Daniela Ruvalcaba and Addison Maytubby have distinguished themselves as the top students of Athens High School’s Class of 2024, earning the prestigious titles of valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. The AHS commencement ceremony will be held at the school’s competition gym at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31.
Ruvalcaba, an AISD student since attending pre-K at Bel Air Elementary, graduates with a grade point average of 108.657. Maytubby graduates with a grade point average of 108.259. Both ladies earned their associate’s degrees from Trinity Valley Community College on May 10, Ruvalcaba as a dual credit student and Maytubby as a member of the PINNACLE Early College High School program.
“I’d encourage incoming freshmen, if they aren’t in PINNACLE, to do dual credit,” said Ruvalcaba. “It really makes a difference.”
For her part, Maytubby recommended that young students find a healthy approach to academics, work, and extracurriculars. “I would say don’t slack off, but don’t try to do too much at once, either,” she said. “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.”
“That’s a big one,” agreed Ruvalcaba.
Ruvalcaba’s academic achievements are matched by her involvement in various extracurricular activities. She participated in varsity cross country during her sophomore year and played active roles in the Key Club and the National Honor Society, serving as treasurer her junior year and vice president her senior year.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular pursuits, Ruvalcaba has made significant contributions to her community. She engaged in numerous service projects at the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society and took part in community trash pickups. Her leadership qualities were recognized when she was voted September Student of the Month, selected for AHS Leaders of Tomorrow, and chosen as a junior usher by the senior class of 2023.
Ruvalcaba plans to continue her education at either the University of Texas at Austin or the University of Texas at Tyler, majoring in accounting with a minor in education or mathematics. She credits her parents, Raul and Rosalina Ruvalcaba, who have always supported her, as well as her siblings, caring teachers, and friends for their love and support.
Maytubby's high school journey is marked by extensive involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles. She served as president of the National Honor Society chapter during her senior year and was a student council representative. Her contributions extended to both the AHS and PINNACLE student councils, and she was a member of the UIL math team, advancing to the regional level twice.
Maytubby was class president her sophomore year, and she was active in athletics, participating in cross country, track and basketball, as well as band. Her accolades include being named Student of the Month, DAR Good Citizen, and selection for AHS Leaders of Tomorrow. Additionally, she attended the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) camp as a junior and served as a senior staffer her senior year. Maytubby has volunteered at local churches, the Food Pantry in Athens, and the animal shelter.
In recognition of her academic and extracurricular accomplishments, Maytubby, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, received honors from the College Board for the National Indigenous Recognition Program and the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program. She is an active member of Dogwood Church and has successfully run her own small business on Etsy and at local markets for the past four years.
Maytubby will be attending Texas Christian University in the fall, majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation, with plans to attend law school in the future. She would like to thank her parents, family, teachers and friends for all of their love and support.