THOMAS COEN & VIVIAN MING DECLARED SALUTATORIANS
PGHS proudly celebrates Thomas Coen and Vivian Ming, who have been named co-salutatorians for the Class of 2025. Both students have earned the second-highest academic honors in their class after years of hard work, focus, and dedication, coming in just behind valedictorian Daniel Ostovar.
The NewsBreaker asked Coen and Ming to reflect on the experiences, challenges, and memories that shaped their time at PGHS. For both salutatorians, AP World History was a favorite class. Coen shared, “It made the past feel alive and connected to the present.” Ming added that the course “taught me how to handle an AP class,” a skill that would serve her well in the years to come.
The path to success was different for each of them. For Coen, robotics was a defining part of his high school experience. “Working on our robotics team’s robot sparked my passion for learning. Solving complex problems hands-on made me excited to explore new ideas and skills,” he explained. Ming, meanwhile, found her inspiration in Mock Trial: “It really sparked my passion for law, which is why I decided to pursue becoming a lawyer.”
Both students made deep commitments to extracurricular activities. Coen participated in robotics, tennis, cross country, math club, band, and the WW2 Flying Club, while Ming was involved in Mock Trial, Youth Ambassadors, Art Club, National Honor Society, ASU, the swim team, and completed a legal internship. “These activities shaped my friend groups, gave me lasting memories, and defined much of my high school experience,” said Coen. Ming reflected on the challenges of staying involved in a small town: “I wish I had branched out more and done more extracurriculars. It’s hard to find interesting activities in our small community.”
In terms of academic challenge, both students agreed they faced some tough courses. Coen cited robotics as the most demanding: “Building a competitive robot is incredibly difficult,” he said, but added that the hard work paid off, especially when the team made it to finals three years in a row. Ming named AP Physics C: Mechanics as her toughest class: “I was happy to get 60%, and I had to study a lot to get As. It also taught me that I can’t always have the perfect grades.”
Key mentors helped both students grow. Coen credited Mrs. Richmond for teaching him how to express ideas clearly and persevere through setbacks. Ming named Mr. Grate and Mrs. Bulich as influential: “They pushed me pretty hard and still encouraged me, which helped me do well in those classes.”
Favorite memories included robotics victories and even unexpected moments in science class. Ming recalled with a smile, “Probably when Zach McBain got bit by a salamander in APES and we rescued it, made a terrarium, and kept it as a class pet.”
When asked what advice they’d give their past selves, both students had words of reflection. “I wish I had developed good habits earlier. It would’ve made learning easier and less stressful,” said Coen. Ming added, “I wish I had looked for more opportunities.”
Looking ahead, Thomas Coen will attend Duke University, and Vivian Ming will attend UCLA. Both expressed pride in what they’ve achieved. “I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished—both in the classroom and beyond,” said Coen. Ming added with a grin, “I tied with Tommy so he can’t say he beat me, but I also don’t think these titles matter that much if you tried your best and applied yourself.”