Tolland High School Announces 2021 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

TOLLAND, CT — The valedictorian and salutatorian have been announced for the Tolland High School Class of 2021.

Here they are:

Valedictorian — Alexandra Costa

Alexandra Costa is the Tolland High School’s Class of 2021 Valedictorian. Alexandra is well-respected by both students and staff, and she can always be counted on to demonstrate a positive attitude and unwavering work ethic. Alexandra is without question a tremendously academically talented scholar. She has consistently chosen the most rigorous academic coursework that Tolland High School has to offer, and she has performed exceptionally well throughout her entire high school career.

Through her years here at THS she has earned awards in UConn Chemistry and Spanish 2.Alexandra has a passion for science, a subject area she plans to pursue at the collegiate level.

Always one to seek out enrichment opportunities, Alexandra participated in a summer program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, earning an award in math and science. This speaks to Alexandra’s character, someone who seeks out challenges and puts in the work to be successful.Complementing her extremely competitive academics, Alexandra is truly a well-rounded student in every sense of the word.

In addition to representing Tolland High School as a Student Representative for the Board of Education she is a member of the Student Council, Best Buddies program, the Health Sciences Club and the National Honor Society. She has also found time to complete over 340 hours of volunteer work within our community which is quite notable, and speaks to her willingness to help others. It is impressive that Alexandra is able to have such a firm handle on her academics and yet still accomplish so much outside of the classroom. Alexandra has proven that she is more than just a student at the top of her class, but that she is also a person who wants to put herself out there and make a difference to those within her reach.

Next year, Alexandra plans on attending Northeastern University. She will major in Health Sciences.

Salutatorian — Adriana Rhodes

Adriana Rhodes is the Tolland High School’s Class of 2021 Salutatorian.

Adriana is an incredibly motivated young woman. Academically, Adriana is a standout. It is not possible to enroll in a more rigorous course load than what Adriana has chosen to take while attending Tolland High School.

Adriana’s genuine love of learning is also clear outside of the classroom. She is the President of the Health Sciences Club and her expertise in business allowed Adriana to compete at the national DECA competition. Additionally, Adriana participated in a pre-college program at Harvard University in which she read and analyzed scientific literature. Remarkably, Adriana finds the time to volunteer, compete with her Gymnastics Team, and serve as the Vice President of the Best Buddies.

Adriana is 1 of the 141 students selected across the country to be a member of the prestigious National Presidential Scholars Program.

Her outstanding GPA and uncompromising work ethic are evidence that she is prepared for rigor and independence required at the college level.

Next year, Adriana plans on attending John Hopkins University. She will major in molecular and cellular biology, and minor in bioethics and mathematics. She is planning on taking the pre-medical route.