The 2010 valedictorian

Author: John Monczunski

valedictorian

Katie Washington

Accomplishment: Valedictorian for the Class of 2010

Fields of study: Major in biological sciences, minor in Catholic social teaching

Achievements:
• Earned a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average
• Conducted research on lung cancer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York
• At Notre Dame’s Eck Institute for Global Health, performed genetic studies on the mosquito that carries dengue and yellow fever
• Co-author with ND Professor David Severson of a research paper demonstrating that humans are likely responsible for the distribution of infectious mosquitoes throughout Haiti

Activities:
• Student director of Notre Dame’s Voices of Faith Gospel Choir
• Mentor/tutor in the Sister-to-Sister program at South Bend’s Washington High School
• Student coordinator of the Center for Social Concerns’ “Lives in the Balance: Youth Violence and Society” seminar

Plans after graduation: Pursue a joint M.D./Ph.D. degree at Johns Hopkins University

Quote: “After today and beyond the applause, we can continue to escape normative ideals and find the freedom to understand the unique and special qualities that make us all human. We can put solidarity into action for love of all our neighbors, near and far.”