Future Nurses, Lifelong Performers: Titan Academy Honors Valedictorian and Salutatorian

May 13 2025

At Titan Academy, the Class of 2025 is closing out their high school journey with two young women who embody the grit, grace, and heart of their school community.

Valedictorian Elena Marski and Salutatorian Alyssa Elliott took very different paths to the top of their class, but both share a fierce drive, a deep appreciation for their support systems, and a passion for helping others.

“I’ve always grown up learning that grades are important,” Marski said. “My mom always pushed me to be better.”

That motivation, combined with her love for learning and the arts, kept her aiming high from the start. Marski’s days begin before sunrise—up at 6 a.m., on the road by 7, and immersed in academics and fine arts until the evening. She balances advanced coursework, musical theatre, and a part-time job, often finishing her homework close to 1 a.m. Despite the pressure, she found strength in both her family and teachers.

“Ms. Rathbone, our English teacher, really made an impact,” Marski said. “She supported us in class and read our college essays, which meant so much.”

A performer at heart, Marski says the stage has always been her escape. After a school trip to New York City, she set her sights on Pace University, where she’ll major in nursing before pursuing medical school.

Elena Marski
Valedictorian

Alyssa Elliott
Salutatorian

Elliott, the class salutatorian, said she didn’t even realize her rank until junior year. “Being at the top wasn’t the goal—I just always tried to do my best,” she said. Like Marski, Elliott juggled rigorous academics with extracurriculars, from ballet and dance company to her church youth group. “Senior year was the highest of highs and lowest of lows,” she reflected. “It wasn’t until I visited my last college that everything finally clicked.”

Elliott will attend Baylor University to study nursing, with plans to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. She credits her older sister as her rock throughout the college application process. “She brought me food, stayed up late with me, even packed my lunch,” Elliott said. “She made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”

Both students spoke of the emotional support they received from Ms. Rathbone, who cried tears of joy when they shared their college acceptances.

“It has been an honor to have been a part of their lives for these past 3 years,” Kimbery Hendrix-Rathbone said. “I taught them as sophomores and again as seniors. They are two of the kindest, most intelligent, and hardworking students I have ever had the privilege to teach. I can't wait to see where their paths lead them!”

Titan Academy Principal Adam Hile praised both honorees for their all-around leadership.

“Elena and Alyssa consistently embody the TITAN core values through their daily actions and dedication to their schoolwork,” Hile said. “Their ability to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and service is truly inspiring. They have not only led their class but also set a strong example for students in the grades to come.”

For the ceremony, both Marski and Elliott are crafting graduation speeches that aim to uplift their class as a whole.

“I want my speech to be meaningful,” Marski said. “Not just inside jokes—something that speaks to everyone.”

Elliott added, “My motto has been, ‘If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.’ That’s what I want people to remember.”

Their paths may lead to hospitals instead of Broadway stages, but Marski and Elliott are leaving Titan Academy with a legacy of dedication, compassion and heart.