LIVERMORE – Livermore High School’s Class of 2025 turned its tassels on May 30, marking the end of a high school journey and the beginning of the next chapter.
Among the graduating seniors were the year’s top students, Valedictorian Abigail Poe and Salutatorian Lucie Ansell.
Abigail Poe
When she packs her bags for UC Berkeley in the fall, Livermore’s valedictorian will be taking with her more than a prestigious accomplishment and a thirst for knowledge. The declared chemistry major will also be taking the support and blessings of her close friends and family.
“I had really good teachers, especially in the honors classes, which was huge,” Poe said. “My dad has also been a huge support and really keeps me grounded.”
Poe’s journey to becoming valedictorian was not a straight line. Born in Orange County, she moved to New Mexico with her parents and two brothers when she was in elementary school, and then to Livermore at the beginning of her junior year in high school.
With just two years at Livermore High, Poe took full advantage of the opportunities there and credits her teachers and supportive family for helping her achieve the highest honors.
“I had it (becoming valedictorian) in the back of my mind freshman and sophomore year, but I was in New Mexico and I was just trying to do the best I could in math and science,” Poe said. “And then when I got to Livermore, I said to myself, ‘Ya know, let’s go for it,’ and I did.”
Not only did she graduate as the school’s valedictorian, but Poe also engaged in several clubs and organizations throughout her academic journey. She participated in the Science Olympiad, a national non-profit STEM competition for middle and high school students. Additionally, Poe was a member of the high school dance team.
“I really like dancing, but I’m not that good at it,” she said, laughing. She is also a volunteer for her church’s worship team.
“That time is a huge thing for me,” she said. In her free time, Poe works at Ophelia’s Kitchen, a local sandwich shop in Livermore.
Now, as she looks ahead, Poe plans to spend the summer working and squeezing in a quick trip to New York City, where she will perform at Carnegie Hall with her high school choir group.
“I’m really hyped about that. I have never been, and I am looking forward to it,” Poe said.
After New York, she will soak up the rest of her senior summer, preparing for Berkeley and all that awaits her.
“I’m really looking forward to taking classes regarding chemistry because I had no room this year. I am very passionate about it and looking forward to taking some courses,” Poe said. “And I am really looking forward to managing my own time … I’m tired of waking up at the same time every day.”
Lucie Ansell
If you ask Lucie Ansell how it feels to be Livermore’s salutatorian, she will tell you it feels pretty darn good.
“I was very surprised, but it’s nice to be able to get recognized for that and know that the hours and hours of hard work paid off,” Ansell said.
During her high school career, Ansell was on the swimming and water polo teams, competing on the varsity team for three years in both sports. She also played four years of club water polo. Alongside her sports, Ansell played bass in the Chamber Orchestra and was a member of the Environmental Action and Red Cross clubs, as well as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District.
Now, armed with a weighted 4.71 GPA and an acceptance letter from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, Ansell plans to major in computational media, a program that blends computer science, design and communication, with a possible second major in graphic design. Her advice to students beginning their high school careers is to stay focused and balanced.
“What I have learned along the way is that having people around you who support you and are rooting for you is so important,” she said. “Also, take the time to get out of your room, away from studying, and interact with people. I think a lot of people kind of pigeonhole themselves into this academic goal by thinking they have to only study. I think it is more important to have an open mind to everything, along with the classes.”
And so, as Ansell plans and packs for the fall, she will be taking with her a lifetime of memories and a grateful heart.
“I am mostly very excited at this point,” Ansell said. “I kind of got what I needed from high school and I am ready to meet new people and explore new places with peers who are as motivated as I am … but I will definitely miss my family and the community I have built, especially in sports, but I am ready to move on.”
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