Graduating at the top of their class during a pandemic

GEORGETOWN/WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ) – High school graduations are underway, in-person this year.

It was hard work from valedictorians and salutatorians who earned those distinctions during the pandemic.

“I was excited! I called my mom and she started crying and telling the whole family and my dad was like, ‘way to go kiddo,'” said Maddie Zaheri.

Zaheri graduates Saturday from Scott County High School at the top of her class by just hundredths of a point.

“A big shoutout to my parents and also all the teachers and faculty here at Scott County, they’ve really made the transition virtual to in-person and a lot easier this year and I know it could be a lot harder if it weren’t for them.”

Zaheri will attend Northern Kentucky University in the fall majoring in marketing with a minor in entrepreneurship.

Also graduating at the top of their class at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester is Maria Jackson, Valedictorian, and Brenna Rose, Salutatorian.

“I was so honored because my class here at George Rogers Clark is so phenomenal, there were so many great candidates here and I’m so honored to represent them,” said Jackson.

Jackson said it was important to her to make the best of her senior year

“I really just tried to invest myself in all my classes,” Jackson shared. “Study hard, work hard and keep up the grades.”

Rose said finishing at the top of her class was always a goal and her senior year has helped her feel more ready for her next journey.

“It was harder not having a teacher telling you, you have deadlines, you have a test this Friday,” said Rose. “You just had to remember that on your own, so I think that prepared me for college a lot.”

Jackson is going to UK for biomedical engineering. Rose is headed to Georgetown College to major in biology on the pre-med track.

To all the 2021 grads, congratulations!