Board of Education recognizes valedictorian, salutatorian

Edward Runquist and Giovanna Trzaska have earned more than 150 credit hours.

With the school year quickly coming to a close, the Cinnaminson Township Board of Education dedicated its last meeting to recognizing high-achieving students, starting with the Class of 2017 valedictorian and salutatorian.

Valedictorian Edward Runquist will graduate with a GPA of 105.875 and 158.5 credit hours of the required 120. He is first in his class of 192 students.

“Eddie has the highest GPA that I have seen in the nine years that I have given this speech,” Cinnaminson High School Principal Darlene Llewellyn said.

Runquist will have completed 21 honors and advanced placement classes by the time he graduates, which Llewellyn said also sets the record for her time at Cinnaminson. He is involved with Interact Club, Math League, the Physics Olympics, National Honor Society and Homecoming Committee, among other clubs.

Runquist also plays on the tennis team and bowling team and has served as captain of both teams. He was named to the Burlington County Scholastic League First Team for both bowling and tennis.

Runquist volunteers with Relay for Life and and tutors through the National Honor Society. He plans to major in biochemistry and minor in Spanish at Northeastern University.

Salutatorian Giovanna Trzaska will also earn 158.5 credit hours, and will graduate with a GPA of 104.485. Trzaska earned an impressive score of 2070 on her SATs and was a commended student through the National Merit Scholarship Program, a distinction she achieved by scoring in the top 5 percent on her PSATs. Trzaska was the only student in her class to achieve this recognition.

In her freshman year, Trzaska was honored as the student with the highest GPA in her class at the Burlington County Secondary Principals and Supervisors Association academic recognition dinner. She also earned the George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science Medal for having the highest averages in mathematics and sciences.

Trzaska is a high school athlete, participating in both varsity volleyball and varsity softball. Trzaska was added to the Burlington County Scholastic League First Team Patriot Division and given the award of most improved player by her softball coach.

“Not only is she dedicated to her studies, she is extremely well rounded and represents Cinnaminson High School in many ways,” Llewellyn said.

Trzaska has been a member of Glamour Girls and volunteers with Relay for Life. She was a member of the Physics Olympics as well as Prom Committee and has been involved with Interact Club. She serves as the vice president of the National Honor Society.

Trazaska plans to major in materials science and engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Both the valedictorian and the salutatorian gave thanks to their parents for affording them the opportunity to succeed.

The board, in conjunction with the district principals, acknowledged more than 250 students from all district schools for their achievements in writing contests, fire prevention, art, athletics, PARCC testing, essay contests and more. Rush Intermediate School Principal Debbie Banecker recognized Alivia Irons for spending hundreds of dollars in allowance and birthday money to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots program.

“In Cinnaminson, as compared to other districts, approximately 92 percent of our students who start in kindergarten go through Cinnaminson schools through grade 12,” Superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi said. “The valedictorian and the salutatorian of the Class of 2029 are sitting right here.”