Eastside Catholic is proud to announce the Class of 2021 valedictorians and salutatorians. This year, the school congratulates four valedictorians and two salutatorians. Please join them in celebrating these six outstanding students and their accomplishments.
Class of 2021 Valedictorians:
Olivia Curtis (Bellevue resident), Garrett Delaney (Sammamish resident), Tai Do (Bellevue resident), Natalie Ellis (Sammamish resident)
Class of 2021 Salutatorians:
Ann Kauffman (Snoqualmie resident), Gabriella Vanover (North Bend resident)
Ann Kauffman 
Gabriella Vanover
President Gil Picciotto commented, “Our valedictorians and salutatorians have defined grace under pressure. They worked diligently and are finishing their academic careers in a year where nothing has been normal. Their commitment to maintaining an exceptional level of learning in this environment is reflective of their entire academic careers and it is reflective of the determination and grit they possess at their core. As a class, they have continually been driven to learn and grow. They have used obstacles as opportunities to find new ways to challenge themselves and become the best versions of themselves. We are thrilled to celebrate their success as they begin their individual journeys outside of Eastside Catholic.”
The valedictorian and salutatorian honorees shared potential post-high school plans, including a field of study they may wish to pursue and advice for younger students.
Valedictorians:
- Olivia Curtis plans to major in political science at the University of Notre Dame: “Take classes that you have a genuine interest in.”
- Garrett Delaney would like to study electrical and computer engineering: “Ask questions when you don’t understand something.”
- Tai Do would like to major in physics and follow a pre-med path: “Learn to enjoy learning, and always work with a goal in mind.”
- Natalie Ellis would like to follow a pre-med path at Dartmouth and eventually go to medical school to study psychiatry: “Do things for yourself. Succeed not because other people tell you to, but because it is something you want to do. When you go into something genuinely wanting to do well at it rather than being told to do so, it becomes less of a chore and more of a goal.”
Salutatorians:
- Ann Kauffman would like to study international relations and law: “Challenge yourself and nurture your curiosities. You will find you are capable of more than you think.”
- Gabriella Vanover would like to study dietetics at the University of Arizona: “Do all your homework and take time to enjoy being in high school.”
“It is my distinct honor and privilege to celebrate the accomplishments of Olivia, Garrett, Tai, Natalie, Ann and Gabriella,” High School Principal Ryan Aiello said. “For the past four years, they have been leaders both in and out of the classroom, and they are deserving of this honor. They will no doubt go on to excel in all of their chosen personal and professional pursuits in the years to come.”
