Meet the Valedictorian & Salutatorian of the Class of 2025

Alexander Shultz is the son of Mike and Peggy Shultz; the three live together in Lowman, New York. Alex was a part-time Crusader in eighth and ninth grade and has been attending full-time since sophomore year. 

In his high school career, Alex has conquered a variety of AP classes, including Physics I and II, Calculus, English Language and Composition, and English Literature and Composition. Additionally, Alex recently challenged the Physics C and Calculus BC AP exams. Alex has also consistently been on high honors. 

Outside of the classroom, Alex is a member of the ND Spotlighters, Crusader Ambassadors, and the Math League. Alex has independently operated and designed lighting and sound for several of the Spotlighters’ shows and is a valuable asset to the club. Alex also applies his technical knowledge for volunteer purposes, including working lights in Elmira Little Theatre productions and serving as technical director for Miss Joyce’s “Summer Seminar on the Performing Arts.” In his free time, Alex enjoys film photography, playing video games, and building LEGO. 

In the fall, Alex will attend Binghamton University with a major in mechanical engineering. He plans to get involved with technical theatre there, and he is considering a minor in lighting design. His post-graduation plans are not set in stone, but he would like to work with an entertainment equipment company or in the aerospace industry. The Notre Dame family congratulates Alex on his many accomplishments and wishes him luck in his future endeavors!

 by Kylie Agan

For our Class of 2025 Salutatorian, Sara Looney, academic excellence was always a clear goal; it was something she steadily worked toward throughout her time at Notre Dame. She recalls, “I think one of the first times I ever considered being Salutatorian was when Ella Chicone informed me that I’d only have to read a prayer at graduation. I jokingly responded, ‘Ooh, I think I’ll have to become my class’s salutatorian, then!’” As fate would have it, that offhand comment foreshadowed what ultimately became a defining achievement. 

Of course, the journey was not without challenges. “I’d always find myself panicking whenever I had multiple tests scheduled for the same day,” she admits. “It’s remarkable how often that seemed to happen!” But through it all, hard work, resilience, and consistency carried her forward. 

Sara credits much of her success to the guidance and support of Notre Dame’s faculty.  “I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to have been a student of so many wonderful teachers. I’d especially like to thank Mrs. Williams, Ms. Chung, Ms. Thorne, Scanlon, Mrs. Robert, and Mrs. Tanner for everything they’ve done for me over the years.”

Outside of the classroom, Sara made her mark across a wide variety of activities. She participated in theatre, band, the Southern Tier Snow Kats, Juggling Club, National Honor Society, and National Chinese Honor Society. As a Crusader Ambassador, she has also helped, welcome, and inspire future students. 

Next year, Sara will attend Villanova University, where she will be a part of the Villanova School of Business. After college, Sara hopes to secure a job that offers both strong compensation and the opportunity to travel the world.

Her advice to younger Crusaders? “Always try your best, even when you feel like giving up is easier.” That mindset is simple yet powerful and has guided her through both the routine and the remarkable.

When asked about her favorite Notre Dame memory, she doesn’t hesitate: “The Golden Masses. They’re always a beautiful ceremony, and it feels good to be part of something so sacred and meaningful to our community.”

The Class of 2025 is proud to call Sara its salutatorian. Thoughtful, driven, and full of heart, she’s headed for a bright future, and we can’t wait to see where her journey leads next.

 by Gavin Meier