In high schools across the world, the title of valedictorian is one of the highest honors that a student can receive. At Ripon High School, our valedictorian is a hard-working and determined student, a community contributor, and an astounding example to all other students. His name is Andreas Merlos.

Andreas Merlos is an incredibly involved individual who has a passion for the music and drama programs. Merlos is involved in band, barbershop quartet, advanced choir, and Drama Club. He was even the person who started the barbershop quartet himself.

Merlos also has also done multiple sports through his 4 years of high school including cross country and tennis.

RHS’ top graduate also scored a perfect score on his California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress as well as doing well in all of his classes. Merlos’ 4.3 GPA showed his determination and hard-working characteristics as well as his dedication to his future.

After graduation, Merlos will be attending UCLA where he will be pursuing his undergrad in biology and then deciding where to go from there.

Andreas Merlos said, “My favorite thing about Ripon High School was definitely the music program. There are a lot of opportunities.”

Andreas Merlos has accomplished a large amount of community service including nonpaid tutoring, nonpaid volunteering at the Recycle Center, nonpaid volunteering at the library, and nonpaid directing traffic for the Almond Blossom Festival and Soaring Over Ripon.  

Merlos’s key to success and good grades is through his studying habits as well as pushing himself to improve.

Merlos believes that the most successful and effective way to study and receive good grades is through repetition.

Merlos said, “Improving upon the things that I was bad at really helped my to succeed.”

Andreas Merlos believes that the one thing that you must do while at Ripon High School is to get involved in the school and community. Whether it’s through clubs, sports, or programs, Merlos has always admired the activities that Ripon High School contains.

He said, “I feel like outside of this school I wouldn’t have been able to make my own barber shop program, small programs too, like jazz bands, and also being able to go out and involve myself in the community.”  

Andres Merlos has proved to be a perfect example to students on what it takes to succeed. Through his determination, hard-work, and perseverance, Merlos was able to receive the honor of being Ripon High School’s valedictorian.