Top of Their Class!

It is with immense pride and pleasure that we announce Evey Slavik as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025! Evey is an extraordinary individual who balances her academic, athletic, and personal pursuits with grace and distinction.

Evey embodies the Rice mission to love learning and serve others as she pursues academic and personal excellence. A compassionate leader with a quick wit and a great sense of humor, Evey’s drive for knowledge and commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of her work. She approaches each subject with both curiosity and rigor, demonstrating an innovative spirit when faced with complex challenges. Her ability to consider different perspectives and her determination to find efficient solutions are truly remarkable. With every challenge, Evey thoughtfully pauses, reflects, and then skillfully develops a path forward.

What truly sets Evey apart is her exceptional leadership, humility, and unwavering support of others. Approachable, calm, and kind, she models what it means to be both an outstanding scholar and a dedicated teammate. As captain of both the indoor and outdoor track and field teams, Evey leads by example with a quiet strength and a composed demeanor that fosters trust and unity among her teammates. Beyond her academic and athletic achievements, Evey generously dedicates her time to volunteering with the TOP Soccer program and serves as a junior mentor for the Little Bellas Mountain Biking Camp, where she is an exemplary role model. Her ability to connect with young students, offering patience and encouragement, speaks volumes about her character and the values she so clearly upholds.

Evey plans to continue her education at Tufts University this fall.

Quotes from some of her teachers:
 
"With every challenge that arises Evey never hesitates to pause, reflect, and begin to come up with a solution. Evey is an overachiever, but in the very best way possible, and simply a remarkable human being." - Kevin Giron

"Evey is exceptional. She consistently asks insightful questions that help all the students in the class have a better understanding of the material. She’s the kind of student who inspires you to bring your “A game” because she will rise to meet you." - TJ Matarazzo

Congratulations to Elizabeth Cunningham on being named the Salutatorian for the Class of 2025! A dedicated scholar and leader, Elizabeth has embodied Rice’s mission through her passion for learning and service. She was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Commended Scholar, and a Vermont Presidential Scholar. Most recently, she was named a semifinalist for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars program and is one of 621 semifinalists nationwide, one of the highest national honors a student can receive! 

Elizabeth actively serves our greater community. She learned a repertoire of patriotic, classic, and gospel songs on her viola and traveled around the state playing for veterans at their care facilities. She also loved her role as a “Book Buddy” at the King Street Youth Center. And finally, she has served as a member of the Burlington City Conservation Board where she has reviewed proposals for the conservation fund and for new construction in the city.

At Rice, she has served as the Student Body President working tirelessly to make the campus community a more fun and positive place. As a Captain on the Track team, she broke the Vermont Division II record in the 1500-meter race and she inspired her teammates to set goals and achieve them both in track and in other areas of their lives. 

We will miss her, but we’re proud to see her bring her gifts and values to Princeton University this fall.

Quotes from some of her teachers: 
"Elizabeth is an all-around wonderful student who displays charisma, intelligence, and perseverance.  In every situation, Elizabeth steps up and provides support to her peers. She is also humble enough to accept feedback as an opportunity for growth."  - Mike Mazzella

"Elizabeth brings an inspiring intensity of purpose to all her pursuits, from tackling challenging writing assignments to excelling in athletics. She is comfortable in the spotlight and in leadership roles, and our entire community has benefitted from her drive and dedication. Her writing is compelling and engaging, reflecting her passion for striving for excellence in everything she undertakes." - TJ Matarazzo