Meet the Lincoln Prep Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Co-Salutatorians

The co-salutatorians and valedictorian have been announced for the graduating class of 2024 at Lincoln Preparatory Academy. Graduating senior Ema Torres has been awarded the academic title of valediction, traditionally given to the highest-performing student of a graduating class. Jonathan Cornell and Abby Simmons are co-salutatorians, the title traditionally given to the second highest rank in a graduating class. All three seniors will be giving an address at Lincoln Prep’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 25^th, 2024.

Co-Salutatorian Jonathan Cornell will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, where he is planning to major in aerospace engineering. Cornell will also be in Air Force ROTC where he received the highest ROTC scholarship available, The Commander’s Leadership Type 1 scholarship, which covers full tuition plus living and supplies stipend. The scholarship is only offered to one student per year, and he was grateful to be selected. “In addition to being excellent academically, Mr. Cornell has distinguished himself as a varsity athlete, student mentor, and the Consul of House Equus,” said Eric Tope, Headmaster at Lincoln Prep.

Co-Salutatorian Abby Simmons is headed to Wheaton College where she plans to study English literature. She hopes to work in the field of publishing or education. “Ms. Simmons has shined as a mentor and the Consul of House Leo as well as playing leading roles in numerous musical theater productions,” said Tope.

“Both have repeatedly and relentlessly led Lincoln‘s student culture in events like the Homer-a-thon and Field Day. They have conducted school tours for parents, and chaperoned field trips and events for middle schoolers,” added Tope. “They are exemplars of virtue, and we could not be prouder of them.”

Valedictorian Ema Torres is going to Arizona State University as a pre-med student. ASU awarded Torres with the National Hispanic Recognition Scholarship, which is one of the highest institutional merit scholarships they offer. “Ms. Torres has proudly represented Lincoln in the mentor program, athletics, and extra curriculars. In the classroom she embodies the well-rounded intellectual character of a true liberal artist,” said Tope. “In higher mathematics and science, as well as the humanities, and fine arts, Ms. Torres has strived to know, love, and defend what is True, Good, and Beautiful at every step of her education.”

Please join us in congratulating these great-hearted seniors and their incredible accomplishments!

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