We are proud to announce Xochitl Araiza as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2026. Xochitl will attend the United States Naval Academy, where she plans to study Chemistry. “I am drawn to its motivating environment, where I can strive to be the best version of myself,” says Xochitl. She wants to continue succeeding academically, do groundbreaking chemistry research, and cultivate deep, fulfilling friendships.
Xochitl received the Brown University Book Award, and the “Principal Nomination” to the Naval Academy. She is part of the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and volunteers for Tax-Aid, a non-profit in the Bay Area that files taxes for low-income individuals for free, where she has gained valuable experience and learned essential life skills. “I started just printing out forms and later on, got to prepare tax returns myself,” says Xochitl. “This was really impactful to me because it allowed me to put my faith in action through volunteering.”
Xochitl has proudly participated on Carondelet’s dance team for two years and Carondelet’s swim team for all four years. “[For swim] I started on JV where I found I loved the sport and the community,” she says. “When I made the Varsity team my junior year, I cried because I felt like a lot of hard work had paid off. I qualified for my first NCS in swimming this year. I love our team.”
“Everyone has their own story,” says Xochitl. “During my junior year, I was cut from the golf team and we had just learned in religious class about ‘vocation.’ I had an overwhelming feeling that God was creating a path for me and I was going in the right direction. I wouldn’t have grown in my faith if it wasn’t for my experience at Carondelet.”
“Carondelet has taught me that leadership is not defined by a title, but by how I show up for others,” says Xochitl. “The culture of Sisterhood has shown me that true leadership means listening, encouraging, and creating space for others to feel seen and supported.”
Congratulations, Xochitl!