Carrollton High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian is Daija Preston (right). The salutatorian is Ryan Parcels (left).
Within the strong group of academic seniors graduating from Carrollton High School this year, two students earned the prestigious titles of valedictorian and salutatorian. Daija Preston earned the top honor — valedictorian —for finishing her career at CHS with the highest average, while Ryan Parcels was recognized for earning the second-highest average to be designated the salutatorian for the Class of 2025.
Earning these titles means the students must have the highest grade point averages, with the requirements of successfully completing 10 or more Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate classes, including Spanish IV and either AP Calculus or AP Chemistry, or be a full IB diploma student.
Daija’s academic accomplishments earn her this distinction. The ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule while being a leader on the girls’ basketball team demonstrates the impressive level of performance at which she operates. Serving as a team captain for the past two years, Daija led her teammates, encouraging them to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the court. Throughout her years at CHS, she was a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society and was recognized for numerous honors, including a Governor’s Honors Program nomination, the University of Rochester’s George Eastman Young Leaders Award, and Georgia State School Superintendent’s School Advisory Council nomination. With 22 scholarship offers totaling nearly $5.6 million, Daija chose to continue her academic and athletic pursuits at Virginia Commonwealth University on a full basketball scholarship, where she will study engineering. Daija is the daughter of Demeatric Preston and Troy Breece.
Ryan, the son of Lorna and Eric Jens and Richard Parcels, will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall to study Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his high school years, he actively participated in several organizations, such as National Honor Society, Secretary of State Student Ambassadors, Anchor Club, Spanish Honor Society, Technical Honor Society, and Key Club. As a freshman and sophomore, Ryan also played baseball for the Trojans. His junior year was particularly notable, as he received the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit and the Presbyterian College Junior Fellows award, and served as a Junior Honor Marshal. As he prepares to transition into the next chapter, Ryan’s achievements and aspirations position him for success in academics and all that he pursues.
Voted by their classmates to receive the “Most Intellectual” superlatives, Daija and Ryan have stood out for their academic prowess amongst their peers before this determination. Both said they are honored and excited to address their class during speeches at graduation this Friday, May 16.
CHS Principal Ian Lyle said he knows these two students will continue to make an impact.
“Daija and Ryan are well-rounded students who excel across the board, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so after graduating from Carrollton High School,” said Lyle. “As leaders in the school, they have set the standard for academic excellence. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments.”
