Carrollwood Day School is proud to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2020, the 12th graduating class from CDS. The valedictorian is Aksheta K. and the salutatorian is Alexander K. Both Aksheta and Alex have distinguished themselves in the classroom and beyond. Recognized by their teachers and peers as highly self-motivated, intellectually curious students, they embody the qualities of well-balanced IB learners.

The CDS Mission Statement encourages students to "develop their own talents and interests and use these to better the world and themselves. Aksheta K. exhibits and exemplifies the CDS Mission Statement more so than most and actively works to manifest these qualities in her daily life.

Aksheta impresses both inside and outside the classroom. Not only is Aksheta ranked number 1 in her class; she has been ranked number 1 in her class since first semester freshman year. She is the only student in Carrollwood Day School history to earn an A+ grade in every subject taken. She is also 1 of 2 students in the senior class to be the first admitted to an Ivy League college during the early decision process. Aksheta has an inordinately high work ethic and commitment to the academy. She does not allow herself to be outworked and has a keen sense of ethics and fair play. Her personality is infectious and is warm to all. She is a competitive classical Indian dancer and competes at the national level in speech and debate.

Aksheta will be a wonderful asset to her college community, as she is tolerant, accepting, humorous, and presents as one of the best students with whom I have ever worked. Aksheta will attend Dartmouth College of the Ivy League and intends to major in a STEM related field of study. Congratulations to Aksheta.

Alexander K. has distinguished himself as an outstanding student, talented athlete, and mentor. Alex is a true scholar with insatiable thirst for knowledge and exceptional work ethic, who embraces the IB mission as a lifelong learner, aspiring to complete scientific research throughout college.

Alex has received numerous honors recognizing his academic achievement including the U.S. Presidential Scholars Award, Academic Excellence Awards in Chemistry and History, the Patriot Scholarship, and Princeton University Book Award. He is member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Alex volunteers as a lab technician, is a tutor, and a self-published author.

Alex is recognized for his intellect, kind-hearted nature, and selfless leadership. He was Captain of the District Champion Varsity Soccer team, and played club soccer with the Lutz Rangers, 2018 State Champions in the President's Cup.

Alex will attend University of Florida in their Honors Program, majoring in Biomedical Sciences.