Senior Kate Anderson has recently been selected as valedictorian with a cumulative academic weighted GPA of 4.47.

Throughout her high school career, Anderson has taken 29 semesters of Honors and AP classes and has only received one A minus.

The valedictorian is chosen based on highest GPA after a close review of the student’s transcript, according to Principal David Sondheim.

Anderson has participated in Advanced Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band for four years.

Anderson said that she never chose her classes with the sole purpose of elevating her GPA.

“I took classes I was interested in,” Anderson said. “A big part of that was factoring in band, since I’ve taken wind ensemble and jazz band for four years, which has been awesome. Otherwise the classes I chose have been all over the map.”

Anderson attributed her success to a number of factors.

“I would say it’s because I’ve taken classes that I’m passionate about, and that makes me excited to come to school,” Anderson said. “I would attribute the best parts of my experience at Redwood to amazing friends and teachers.”

Anderson will be attending UC Berkeley next year as an undeclared major, but with plans to study science in medicine and possibly major in cell and molecular biology.

Anderson has not yet planned out her speech, but says she is honored and excited to be chosen. She will speak at graduation alongside ASB president Geneva Gondak, Senior Class President Christina Canady, and selected speakers Sasha Boussina, Mike Hendrickson, and Matt Cummings.