Rialto High School Names Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

In a surprise fit for royalty, Rialto High School’s top academic honors — the Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian — were recently bestowed on two Knights who have spent four years exemplifying excellence.

Randy Gomez Francisco, and Emily J. Martinez were named Rialto High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively, for the Class of 2025. The announcement came during a surprise ceremony on campus in April, when the students were called to the principal’s office under the impression they were meeting with Principal Dr. Caroline Sweeney to discuss scholarship opportunities. When the door opened, they were instead greeted by Dr. Sweeney and a room filled with Rialto Unified School District leaders, school staff, and their proud families.

Gomez Francisco leads his class with a 4.69 GPA and will attend UCLA this fall, where he plans to major in Aerospace Engineering. During his remarks, he expressed gratitude to his teachers and friends, including mentors Mr. Ansermet, Mr. Gutierrez, and Mr. Thompson.

Martinez, who holds a 4.62 GPA, has been actively involved in campus life through Key Club, HOSA, Eco Club, and ASB. She is a seven-time honor roll recipient, has earned the State Seal of Biliteracy, and has applied for the State Seal of Civic Engagement. She has been accepted to several universities, including UC Irvine, UC Riverside, San Diego State, and Cal State San Bernardino, and plans to major in Biology in preparation for a career in nursing.

RUSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Judy White was among the first to congratulate the students at the ceremony and offered them congratulations and an inspirational message.

“I am so proud of you. Even though I am just now meeting you, I am proud because I know how hard you worked to get where you are,” Dr. White told them. “People do not just wake up and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to be the Valedictorian or Salutatorian.’ It takes time and intentionality. Thank you to the parents, because I know you have supported your children throughout. Thank you to the students for doing your best. Every day is a choice. That means you have sacrificed some things along the way. It has all paid off. Thank you for being who you are and for what you’ve done. Keep making those same decisions to get through college.”

Randy and Emily were formally recognized again during Rialto High School’s Distinguished Scholars Breakfast on April 30, where they each spoke before an audience of fellow top-achieving seniors and their families. During their speeches, the top scholars credited Rialto High School teachers, staff and friends who helped them succeed along the way.

The achievements of Randy and Emily reflect not only years of personal dedication but also the support of teachers, counselors, and families who guided them along the way.

Graduation for all Rialto USD high schools will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Toyota Arena in Ontario. As the top scholars of the Class of 2025, Gomez Francisco and Martinez will have the distinct honor of leading their classmates onto the stage behind the RUSD Board of Education during the commencement ceremony.