and engaging in art. Prior to high school, she attended Ethan Allen Elementary and Fitz Intermediate School. A resident of Santa Ana, Angelina is the daughter of Thai Hang Le and Phung Cao.

Pacifica High School

Tuong-Vi Ngo will attend University of California, Berkeley to major in Neuroscience with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. Her top accomplishments include serving as captain of the girls’ varsity water polo team, completing over 200 hours of volunteer service, and earning the A.C.E. (Achievement, Character, Enthusiasm) award in both AP Human Geography and AP Psychology. Her favorite high school activity is competing in girls’ water polo. Prior to Pacifica, she attended Sunnyside Elementary, Patton Elementary, and Bell Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, she is the daughter of Haley Ngo and NamBinh Trinh Ngo.

Rancho Alamitos High School

Carlie Chung plans to pursue a major in Political Science with the goal of becoming a lawyer in city planning. Her top accomplishments include being named a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, graduating as valedictorian, and serving as president of the Quizbowl team. Her favorite high school activities include doing trivia and birdwatching with friends. Prior to high school, Carlie attended Gilbert Elementary School and Lake Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, she is the daughter of Ngan Quach and Phu Chung.

Santiago High School

Delver Camacho will attend UCLA to major in Civil Engineering with the goal of pursuing a career in project management where he can lead teams and solve problems like pollution and the see the impact of his projects on the environment. He hopes to earn enough money to retire his parents and take care of them the way they have always supported and cared for him. His top three accomplishments are being named valedictorian, being granted “The Priscilla & Ranney Draper AVID Scholars Fund” Scholarship and placing second in the MESA Moon Base Competition. His favorite high school activity was serving as captain of the football team and playing on Friday nights. Prior to Santiago, Delver attended Clinton Elementary and Doig Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, Delver is the son of Delver Camacho and Marina Contreras Camacho.

2025-2026 GGUSD Salutatorians

Bolsa Grande High School

Cuong Dao Duy Nguyen will attend University of Pennsylvania to major in Mathematics with the goal of becoming a quantitative analyst. His top accomplishments include earning a full-ride scholarship through the QuestBridge National College Match, supporting families in Vietnam through fundraising efforts, and successfully completing a rigorous academic schedule including AP Calculus AB. His favorite activities include photography, volunteering to provide food for individuals experiencing homelessness, and connecting with teachers and peers. Prior to high school, Cuong attended Eisenhower Elementary and Irvine Intermediate. A resident of Westminster, Cuong is the son of Huynh Nguyen and Chai Dao.

Garden Grove High School

David Dam will attend University of California, San Diego to major in Electrical Engineering with plans to become an electrical engineer. His top accomplishments include serving as Vice President of the Peer Tutor Club, self-studying for the AP European History exam and earning a score of 4, and receiving AP Scholar with Distinction. His favorite activities include tutoring peers in subjects such as calculus and physics through the Peer Tutor Club. Prior to high school, David attended Parkview Elementary School and Lake Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, David is the son of Victor Dam and Tracy Pham.

Hare High School

Katie Catano will attend Santa Ana College in the fall with plans to transfer to UCLA to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She hopes to become a registered nurse at the UCLA Hospital to help people in need. Her top accomplishments include being named on the Principal’s Honor Roll, leading students at the Latinos Unidos Conference and being a nominee for Student of the Quarter. Her favorite high school activities were participating in fairs like the Mental Health Fair and Fall Festival and exercising in P.E.

Hare High School

Jesus Farias will attend Irvine Valley College in the fall to major in Computer Engineering and hopes to get a career designing computer hardware. His top accomplishments are improving his attendance and grades, earning Principal’s Honor Roll and being nominated for Student of the Quarter. His favorite high school activity was being part of ASB. Prior to Hare, he attended Eisenhower Elementary School and Walton Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, he is the son of Rocio Bello.

La Quinta High School

Minh Thai will attend the United States Naval Academy to major in Aerospace Engineering with the goal of becoming a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy. Minh’s accomplishments include leading the varsity boys water polo team to CIF while earning the Captain’s Award, receiving a Letter of Assurance appointment to the Naval Academy, and overseeing the growth of Artify4Kids HB. His favorite activities include playing varsity water polo, completing an engineering internship with CLAOC, and working as a lifeguard in Huntington Beach. Minh previously attended Marshall Elementary and McGarvin Intermediate and is the son of Tu Thai.

La Quinta High School

Jerry Nguyen will attend University of California, Los Angeles to major in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with the goal of becoming a physician and researcher. His accomplishments include placing 2nd overall in the 2026 Orange County Academic Decathlon and 5th in the Super Quiz team, being a 2024 Conrad Challenge Innovator, and volunteering to help elderly patients with Alzheimer’s. Jerry’s favorite activities include competing in Academic Decathlon, volunteering at community service events, and participating in CyberPatriot. A resident of Westminster, he previously attended Stanford Elementary, Ethan Allen Elementary, and Sarah McGarvin Intermediate. He is the son of Dung Nguyen and Nga Pham.

Los Amigos High School

Anne Vo will attend University of California, Los Angeles in the fall to major in Applied Mathematics with the goal of becoming an actuary. Her top accomplishments include earning AP Scholar with Distinction, helping lead her team to become Girls Tennis Garden Grove League Champions in 2024, and achieving a 1550 SAT score. Anne’s favorite high school activity is participating in the Vietnamese Student Association, where she served as secretary for two terms and president for one term. Prior to high school, she attended Eisenhower Elementary School, Peters Elementary School, and Fitz Intermediate. A resident of Fountain Valley, Anne is the daughter of Tu Pham and Tuan Vo.

Los Amigos High School

Amy Vo will attend University of Southern California to major in Accounting with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Her top accomplishments include founding and financing the first lion dance team at Los Amigos High School, becoming undefeated Girls Tennis League Champions in 2024 as Doubles 1, and earning the Simon Scholars Program $16,000 scholarship. Amy’s favorite high school activity is serving as treasurer of the Vietnamese Student Association, where she helped revive the club and strengthen school culture. Prior to high school, she attended Eisenhower Elementary School, Peters 4–6 Elementary School, and Fitz Intermediate School. A resident of Fountain Valley, Amy is the daughter of Tu Pham and Tuan Vo.

Pacifica High School

Huy Nguyen will attend Stanford University in the fall to major in Biology and Economics with plans to become a cardiologist. His top accomplishments include being named a National Commended Scholar, teaching himself guitar and piano, and successfully balancing school, work, and fitness. His favorite high school activity is participating in Adopt a Child. Prior to Pacifica, Huy attended Patton Elementary and Alamitos Intermediate. A resident of Anaheim, he is the son of Toan Nguyen and Lan Phan.

Pacifica High School

Ethan Tran will attend University of California, Los Angeles to study Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics with plans to become a surgeon. His top accomplishments include earning the Eagle Scout Award, competing in varsity swim and water polo, and organizing efforts to feed 300 homeless individuals monthly. His favorite high school activity is playing water polo. Prior to Pacifica, Ethan attended Gilbert and Patton Elementary Schools and Bell Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, he is the son of Long Tran and Alice Guyenne.

Pacifica High School

Jessie Nguyen will attend University of California, Los Angeles with plans to pursue a career as a data scientist or AI specialist. Their top accomplishments include serving as Front Ensemble Captain and leading the group to nationals in Ohio, completing 14 AP classes, and planning events for National Honor Society and Eucharistic Scouts (VEYM). Their favorite high school activity is participating in Pacifica Drumline. Prior to Pacifica, Jessie attended Patton Elementary and Bell Intermediate. A resident of Cypress, they are the child of Chau Nguyen and DoQuyen Ngo.

Rancho Alamitos High School

Son Nguyen will attend California State Polytechnic University, Pomona to major in Mechanical Engineering with plans to become a mechanical engineer. His top accomplishments include earning AP Scholar with Distinction, receiving the AP Capstone Diploma, and becoming a first-generation college student. His favorite high school activity is spending time bonding with friends during lunch. Prior to high school, Son attended Stanford Elementary and Alamitos Intermediate. A resident of Garden Grove, he is the son of Tam Nguyen and Hop Le.

Santiago High School

Travis Nguyen will attend University of Pennsylvania to major in Biology with the goal of becoming a geriatrician. His top accomplishments include being a Simon Scholar, participating in the Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Internship, and serving as Vice President of CSF. His favorite high school activity is being part of the Unified Club, where he helped build the club from the ground up to promote inclusion by connecting special education and general education students, as well as organizing events like Unified Prom. Prior to high school, Travis attended Violette Elementary School and Walton Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, he is the son of Tommy Nguyen and Tiffany Le.

Santiago High School

Anh Nguyen will attend University of California, Irvine to study Biological Sciences on a pre-med track with plans to pursue a career as a physician. His top accomplishments include earning first place in both the local and regional MESA Club Cargo Glider Competition, placing first in the Academic Decathlon interview competition and third in essay, and earning third place in the OSCEF Fluids and Aerodynamics Competition. His favorite activities include participating in STEM competitions and volunteering. Prior to high school, Anh attended Excelsior Elementary, Eisenhower Elementary, Clinton Elementary, Peters Elementary, and Doig Intermediate School. A resident of Garden Grove, Anh is the son of Truong Nhat Nguyen and Kieu Tien Ton Nu.