Valedictory Speaker

2026 VALEDICTORY SPEAKERs

  • Jeremy Sutton

    2026 VALEDICTORY SPEAKER

Jeremy Sutton arrived at Napa Valley College in 2022 and discovered a community that challenged and supported his academic goals. Graduating with a 3.6 GPA in Chemistry and associate degrees in Physics, Math, and Natural Science, Jeremy thrived in NVC’s STEM programs. He played an active role in the Math Center, where he supported fellow students as a tutor and developed a passion for teaching and mentorship. As a valedictory speaker, Jeremy is honored to represent his class and plans to transfer to UC San Diego or UC Davis to pursue pharmaceutical chemistry, with long‑term goals in research and service.

 

  • Alessandra Martino

    2026 VALEDICTORY SPEAKER

Alessandra Martino began her journey at Napa Valley College in 2023 after moving to the United States from Italy. Graduating with a 3.45 GPA in Communications Studies, Alessandra found confidence and purpose through her academic growth as a second‑language English speaker. She is an active leader in Phi Theta Kappa, having served as Vice President of Communications and Vice President, and helped establish the Student Advisory Council to elevate student voices. Balancing her studies as a student parent, Alessandra is proud to represent her class and plans to transfer to pursue a career in public relations, advocating for immigrants and marginalized communities.

 

 

Timeline for Selecting the ValedicTory Speaker

Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at (707) 256-7362 if you have any questions about this process.

Students who applied for graduation and have a cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher were invited to apply to be the valedictory speaker.  

Eligible honors graduates received an email in mid-semester inviting them to submit a Valedictory Speaker Application Form along with their speech. 

Eligibility Criteria for Valedictory Speaker Candidates:

  • 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher as of your Fall 2025 grades.
  • Strong extracurricular involvement/volunteerism/work experience/other.
  • Strong leadership skills/abilities.
  • Ability to effectively convey educational and other relevant experiences both in writing and verbally.
  • The majority of the units must have been completed at Napa Valley College.

Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at (707) 256-7362 if you have any questions about this process.

Tuesday, March 31 by 5 p.m.

Monday, April 6

Students will be notified if they have been invited to present their speech to the selection committee. Please make sure to block off your schedule on Wednesday, April 8, in case you are invited to interview with the committee.

Wednesday, April 8 between 10-12 noon

Interviews: Those selected will interview and make their speech presentation to the Valedictory Speaker Selection Committee on this date during a 10-minute in-person interview.

Thursday, April 9

 

 

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