SEBASTIAN — Sarah Van Zuydam never set out to become valedictorian of Sebastian River High School’s Class of 2026. She simply pushed herself to take the hardest classes and maintain strong grades so she could get into a good university; the top spot followed.
Van Zuydam will deliver the valedictorian address at the upcoming graduation. She finished first in her class, just ahead of salutatorian Julius Lewis.
In an interview, Van Zuydam said her drive started young.
“Becoming valedictorian was actually never my goal. From a young age, I have always pushed myself to take the most rigorous classes and maintain good grades because I always knew I wanted to attend a good university. In doing so, it kind of just happened,” Van Zuydam told Sebastian Daily.
She kept her grades high with a simple but firm approach.
“It’s all about having a focused mindset. I don’t view earning good grades as optional. For me, that means always studying when I need to and working hard on my assignments,” she said.
IB Chemistry stood out as both her toughest and favorite class. Teacher Mr. Adams challenged students with hard quizzes and exams.
“IB Chemistry is definitely the subject that challenged me the most, but it also ended up being one of my favorite classes. Aside from the content being very difficult, Mr. Adams pushed the class with his difficult quizzes and exams. I have never worked harder to earn an A, but I am so grateful for that because it built my work ethic and forced me to become more disciplined in my school work,” Van Zuydam said.
Outside the classroom, Van Zuydam stayed active playing soccer and tennis in her first years of high school. After two knee surgeries that ended her sports, she kept fit at the gym, volunteered with Peer to Peer at Fellsmere Elementary and took part in Future Business Leaders of America and National Honor Society.
“Balancing an IB schedule along with extracurriculars contributed to me improving my time management skills,” she said.
“My biggest challenge has been tearing my ACL and meniscus twice and giving up my sports, soccer and tennis. It was so emotional to leave behind something that was such a large part of my life for so many years. As difficult as it was, I believe that it made me a stronger and more resilient person,” she added.
Family played a key role in her success as her parents always put a high value on education and encouraged her to aim high.
“My parents have always greatly valued education and pushed me to strive for the highest achievements in all that I do. They supported my goals in every way possible and allowed me to believe that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to,” Van Zuydam said.
Looking back on high school, Van Zuydam said she would not change a thing.
“Honestly, no. I have had an amazing four years and created such valuable lifelong memories with my friends,” she told us.
For incoming freshmen who want top grades, she offered straightforward advice.
“Start by setting goals for yourself and building good habits. It’s easy to succeed when you’re motivated,” she added.
Being named valedictorian has only raised her drive for the future.
“It has only made me even more eager to excel as I start this new chapter of my life. My success in high school showed me what I am capable of and raised my expectations of what I’d like to accomplish in college and in my future career,” she explained.
Van Zuydam plans to study finance in college and get deeply involved in campus groups and community work. She expects the strong study habits and work ethic she built in high school to carry her forward.
Sebastian River High School, an International Baccalaureate school on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serves students from Sebastian and surrounding areas. Graduation for the Class of 2026 is set for Friday, May 15th.