About a month ago, Sierra High recognized its top two academic achievers for the Class of 2025.
Nicole Allison, based on her best-in-the-class 4.33 grade point average, was all but a shoo-in for valedictorian.
Siddarthan Gopendran, on the other hand, remembered being surprised and thrilled at the Spring Lobo Gold Rally – a twice a year assembly that recognizes student achievement at SHS – when he heard his name announced as salutatorian.
“I thought there were two or three (fellow seniors) in front of me,” said Gopendran, who posted a 4.26 GPA.
He and Allison will lead the large graduating class at Thursday’s commencement ceremony at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
They’re scheduled to make their way to the midfield seating area at about 7 p.m. with the school band under the direction of retiring music director Rick Hammarstrom performing the processional tune, “Pomp & Circumstance.”
Nicole Allison is the daughter of Lisa and Timothy Allison.
She came to Sierra via Great Valley Academy in Salida.
During the past four years, Allison has been involved in the Timberwolves Project, consisting of campus cleanup, and Art Club along with AP Studio Art.
She found inspiration in her time working as a teaching assistant for English instructor Elizabeth Tjomsland. “I liked seeing (the individual) attention she gave to students,” said Allison, who spent two years as T.A.
Her plans after graduation is to attend Modesto Junior College to study Biology, with possibly doing research or going into Biomedical Engineering.
Siddharthan Gopendran is the son of Kalaivani Rajarethinam (mother) and Gopendran Chandran (father).
He’ll be going to UC San Diego in the fall to study Computer Engineering. “I’m looking to build a faster analog computer,” said Gopendran, who draws his inspiration to reach for the stars from famed astrophysicist and writer Neil deGrasse Tyson.
“I enjoy watching (deGrasse Tyson) podcasts,” he said.
Gopendran excelled in tennis while playing for the Timberwolves program. He and doubles partner Sparsh captured a Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 title.
He was also involved in the Salvation Army Center, where, as a volunteer, helped in clean up and tutoring young students.
Prior to SHS, Gopendran attended several elementary schools, including Country Club Elementary School in San Ramon.
He and Allison are looking forward to graduation, where they’ll address those in attendance as commencement speakers as their final call as high school seniors.
