Decatur Central High School Announces 2025 Co-Valedictorians and Salutatorian

Decatur Central High School is proud to announce the top academic achievers for the Class of 2025. Congratulations to Co-Valedictorians Fatima Gbenro, Sophia Long, and Tait Owens! Congratulations to Salutatorian Jahzara Wright!

Fatima Gbenro, Co-Valedictorian 

Fatima Gbenro is the daughter of Adewale and Titilope Gbenro. She holds a 4.64 GPA and is a  member of the National Honor Society. At Decatur Central, she participated in Show Choir, Theatre, Academic Team, and the Book & Bake Club. In the community, Fatima’s activities include tutoring and youth worship. She attended Decatur Middle School. Fatima shared her best high school memory was, “When the show choir made it to state in 2024. This was the first time for a mixed group- the Goldenaires.”

Fatima has won many awards and recognitions including the National 1st Generation College Board Award, The CT Award for Excellence in Medical Assisting from Area 31, Academic All-Star Nominee, and Best Performer Award for Show Choir at the Brownsburg Invitational. She is the recipient of the Questbridge College Match Scholarship for full tuition and room/board. Fatima’s future plans include attending Northwestern University as a Questbridge Scholar, where she will study Neuroscience with the goal of becoming a Neurosurgeon.

Fatima shared, “I would like to thank my family,my best friends, and my teachers.”  She is Decatur Proud, “Because of the community we have here, especially with our extracurriculars like performing arts and athletics. They give a sense of belonging and teamwork.”

 

 

Sophia Long, Co-Valedictorian

Sophia Long is the daughter of June and Donald Long. She holds a GPA of 4.64 and is a member of  both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. Sophia serves as a Senior Leader for the Class of 2025. She participated in the Brain Game (4 yrs.), Volleyball Team (2 yrs.), and the Academic Team (2 yrs.) at DCHS. Sophia has worked at IU Indy for two summer internships in hemophilia research and mental health. She has also been employed by Wal-Mart in Camby since  August of 2023. Sophia attended Gold Academy and Decatur Middle School. Her best high school memory was in 2024 when the English Academic Team made it to state after placing 1st in the area competition. 

Sophia’s awards and accomplishments include a top 10 finish in a 2023 Poetry Contest, as well as publication of her original poem in a book called “Gifted in 2024.” She is the recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship from IU Indy, as well as a DTSA Scholarship. Sophia’s future plans include attending Indiana University Indianapolis to study Forensic Science. She has been awarded admittance into the Honors College there.  

Sophia shared, “I would like to thank my family and friends as a whole for always being there to support me.” She is Decatur Proud because, “I’m pushed and challenged to strive for more.”

 

 

 

Tait Owens, Co-Valedictorian

Tait Owens is the son of Kenneth and Oksana Owens. He holds a GPA of 4.64 and is a member of both  the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. Tait served as the New Tech Voices Representative (4 yrs.). He also participated in Varsity Tennis (4 yrs.), serving as team captain in 2024. Tait participated in the Marching Band for 6 years, serving as section leader for 2 years. He was part of the Winter Percussion Ensemble (6 yrs.) and Boys Varsity Diving (1 yr.). In the community, Tait has been a Grace Church Sunday School Helper, served in the ACE Mentor Program, and was a small group leader for FCA. He has also worked in the Project Engineering Co-op at Messer Construction Company. Tait attended the Blue Academy and Decatur Middle School. His best high school memory was the World Finals Award Ceremony in 2023 with the Winter Percussion Ensemble at WGI. Tait shared that, “It was a fun time and an honor to be part of the top 15 in the world.” 

Tait’s awards and recognitions include being a National Merit Scholar Commended Student, the Record Holder for most single tennis wins in his career at DCHS, and Academic All-State for Tennis in 2024. He was part of the 2022 IPA  Scholastic Open State Champion Team and 2023 WGI Scholastic Open Class World Finalist. Tait is the recipient of the ACE (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) Mentor Program Scholarship and a DTSA Scholarship. He plans to attend Rose Hulman Institute of Technology to study Civil Engineering. Tait would like to thank, “My friends, family, teachers, and counselors, as well as Principal Wachnicki and Mr. Gearlds for their recommendation letters.”  He also shared, “I am Decatur Proud because the school has given me a lot of opportunities, and I’ve been set up for a good college career after this.”

 

 

Jahzara Wright, Salutatorian

Jahzara Wright is the daughter of Stephanie Mitchell and Marcello Wright. She holds a GPA of 4.46. At  DCHS, she participated in Girls Varsity Wrestling and JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates). Jahzara also participated as a volunteer in the community clean-up (4 yrs.) and serves as the Sorority President for Delta Chi Eta. In the community, Jahzara works for AYS before and after school care throughout the school year and during school breaks. She attended the Blue Academy and Decatur Middle School. Jahzara shared, “My best high school memory was my Dad seeing me win my first wrestling match. He was jumping up and down at the top of the gym balcony.” 

Jahzara’s awards and recognitions include a Varsity Letter in Girls Wrestling and the College Board African-American National Program Award. She is the recipient of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship from Purdue University, as well as a DTSA Scholarship. In 2024, she placed 1st at JAG Regionalis and 3rd at the JAG State Competition in the category of Critical Thinking. In 2025, she placed 2nd as an Outstanding Senior with JAG. Jahzara’s future plans include attending Purdue University to study User Experience (UX) Design. 

Jahzara would like to thank both of her parents and Mrs. Wilson for the support.  Jahzara shared, “I am Decatur Proud because Decatur helped me be successful and build my confidence. I have become more sure of myself and my abilities with all of the support here.”