Congratulations to the Corcoran Class of 2023 Valedictorian & Salutatorian!

We're so proud of our soon-to-be Class of 2023 #SCSDGraduates! This week, we're excited to share more about each of our high school Valedictorians and Salutatorians. Today, learn about Corcoran's top two scholars - and stay tuned as we feature the Valedictorian and Salutatorian from PSLA at Fowler and Henninger later this week.

Corcoran Valedictorian – Ella Roerden

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?
I plan to attend the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, where I will study Anthropology. I will be participating in the First Year Discovery Program, where I will spend my first semester in Florence, Italy!
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
Seeds of Peace, Theater, Band, Cross Country, Crew team, skiing, Seal of Biliteracy, NHS, IB
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
The best part of high school has been the friends I’ve made. I’ve been involved in so many extracurricular activities, and I’ve made really close friends through all of them. We’ve been through so much together through our time in high school with COVID and everything, and it gets hard sometimes. But I feel like I have gained some lifelong friends!  
 
What was your proudest moment in high school?
 I’m the proudest of the way we’ve collectively bounced back after COVID. We’ve been focused on rebuilding the Seeds of Peace club, theater, and band programs by bringing in more underclassmen. It’s up to us to make sure we preserve the integrity of these groups. I’m really proud of the work we’ve accomplished and the shows and events we’ve produced, even with limited numbers.
 
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m most looking forward to studying abroad! Syracuse University offers a first semester study abroad program in Florence! My goal is to travel the world, so I love that studying abroad will jump start that. College offers so much opportunity and the ability for me to make connections that are so valuable.
 
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD?
The best thing I’ve learned is that the SCSD is more than what the media says we are. I’ve met incredible people, done incredible things, and have had incredible opportunities here. We’re more than our labels and we are better than people give us credit for. Being a SCSD student has exposed me to so much. It has given me a better worldview and has broadened my curiosities.
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
Put yourself out there! Doing so has led me to make great friends and have so many great experiences. Don’t be intimidated to join things as a freshman and get involved – it’ll lead you to great opportunities!
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life?
I hope to travel to every country in the world, and help tell peoples’ stories. I hope to get my Masters. And it would be cool to publish a book one day – either fiction, or even a compilation of essays I’ve written!
 

Corcoran Salutatorian – Mina Cox

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?
I will be attending Boston University to participate in their Behavior and Health program. I also plan to enter an accelerated program to earn my Bachelors and Masters degrees. Ultimately, I hope to earn my Ph.D. and open my own clinical psychology practice.
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
Bowling team, National Honor Society, IB, Secretary of the Senior Class. I also work at Walgreens and I’ve volunteered at a local veterinary clinic.
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
The best part of my high school career has been having the opportunity to represent Corcoran in all the events I’ve participated in. I’ve held the banner for our school marching band in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, I’ve written a speech to open the Mayor’s State of the City address, I’ve gone to a conference to talk about the IB program, and I’ve represented Corcoran at the MLK Day dinner. I appreciate the opportunity to represent Corcoran and show that we’re more than people assume we are.
 
What was your proudest moment in high school?
 My proudest moment was finishing my extended essay [an IB requirement]. Over the course of a few months, I wrote a 4,000 word research essay on psychology – I focused on the difference between brain localization and neuroplasticity and the impact they have on memory. It’s interesting to me, but it was a lot!
 
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m most looking forward to the freedom – choosing my own classes and my own schedule. I’m looking forward to finding my own way and discovering who I am – being able to grow, adapt, and find my way, in an environment with less structure.
 
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD?
The best thing I’ve learned over the course of my time in the SCSD is that everyone wants you to succeed. The teachers, counselors, our school staff – they all come to work every day wanting to help you and get you on your path. You’re really your own worst enemy… everyone else is just trying to support you. I feel like the SCSD really wants to help you find your path – whatever it might be. College isn’t for everyone, but in the SCSD, they really do stress college and career readiness. We offer so many programs to help kids find their way, whether that be college, career, or trades – and I think that’s so unique.
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
You don’t have to have it all together at all times! There’s pressure to know what you want to do – but don’t stress about it. You have time to figure things out. Get involved in a little bit of everything, because you don’t know what you don’t like until you try it!
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life?
I hope to earn my Ph.D. and open my own clinical psychology practice. I’d also like to live in a city that I love, where I can grow and flourish.