The Class of 2017 Valedictorian and Salutatorian are George Stefanakis ’17 and Harrison Giovannelli ’17, respectively.

Stefanakis currently holds a cumulative Grade Point Average of 97.92, and Giovannelli holds a cumulative Grade Point Average of 97.46.

“To be named valedictorian of such a high-achieving school is an honor, and I am absolutely elated to have this distinction bestowed upon me,” Stefanakis said.

“Being chosen feels crazy,” Giovannelli agreed. “I honestly never expected that I would be salutatorian, and being chosen, especially from a class full of so many smart, talented people, just feels amazing.”

Giovannelli juggles a rigorous course load, consisting of AP Calculus BC, App Development, and AP Macroeconomics.He also is a captain of the Speech & Debate Team’s Public Forum squad, and he is an active member of the Student Organization Judicial Board. 

Giovannelli is also an editor of Exposition, the school’s Social Studies magazine. Giovannelli attributes his academic success to meticulous time management skills that have enabled him to excel both as a student and a debater.

“Traveling, competing, and practicing for the Debate Team often made it difficult to stay ahead of my school work,” he admitted.

Stefanakis focused heavily on mathematics throughout his high school career. He participated in the school’s Math Research program, and he was named a Regeneron Scholar (formerly known as an Intel Semi-Finalist) in early January 2017. Stefanakis also worked as an editor for the school’s Math Bulletin and is a member of the school’s math team.

“My research experience has undoubtedly sparked my interest in the fields of physics and engineering, and as a result of it, I will absolutely seek out research opportunities in college,” Stefanakis said.

Stefanakis is known by his classmates to be a diligent learner who strives to push himself daily. His senior year schedule is filled with rigorous courses such as Multivariable Calculus & Partial Differential Equations and AP Physics with Calculus.

“Throughout the entirety of my high school career,” Stefanakis said, “I have abided by one single motto which has never failed me: Confidence, not arrogance.”

This fall, Giovannelli will pursue computer science and economics at the University of Chicago, and Stefanakis plans to study applied physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.