Pioneer Valley High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian honored at home

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Pioneer Valley High School's 2020 Valedictorian and Salutatorian were recognized at each of their homes Monday morning.

Principal Shanda Herrera greeted both Valedictorian Naomi Mau and Salutatorian Damian Magana with balloons, certificates and commencement medals to acknowledge their achievements.

“Both of these students have been leaders throughout their high school career and our staff is so proud of their accomplishments,’’ said Herrera.

Both students will continue their education in California. Mau will attend UC Santa Cruz and major in environmental engineering. Magana will attend UCLA and major in mechanical engineering. 

The Valedictorian and Salutatorian are the two highest academic achievers in a high school. The awards are based on grade point averages (GPAs), the number of A.P. and honor courses taken, and grades received throughout high school.

Mau’s GPA is 4.37 and Magana’s GPA is 4.36.