WVHS announces Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian

Warwick Valley High School proudly announces its Class of 2025 valedictorian, Evan Grundfast, and salutatorian, Gisela Gujar. Please join us in congratulating Evan and Gisela on these outstanding, well-earned achievements. We look forward to their valedictory and salutatory addresses during the WVHS Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Evan Grundfast has achieved Summa Cum Laude Honor Roll status for every marking period of his high school career. He was recognized as a National Merit Scholarship finalist, scoring 227 out of 228 on the qualifying test, ranking him in the top 1% of high school seniors in the US. In June, Evan will complete the rigorous three-year Science Research Project offered in partnership with SUNY Albany. His research, The Diagnosis of Prion Disease, has been recognized by the NYS Board of Regents and the University of Albany. He has also successfully completed the NY State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. 

Evan has served as National Honor Society president, Orange County Academic League team captain, vice president of the WVHS Model UN, co-president of the Gaming Club, and both an Executive Student Leadership Council member and Wildcat Ambassador. He is also a three-time NYS Scholar-Athlete and a US Army Academic All-American. Evan has been a captain and MVP of the Wildcats varsity tennis team.

Evan appreciates being recognized for all the hard work he has put in since he began his freshman year.

"After middle school, I really just set a goal for personal growth and to do the best that I could, competing against no one other than myself," Evan shared. He added that he intends to pursue a pre-med track in college, focusing on neuroscience with a minor in business. "I was fortunate to be offered admission to some great [college] programs, and I am weighing scholarship opportunities with a last round of visits."

Also a perennial Summa Cum Laude Honor Roll student and National Honor Society member, the similarities don't end there between Evan and Gisela. The salutatorian was also a captain on her Wildcats varsity tennis team and was recognized as a New York State Scholar-Athlete. 

"It's an incredible honor, and I am truly grateful for all the support and encouragement I have received along the way," Gisela said. "This represents many years of hard work, and I know I couldn't have done it without the help of my teachers, family, and friends."

Gisela has served as her class president for three years and is an engaged member of the Student Senate. She is the president of the mathematics fraternity, Mu Alpha Theta, and active in the high school's community-service-minded Interact Club.

Gisela shared that developing a strong sense of self-responsibility went a long way toward achieving this academic success.

"Over time, I learned how to hold myself accountable, stay organized, and balance my personal, academic, and extracurricular commitments," she said. "And it's a skill I know will continue to guide me moving forward."

Gisela is still deciding on which college she will attend to study biological sciences with a minor in Spanish next fall. She has always felt a deep interest in science and helping others and sees herself heading down a path to a career in the medical field.

"My goal is to use what I learn to provide compassionate care and make a positive difference in the lives of others," Gisela said.

Congratulations, Evan and Gisela!