Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Lockland High School is pleased to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2023.

This year’s Valedictorian is Peyton Hicks.

This year’s Salutatorian is Haby Sow. 

Congratulations to both of these remarkable students!

You can read more about Payton and Haby below.

Peyton Hicks
Peyton Hicks, the son of Nicole and Phil Hicks, is the Lockland High School Class of 2023 Valedictorian.

Ahead of graduation, Peyton shares a personal glimpse into the making of a Valedictorian.

What are your plans for after high school?  I’m going to attend Eastern Michigan University to become a math teacher.

What interests you in this major and in Eastern Michigan University? Math has always interested me. It sounds fun. Eastern Michigan University is affordable and offered a generous scholarship. Additionally, Peyton’s brother, Koy, also attends EMU.

Which extracurriculars and clubs have you been a part of?   Played football – center and guard. Member of the National Honor Society.

How do you feel about being Valedictorian?  Really relieved because my older brother (Coy Hicks) was Valedictorian a few years ago.

What or who motivated you the most during high school and why?  I really have to say, my parents. They are on top of me constantly about my grades. They just want us to get a good job in life and have all the advantages that we can.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?  Hopefully teaching.

Haby Sow
A few short years ago, Lockland High School’s Haby Sow was a high school student attending classes in her homeland of Senegal, Africa.

Today, the 18-year-old, who spoke limited English when she immigrated to the United States in 2019, is Lockland’s Class of 2023 Salutatorian.

Haby learned of her academic achievement after being called to the office at Scarlet Oaks where she studies Digital Arts and Design. She didn’t know why she was being called to the office and felt a little nervous.

“They said, ‘Congratulations, your school said you’re their Salutatorian,’” Haby recalled. “I didn’t even know what the word meant.” After a quick explanation, Haby said she was overjoyed!

Haby is the daughter of Gaaly Sow, dad, and Aminata Aw, mom.

What are your plans for after high school?  Haby plans to continue her education and studies in art/digital art. She has not selected her school but has already been accepted to several, including the University of Cincinnati.

How do you feel about being Salutatorian?  Haby said she was surprised to be named Salutatorian. “I never thought I would be the top student,” Haby said. “I always knew my grades were good. I have As.”

What or who motivated you the most during high school and why?  “I would say having an immigrant family. You have to do everything to make them proud. I remember growing up, when it comes to school, I don’t play. I have to be good.”

Even if something is challenging, Haby said she strives to get it right. She tells herself, “You’ve got this,” and seeks help when needed.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?  I would say, after college, I'll get a good job, maybe married, maybe have kids. Maybe building my own house. Haby plans to build her own home from the ground up. “It doesn’t matter how many years it takes. I’m going to do it.”

She also plans to visit Senegal, every year if possible.

Haby, who speaks four languages (French, Wolof, Fulani, and English), expressed gratitude to her English teachers from Lockland Schools and Scarlet Oaks. “They have helped me. They are nice.”

She wants people to know they can do anything they want. They just have to try.