Congratulations to the Henninger 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 Henninger's top two scholars. 

Remember to tune in at www.facebook.com/SyracuseCitySchools next week as we livestream each high school's graduation ceremony! 

Henninger Valedictorian – ThanhThanh Nguyen

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?
I will be attending Cornell University, where I am planning to major in Biology. I hope to eventually work in the medical field and maybe attend PA school.
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society (Treasurer), Yearbook, Varsity Tennis, and I served as a tutor.
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
The best part of my high school career has been meeting different people – my teachers and friends. They’re all so special to me!
 
What was your proudest moment in high school?
My proudest moment in high school was becoming Valedictorian! It means a lot to me to be able to represent my school, and it showed me that my hard work really means something.
 
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I am most looking forward to the opportunity to take a wider variety of classes that can help me prepare for my future, goals, and dreams.
 
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 you really shouldn’t stress about grades too much. Enjoy high school – have fun. It’s a once in a lifetime experience!
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
My advice is to take advantage of all the support, programs, classes, and clubs offered… they could help you in the future!
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life?
I hope to get into school to become a Physician’s Assistant, and being able to help people. I like the idea of working with kids and might want to work in pediatric care.
 

Henninger Salutatorian – Lauren Cameron

What are your plans after graduation (what college, what interest in terms of major)?
I will be attending Syracuse University, where I plant to study Studio Art. I hope to eventually go into art therapy or work in the historical field, possibly as a museum curator.
 
What activities have you been involved in outside of class/outside of school?
National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society (President), Yearbook, Varsity Tennis, and I was a children’s book illustrator.
 
What has been the best part of your high school career and why?
The best thing about high school has been the people… the teachers I’ve had and the friends I’ve made. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to take college classes before graduating. It’s nice to have a head start on college and have a taste for if I’ll like different subjects. They’ve also helped me feel prepared for the workload I’ll have in college.  
 
What was your proudest moment in high school?
I am proudest of the community I built and the people I surrounded myself with. I like seeing all of our growth and the relationships we’ve all built. I’ve developed a really strong support system, and that is so important.
 
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m most looking forward to the personal discovery… having more extracurricular activities and different clubs to get involved with, and meeting people from different places.
 
What’s the best thing you’ve learned over the course of your time in the SCSD?
The best things I’ve learned are how to build my self-confidence, advocate for myself, and take advantage of all of the opportunities in front of me. I’ve also learned how to rest and take personal time, which is important, too!
 
What advice would you give to other students as they continue their studies here?
My advice is to focus on learning how to prioritize the time you spend on school and academics with home and family. Figure out what’s the most important to you and then spend your time accordingly.
 
What is something major you hope to achieve in life?
I’m more focused on taking my time and enjoying things as they come!