Bishop Noll's class of 2024 valedictorian Laura Bautista models excellence in mind, body and soul. Although she wasn't expecting the top spot in her class, her intelligence, dedication and a positive attitude propelled her there.
A well-rounded student, Bautista juggles soccer, swimming, Biology Club, Hispanic Student Union and Campus Ministry. She also serves as a Student Ambassador and outside of school, she volunteers in her church and community.
Her dedication to teamwork and individual excellence is evident in her favorite high school memories, which range from helping the soccer team beat Andrean in Sectionals to taking Algebra 2 with Mr. Mark Miller.
Miller describes Laura as a hard-working and bright student who was also kind and polite.
“She was very inquisitive and would always ask great questions to make sure she really understood the material. She was always willing to lend a hand to a friend who was struggling with their work in class.”
Looking ahead, Bautista plans to attend Indiana University-Bloomington and major in biology. She said her heart will remain with Bishop Noll. “I've really enjoyed my time here, and I can't wait to see how the school grows, not only in numbers, but as a community.”
Her advice for future Warriors is simple but powerful: “Don't be discouraged. There are a lot of obstacles that may get in the way, but if you learn to grow and build yourself up, you will be able to do anything you set your mind to.”
Bautista’s graduation speech is still in the works, but she hopes to leave a lasting impact on her classmates as she graduates and joins the ranks of BNI alumni like her brother and cousin, both Noll Class of 2022 graduates.
“Laura is a force to be reckoned with,” said Bishop Noll principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick, who has known Bautista since her elementary school days at St. Casimir School. “While some leaders make noise, she is the quiet one in the background that calculates and intelligently moves forward with 100 percent grit!"