Before stepping on Oglethorpe’s campus as official Petrels, incoming first-year students Rocio Quiroz Salem ’29 and Austin Alman ’29 have already made a first impression. 

Quiroz Salem and Alman recently attended the Georgia Governor’s Valedictorian Reception, hosted at Georgia State University. State leaders and university Presidents, including Dr. Kathryn McClymond, congratulated the students in attendance for their commitment to academic excellence. 

Alman has declared a psychology major with an interest in allied health advising. He stood out in the classroom and on the basketball court as a student-athlete at CORE Community School in Woodstock. 

“Austin is a really great student,” said his Oglethorpe admissions counselor, Sammi Rowell ’23. “He seems to really love what he does—not just as an academic, but as an athlete and leader. His love for basketball shines through in his work, and his dedication to being a great student sets him apart. We are so excited to welcome him in the Fall, and can’t wait to see him shine in a college environment!”

Quiroz Salem, a biology major, attended Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Her Oglethorpe admission counselor, Idalis Love, recognizes her dedication to school and being successful for herself and her family. 

“Rocio is an extremely driven, well-rounded, and kind young woman who oscillates between helping others through places of leadership at school to taking care of her siblings,” says Love. 

The Georgia Governor’s Valedictorian Reception is an annual event where Georgia’s Governor and other state leaders celebrate and honor the valedictorians of high schools across the state. It’s a chance for the valedictorians to be recognized for their academic achievements and to network with each other and representatives of colleges and universities.