Spring ISD Celebrates Top 2025 Graduates at Heartfelt Valedictorian and Salutatorian Dinner
The Randall Reed Center sparkled with pride on May 22 as Spring Independent School District (Spring ISD) held its annual Valedictorian and Salutatorian Recognition Dinner, honoring the top graduating seniors of the Class of 2025. The celebration brought together families, educators, and district leaders to highlight academic excellence, personal resilience, and community impact across all five high schools.
A Night to Remember for Spring ISD’s Top Students
The evening opened with the soulful melodies of the Salvezza in Quattro saxophone quartet, setting a tone of elegance and celebration. As students and their families entered, they were met with warmth and admiration from the Spring ISD community.
This year’s event was particularly poignant for Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, who is retiring after 37 years in education. Reflecting on her final Valedictorian and Salutatorian Dinner, Hinojosa shared heartfelt words that resonated with everyone in attendance.
“After 37 years in education, I’ve learned that the best part of this job… is nights like this,” she said. “Looking out across this room — the smiles, the families, the talent and hard work represented here — it’s clear that Spring ISD is thriving. And with students like these, our future is in good hands.”
Keynote Speaker Returns to Inspire
The event’s keynote speaker, Toneelea Shaftner — Spring High School’s 2021 valedictorian and now a teacher at Anderson Elementary — returned with a message of encouragement and authenticity. Her words bridged the past and future for the graduating students.
“As someone who was recently where you are, I can say it is challenging, but you are on the threshold to such a serendipitous journey — one meant not to define you, but refine you,” Shaftner said. “So I remind you of these simple truths: Keep trying. Follow your dreams. Get a job you really like. And smile.”
Spotlight on Determination and Scholarship
Throughout the evening, campus lead counselors introduced each student, highlighting not just academic achievement, but stories of growth, leadership, and resilience. From hundreds of thousands in scholarships to acts of community service and personal breakthroughs, the Class of 2025 stood tall as a beacon of what’s possible.
Madison Whiteside, salutatorian of Dekaney High School, offered one of the evening’s most moving testimonies.
“Academics truly saved my life,” Whiteside shared. “I went through some personal tragedy and school really helped me recover and get through it. I owe everything to my teachers, my family and my friends.”
Spring ISD Board President Justine Durant also acknowledged the significance of the evening, stating:
“This is the result of more than a decade’s worth of hard work. It takes years of determination, consistency, and sacrifice. And that kind of drive will carry you far — not just in college or career, but throughout your life.”
Honorees by Campus
Dekaney High School
- Valedictorian: Kyle Dillon – Howard University | $850,200 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Madison Whiteside – Prairie View A&M University | $117,500 in scholarships
Spring Early College Academy
- Valedictorian: Philip Gonzales – University of Virginia | $564,000 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Yusuf Pacha – University of Houston | $28,000 in scholarships
Spring High School
- Valedictorian: Avery Wesley – Texas State University | $246,613 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Elizabeth Upton – Southwestern University | $144,000 in scholarships
Westfield High School
- Valedictorian: Peter Ly – University of Texas at Austin | $73,000 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Ngoc Tien – Northeastern University | $288,800 in scholarships
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School
- Valedictorian: Hannah Vuong – Carnegie Mellon University | $694,912 in scholarships
- Salutatorian: Jeremiah Lindsay – Yale University | $901,420 in scholarships
Looking Ahead with Hope
The evening concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Spring ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar.
“To our valedictorians and salutatorians — your future is so very bright, and we are all beaming with pride. Remember: You carry the spirit of Spring ISD with you. Keep rising, keep reaching, and above all, keep being you.”
As these accomplished students prepare to take their next steps into college and beyond, the Spring ISD community will continue to cheer them on — knowing the world is about to meet a remarkable new generation of leaders.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
