David Wang and Dillan Saltsman spent their time at Ripon High as doers.

They were founding members of several clubs on campus including Speech & Debate and the Environmental Advocacy Club.

They’re also in elite company as the Class of 2023 valedictorian and salutatorian.

Graduation is tonight at RHS, with the commencement exercises kicking off at 7 o’clock at Stouffer Field.

Wang is the valedictorian thanks to his 4.5 GPA. He’s the son of Zhijian Wang and Yanna Li.

He’ll be attending UCLA to study Computer Science.

Wang served as ASB Vice President during the past year and was president of CSF for two of the last four years.

He tutored students in Math, English, and Writing.

Saltsman, who is the salutatorian, is the grandson of Nancy Montgomery.

He’s going to Stanford University to major in Environmental Systems Engineering.

Saltsman, who had a 4.4 GPA at RHS, spearheaded the Junior American Red Cross chapter and, for the past two years, was involved in the San Joaquin County Youth for Environmental Literacy Network.

He spent the past school year on the Ripon Unified school board as the student trustee – he voted on non-personnel matters.  

Saltsman’s fellow school board members surprised him by gifting a pair of Stanford shirts in his final meeting earlier this month.