Bantugan Named River City Early College Co-Valedictorian

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — Rae Bantugan, a recent graduate of River City Early College, capped off her high school career as the Class of 2025 co-valedictorian, officially receiving the highest honors at the school’s commencement ceremony held earlier this month.

“I was very privileged to have this opportunity,” Bantugan said. “I never had plans to become valedictorian, but I worked toward a goal every year. I always wanted to maintain straight A’s, but valedictorian was never something I expected,” she added with a laugh.

While maintaining a perfect academic record — graduating with a 5.800 GPA and never earning a B since the fifth grade — Bantugan was active in multiple student organizations. Her extracurriculars included Key Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Phi Beta Kappa.

Just days before graduation, Bantugan received a call from her guidance counselor and senior advisor delivering the unexpected news.

“They called me and I didn’t pick up at first,” she said. “When they finally told me, I was completely shocked.”

Bantugan delivered a memorable co-valedictorian speech during the graduation ceremony, beginning with a touch of humor: “Good afternoon faculty and staff, parents — and the one auntie who didn’t get a ticket but snuck in anyway.”

In her speech, she gave heartfelt thanks to those who supported her journey.

“To my mom, I’m thankful to God for making you my mom because you’ve always been a true representation of His love,” she said. “To my siblings, I’m thankful that I had you as role models. And to my dad — you were right, I racked up all A’s.”

Bantugan is the daughter of Ruleo and Jeane Bantugan. She plans to attend Hinds Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing.