Athens ISD is extremely proud to announce that Zachary Carrizales and Sebastian Campa have earned the top academic honors for the Athens High School Class of 2025, being named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. The AHS commencement ceremony will take place at the school’s competition gym at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30.
Carrizales graduates with a grade point average of 109.493 and Campa with a GPA of 109.017. Both students are dual-enrollment participants, with Campa also earning his associate’s degree from Trinity Valley Community College earlier this month.
Carrizales has balanced a demanding schedule filled with leadership roles and extracurricular competitions. He served as vice president of the Key Club and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), and was a member of both the National Honor Society and Student Council, serving as class secretary. He also competed on the AHS barbecue team and advanced to state-level competition in both barbecue and FCCLA during his junior and senior years, placing third in his category at the state BBQ contest.
Outside of school, Carrizales volunteers at the Athens Soup Kitchen, helps with culinary events, and contributes to other community causes. He has also worked up to 30 hours per week throughout high school, beginning as a freshman.
Carrizales plans to major in public health and pursue a career in medicine. He expressed gratitude to his parents, teachers and mentors for their encouragement and support.
Campa’s time at AHS has been defined by academic achievement and diverse involvement. He served as community service chair and later vice president of the National Honor Society, competed on the debate team — earning first alternate to state — and participated in UIL math and accounting, SkillsUSA, Science Olympiad, Key Club, and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), where he advanced to state.
His community service includes tutoring classmates, assisting with school and club events, and contributing to projects for organizations such as Go Blue Rodeo, the Women of Influence Gala, East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, and the local homeless shelter.
Campa, who completed his Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification, plans to major in neuroscience on the pre-med track and continue his pursuit of a career in medicine. He credits his family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout his journey.