Academic All-Stars: Wayne Memorial’s Top Graduates of 2025

The Class of 2025, Valedictorians and Salutatorians – front row: Gabriella Brown-Deacon, Farah Judieh, Angie Lopez Ramriez, Lillian Keniston, Jessica Hurst, Joel Hernandez – back row: Gabriel Roberts, Ian Spurlock, Talian Adham, Sultan Gbeminiyi, Olivia Farmer and Rayshawn Henley. Photo by John Rhaesa

Wayne Memorial High School has 12 valedictorians and salutatorians. Both categories of achievement are determined strictly by cumulative GPA. Valedictorians have GPAs 4.0 and above. Salutatorians have GPAs between 3.93 and 3.99.
Meet the Class of 2025 Wayne Memorial High School Valedictorians and Salutatorians:
Angie Lopez Ramirez – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Psychology
Parents: Maricruz Ramirez and Edgar Lopez
Notable High School Accomplishments: Vice President of Latinx, National Honor Society, Academic Letter, College Board AP Scholar with Honors, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National First-Generation Recognition Program, $950,000 in scholarships

Rayshawn Henley – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Major: Neuroscience, Minor: Psychology
Parents: Ivy Wright and Jamar Henley
Notable High School Accomplishments: AP Scholar Award, Academic Letter for 4 years, National Honors Society, President of the Black Student Union. Maintaining a 4.2 GPA. Achieved over $220,000 in scholarship money.

Olivia Farmer – Plans to attend Columbia University
Area of study: Sociology and Political Science (Pre-Law)
Parents: Patricia Farmer
Notable High School Accomplishments: Four-Year Class President, Four-Year Student Council Member, National Honor Society President, Bezos Scholar, Gates Scholar, Founded The WAVE Project, Upward Bound Member, Planning/Head Chair of the Uniquely United Prom (through student council)

Lillian Keniston – Plans to attend EMU or move to Vegas to attend college there
Area of study: Zoology
Parents: Andrea and Rob
Notable High School Accomplishments: Security+ Certification

Jessica Hurst – Plans to attend Central Michigan University
Area of study: Major: Exercise Science, Minor: Athletic Coaching
Parents: Mary Alice Hurst and Edward Hurst Jr
Notable High School Accomplishments: Academic Letter three years in a row, Body Copy Editor in Yearbook 2 1/2 years, National Honor Society member 2 years, 5 on the APUSH test, 4 on the AP World test, taken AP Government

Gabriellah Brown-Deacon – Plans to attend Central Michigan University
Area of study: Art: Animation
Parents: Cheryl Brown-Deacon and Lovell Deacon
Notable High School Accomplishments: Academic Letter recipient of three years, 3rd place winner at Michigan SkillsUSA competition in 3D animation and visualization, National Technical Honor Society member, recipient of two silver keys in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, CTE Python Certified, CTE 3D Graphics certified, recipient of the Champions of Wayne Certificate of achievement for each completed academic semester

Farah Judieh – Plans to attend Wayne State University
Area of study: Nursing
Parents: Ekram Abdelfattah and Nidal Judieh
Notable High School Accomplishments: Completed over 140 hours of volunteer work (during grades 9-11), around 60 hours volunteering at a mosque in Canada during their Ramadan Program, where I helped pack and distribute food to those in need, around 30 hours volunteering as a library assistant where I managed library operations, including money handling, cleaning, checking in/out books, shelving, and providing customer service. Attended a private Arabic school (from June 2020 – August 2024) where I successfully developed skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking Arabic, enhancing my language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Ian Spurlock – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Area of study: Computer Engineering
Parents: Doris Wendland and William Spurlock
Notable High School Accomplishments: Taking 12 Advanced Placement classes in total. Getting accepted to UM Ann Arbor. Graduating as Valedictorian. Three years as a member of the National Honor Society. Four years on the school district’s robotics team (once going to the world championships).

Gabriel Roberts – Plans to attend University of Michigan-Dearborn
Area of study: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Parents: Heather Cleveland and David Roberts
Notable High School Accomplishments: Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 with a 4.0 GPA. Recipient of multiple Outstanding Student Awards recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and initiative. Recipient of Emerging Artist Award, recognized for creativity and artistic talent, Finalist in the Michigan Summit High School Governor’s Cyber Challenge, demonstrating critical thinking and team leadership in cybersecurity strategy. CEO of a successful student-run small business through the CTC program, leading project development, budgeting, and team coordination. Passed 4 CompTIA certification exams (ITF+, A+, Network+, and Security+) as part of my CTC program, showing advanced technical knowledge and self-discipline, placed 12th in over 100 people in a regional FFA competition at my former high school, gaining early experience in public speaking and team collaboration. Active participant in cybersecurity competitions and STEM enrichment opportunities, consistently stepping up as a team leader and problem-solver. Self-taught in sewing and design, applying creativity and discipline to develop a unique personal skill set. Worked consistent 30-hour weeks as an Assistant Manager at Domino’s, managing employees, customer service, and operations while maintaining academic excellence.

Sultan Gbeminiyi – Plans to attend Eastern Michigan University
Area of study: Nursing
Parents: Mohammed Gbeminiyi and Abidemi Gbeminiyi
Notable High School Accomplishments: KLAA All Conference list senior year for soccer, four year varsity letter for soccer, top goal scorer for Wayne, Gold medal in the 4 by 4 at the Ypsilanti Levi Simpson meet for track, Valedictorian Class of 2025.

Talian Adham – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Psychology
Parents: Najwa Adham and Majed Adham
Notable High School Accomplishments: National Honor society, Class secretary, Upward Bound

Joel Hernandez – Plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Area of study: Business
Parents: Silvia Cruz and Jorge Hernandez
Notable High School Accomplishments: Gates Scholar, Horatio Alger Scholar

Congratulations to the Wayne Memorial High School Class of 2025 graduates!

The Class of 2025, Valedictorians and Salutatorians – front row: Gabriella Brown-Deacon, Farah Judieh, Angie Lopez Ramriez, Lillian Keniston, Jessica Hurst, Joel Hernandez – back row: Gabriel Roberts, Ian Spurlock, Talian Adham, Sultan Gbeminiyi, Olivia Farmer and Rayshawn Henley. Photo by John Rhaesa