Valedictorian: Voon Joo Goh
While taking 23 upper level classes and earning an A in each of them, Voon Joo Goh earned the highest ranking in the Class of 2020 with a GPA of 4.6667. Through Concordia’s dual credit program, she accumulated 20 college credit hours and took a number of AP exams also earning her possible college credits. Voon spent time last summer attending Economics for Leaders at Yale University. She also volunteered with Amigos de Las Americas, completing ten weeks of training to prepare for a four week immersion program in Costa Rica.
Achievements and Awards:
- Member of TAPPS State Championship Teams (2017 Band, 2018 and 2019 Academic Team, 2017-19 Speech and Debate)
- 2019 Persuasive Speaking State Champion
- Special Distinction in the National Speech and Debate Honor Society
- National Individual Event Tournament of Champions Informative Speaking Qualifier
- College Board AP Scholar with Distinction
- English 3 AP Student of the Year 2019
- Debate Student of the Year 2017-19
- Member of the One Act Play production that won 3rd at state
- Member of National Honor Society
- Freshman Crusader of the Year 2017
What are your future plans? (college, major, future career, etc.)
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study Supply Chain Management at the Red McCombs School of Business and hopefully minor in Chinese and Spanish. I hope to be trilingual by the time I graduate and either go on to law school or work in one of the Fortune 500 companies.
How has Concordia prepared you academically for your future?
At Concordia, not only have I learned the value of hard work and perseverance, but also to be curious and learn more about anything and everything.
How has Concordia prepared you spiritually or personally?
Concordia has nurtured my faith and challenged my perspective on secular ideas.
What was your favorite class?
I couldn’t pick just one class. At Concordia, I took many classes that expanded my knowledge base and challenged my perspective. I loved Mr. Straub’s World Geography and World History my freshman and sophomore year, Ms. Gerard’s English Language class my junior year and Mr. Bahr’s Spanish Literature and Mrs. Held’s government class my senior year.
Who is someone that you admire?
I admire Michelle Obama. Her tenacity and compassion have always inspired me. She is a woman determined to empower other women and change the world.
What do you think you might focus on in your commencement speech message?
The prospect of and journey to success as we leave the comfort of Concordia to explore the world.
What is one piece of advice you would give to Concordia’s underclassmen?
Take advantage of every chance and opportunity that is given to you so you do not leave with any regret and remember to show your teachers and the staff how much you appreciate all they do for you.
What is a favorite quote of yours?
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde
Salutatorian: Karsyn Wendler
Earning the second highest ranking in the Class of 2020 with a 4.6607 GPA, Karsyn Wendler completed 22 upper level classes with an A in every one of them. She departs Concordia having amassed 18 college credit hours through the dual credit program and taking a number of AP exams also earning her possible college credits. Karsyn also dedicated time to volunteer through NHS and National Charity League.
Achievements and Awards:
- Member of Cross Country (10-12), Track and Field (9-12), National Honor Society, Art Team, and Academic Team
- Member of Student Council (Treasurer 10-11, Vice President 12)
- National Merit Commended Student
- National Hispanic Merit Scholar
- Outstanding Art IV AP Student 2020
- TAPPS Art Senior Portfolio Contest – 4th place
- Scholastic Art Competition – Silver Key Award
- Concordia Female Scholar Athlete of the Year 2019-20
- Concordia Co-Female Athlete 2019-20
- Cross Country Lady Crusader of the Year Award 2019
- Cross Country Fighting Heart Award 2017, 2018
- DAR Good Citizen Award
What are your future plans? (college, major, future career, etc.)
I will be studying Architecture at the University of Southern California. I will also be dancing on their dance team.
How has Concordia prepared you academically for your future?
Concordia's academics have challenged me, teaching me how to study, manage my time, and communicate with my teachers.
How has Concordia prepared you spiritually or personally?
Concordia's faculty has helped me to grow in my faith and also inspired me to take responsibility in my relationship with Jesus.
What was your favorite class?
Mr. Matthews-AB Calculus, Mr. Bahr-Spanish 5, or Ms. Gerard-English 3
Who is someone that you admire?
I admire Michelle Luevano because she is strong in her faith, very positive, and makes whoever she’s talking to feel very important. You can tell that she values her opportunity to impact others and definitely makes the most of it.
What do you think you might focus on in your commencement speech message?
The collective memories of our class and the lessons we have learned in our time at Concordia
What is one piece of advice you would give to Concordia’s underclassmen?
Maximize your time in high school: make new friends, explore your interests, and learn from everyone and everything
What is a favorite quote of yours?
“When it is time for you to leave this school, leave your job, or even leave this earth, you make sure you have worked hard to make sure it mattered you were even here.” - Wes Moore
Congratulations, Voon and Karsyn! Concordia has been blessed to have your talents and leadership during the past four years!