As the academic year draws to a close, Greenville High School is proud to announce the exceptional achievements of its valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating class of 2023. Amidst the triumphs and challenges faced over the years, these remarkable individuals have emerged as beacons of academic excellence, embodying the spirit of dedication, perseverance, and intellectual pursuit.

But as we acknowledge these outstanding accomplishments, we also pause to bid a heartfelt farewell to the entire graduating class of 310 students. Each student has contributed their unique talents, aspirations, and dreams to the vibrant environment that is Greenville High School. Together, they have left an indelible mark on the school's history, transforming it into a nurturing community that fosters growth, friendship, and lifelong memories.

Introducing the Greenville High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian,

Greenville High School Class of 2023 Valedictorian: Mari Wilcock

Greenville High School Class of 2023 Valedictorian Mari Wilcock is the daughter of Larry and Chie Wilcock of Greenville, TX and older sister to Mia Wilcock (GHS Class of 2026).

Mari has had an interesting route to becoming Valedictorian. She was born in Hawaii and raised in Guam, Japan, and England before finally settling in Greenville, TX as a fifth grader at Lamar Elementary. Her distinctive background and world travels instilled in her a passion for academics, music, and art. She has excelled in each of these. Mari has always been a tremendous student. Even in England where students are typically a year ahead of their American counterparts, Mari was a standout. Since then, she has achieved most of the academic honors available to her. As a seventh grader, she was recognized by DukeTip for her outstanding score on the ACT and was nationally recognized at a ceremony at Duke University in North Carolina. Mari has been named a Superintendents Scholar each of her four years at GHS and has maintained the #1 ranking in her class since the beginning of high school. In 2022, she was named a National Merit Scholar and became a finalist in 2023.  Academics, however, is only one side of her. She is also extremely active in school and her community. She is currently the front ensemble captain in the Lion Pride Band, while also taking piano lessons and playing cello in Suzuki Strings, the robot operator of the Robowranglers robotics team that recently placed third in the World Championships, immediate-past Lieutenant Governor for Division 32 of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Key Club, president of the National Honor Society, and senior class vice-president. Mari also represented GHS at Texas Bluebonnet Girls State this past summer. Earlier this year, she was named Miss GHS by her peers at Greenville High School. For the past two years, she has maintained an internship at Innovation First International where she works and studies engineering concepts.

Mari is looking forward to attending Texas A&M University in College Station where she was been accepted into the Engineering Honors Program. She was also selected for, and accepted a coveted position as a Brown Scholar with the Craig and Galen Brown Foundation. She is planning to study environmental engineering in order to help with the environmental crises affecting the world today.

Greenville High School Class of 2023 Salutatorian: Sierra Garofalo

Sierra Garofalo has been named Salutatorian of the Greenville High School graduating class of 2023.  Sierra is the daughter of Jacques Garofalo and Lynnore Garofalo of Greenville, TX. 

Sierra has been named a Superintendent Scholar all four years of high school while taking all available AP classes. She has maintained class ranking since the beginning of high school. She was selected by the faculty to attend Texas Bluebonnet Girls State. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Art Club, Theater Productions, and the first GHS Science UIL team. She participated in UIL One Act Play this year and received the All-Star Crew award. She played volleyball for GHS for two years and played national club volleyball for four years. She was also a member of the Solar Car Club for two years. Sierra joined the Lion Pride Band as a percussionist in her junior year of high school and earned a seat at the State competition for Solo and Ensemble, playing Level 1 compositions for piano both her junior and senior years. On her own initiative, Sierra learned tenor saxophone her junior year and played for the GHS Jazz band her senior year. Sierra continues to take piano and saxophone lessons.

Sierra has volunteered at several Kiwanis-sponsored Key Club events and has volunteered for spotlights for several band performances at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. She was selected to attend LEDCON – the first year for GHS Key Club members to attend the TX-OK conference. Sierra was also selected Rotary Student of the Month for May. She is committed to continuing her participation in community service by joining Circle K International Club in college.

Sierra will be attending the University of Connecticut School of Engineering in the fall. She was awarded the Husky Achievement Award, the highest merit scholarship awarded to out-of-state students. She intends to pursue a double major in Computer Science Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Greenville High School proudly congratulates its valedictorian, salutatorian, and the entire graduating class of 2023 for their remarkable achievements. As they prepare to turn the page and embrace new horizons, we wish them continued success, fulfillment, and happiness in all their future endeavors. May their time at Greenville High School forever remain a treasured chapter in their lives.