Meet the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Saint Viator High School is delighted to announce the top academic honors for the class of 2026. After four years of dedication, hard work, perseverance, leadership, and exceptional results, Emily Walberg has been named Valedictorian, and Frankie Demeter has been named Salutatorian.
Principal Dr. Erika Mickelburgh praised the students in separate meetings last month, letting them know about the honor they attained.
“Emily and Frankie each represent what it means to be a Saint Viator student. They are exceptionally industrious young women who are faith-filled, leaders in numerous extracurriculars, and give back to their community. We are blessed and honored to recognize their amazing achievements.”
When Emily heard the news, “I felt shocked. I couldn’t believe I was the Valedictorian. My mom had always joked with me about it, but I didn’t think it was possible because I knew I had so many talented and hardworking classmates. I also felt a sense of excitement because I knew how proud my mom would be, and it justified all the time and effort I had put into my schoolwork.”
And Frankie added, “I’ve put immense effort into my academics over the past four years, but I never thought that work would make me the salutatorian of my class. Whenever my counselor came into my French class and asked to see me, I hoped it was about being Salutatorian or Valedictorian, but I was still at a complete loss for words when I first learned the news. I still can’t fully wrap my head around it, but I am excited and honored nonetheless!”
Both Emily and Frankie are Querbes Scholars, members of Mu Alpha Theta, the mathematics honors society, and the National Honor Society, and have taken nine to fourteen AP courses during their four years. Beyond their rigorous academics, they also excelled in athletics, clubs, and leadership roles.
Emily participated in cross-country and basketball all four years and went to State for both sports. She also participated in soccer and track & field. Emily was also part of the FIRE crew, mentoring potential students.
Frankie was on the golf and bowling teams all four years, as well as the track & field team. She was in STEM, a member of Scholastic Bowl, Viator Voice, Debate Club, Yearbook, and Student Council.
Emily reflected on her experience at Saint Viator: “Saint Viator helped me academically because the rigor of my classes has challenged me to think critically, beyond simple memorization; taking these challenging classes in addition to sports taught me how to manage my time and develop strong study habits, which assures me that I am prepared for my next academic adventure. Saint Viator has also helped me grow in my faith. Through the faith classes, all-school Masses, retreats, and service opportunities, Saint Viator provided me with an open space to deepen my relationship with God and develop a greater understanding of my beliefs and values.”
Frankie reflects on the support she has received from the Saint Viator community.
“Saint Viator’s rigorous academic structure has helped me learn how to balance my time with my academics and helped me to hold my work to a much higher standard. And, the friends I have met through Saint Viator have played a huge role in my development, especially since they’ve always been there for me when the stress of school felt like too much.”
Both girls are so thankful for their support group. Emily said, “I would first like to thank my mom for her constant support, sacrifices, and belief in me. She has shown me that success is built on perseverance, and she inspires me to keep pushing, even when things are hard. I would also like to thank all my teachers. They have provided me with the resources and skills that have led me to become the student I am today.”
Frankie would like to thank a long list of AP teachers, especially Mr. Paolelli, Mrs. Nowak, Mrs. Brankin, and Madame Klaw. “The way my teachers taught these classes helped me realize how important it was to figure out how to balance my time with my academics. The lessons I learned from these classes have stuck with me to this day and will hopefully make the transition to college smoother. The theology classes I have taken over the years helped me build upon my spiritual beliefs. Saint Viator has prepared me well for my next academic adventure.”
As the girls look ahead toward college, Emily has committed to the University of Notre Dame to study Biology with plans to become a Physician Assistant, while Frankie plans to study Computer Science and Philosophy and is still undecided on where she will attend.
