Congratulations to North Bend High’s Class of 2025 Valedictorians and Salutatorian

Chloe Smith, daughter of Rachelle and Micheal Smith, is a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

During her time at NBHS, Chloe was a dedicated student leader, involved in student government, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Outside of school, she was active in 4-H and volunteered extensively, most notably in the labor and delivery department at Bay Area Hospital, an experience that inspired her future career.

Chloe graduates with a flawless academic record, 65 college credits, and a commitment to excellence. She plans to attend Southern Oregon University to earn a master’s degree in nursing and pursue a career as a midwife. She credits her older brother, also a former valedictorian, as her greatest motivation and says the most valuable lesson she learned at NBHS is that time management makes success possible.

Valedictorian:

Owen Bascom

Owen Bascom, son of Zach and Jessica Bascom, is proud to be named a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

A standout scholar and leader, Owen was actively involved in student government and vocal choir at NBHS. He also gave back to his community through volunteer work, including his most rewarding experience—serving at the Coast Classic Wrestling Tournament.

Owen plans to pursue a degree in engineering. Among his proudest accomplishments is earning the title of Valedictorian, a reflection of his dedication and commitment throughout high school. He credits his success to the constant support of his family, friends, and influential mentors like Mr. Jasper Sawyer.

Owen describes high school in one word: “fun”. His favorite memory? Shooting a 65 at the Centennial Golf Club. His advice to future students striving for success: “Do your homework.” In ten years, he sees himself in a fulfilling career, traveling, and playing on the PGA Tour.

Valedictorian:

Stephanie Jiang

Stephanie Jiang, daughter of Min Liu and John Luo, is a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

Stephanie has been an outstanding student and leader throughout high school. At NBHS, she served as Treasurer of the National Honor Society, and was active in student government, Science National Honor Society, Yearbook, and Z-Club. Her commitment to public service extended beyond school through her involvement with the CMLC internship, volunteering at the hospital, and her leadership on the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Youth Advisory Council, a role she considers among her most meaningful achievements.

Stephanie will pursue a bachelor’s degree in biohealth sciences, with plans to attend medical school and become a doctor. She credits her internal drive as her greatest source of motivation and leaves behind a powerful message to underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to dream big.”

Valedictorian:

Clara Messner

Clara Messner, daughter of Clint and Cory Messner, has been named a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

After graduation, Clara will attend Oregon State University, where she plans to study Environmental Engineering.

While at NBHS, Clara was actively involved in Student Government, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and athletics. She also engaged in community activities such as Club Soccer and volunteering at July Jubilee. Her most rewarding service experience was helping with the Christmas Toy Drive, where she found joy in bringing holiday cheer to local families.

Clara credits her mom as her biggest source of motivation throughout high school. She describes her high school journey with one unique word: “sclerenchyma” a term that reflects strength and support. Her favorite high school memory was spending time with friends during Junior Year Soccer State, and she considers earning the title of Valedictorian as her most significant accomplishment.

Her advice to future valedictorians: “Surround yourself with positive people.”

Valedictorian:

Paloma Gabriela Ledesma-Vasquez

Paloma Gabriela Ledesma-Vasquez, daughter of Maximino Ledesma and Lourdes Vazquez, has been named a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

After graduation, Paloma will attend the University of Notre Dame, where she plans to study architecture and pursue her dream of helping people design their ideal homes.

During her time at NBHS, Paloma was active in National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB), and Z-Club. She found volunteering at the animal shelter especially meaningful and considers her time participating in OBOB one of her proudest accomplishments.

Paloma’s favorite memory is when Mrs. Lancaster created the school’s first-ever Spanish book section, making space for students to feel more seen. 

Paloma’s greatest motivation throughout high school has been her mother and three sisters. She describes her high school experience as “fast” and says the most important lesson she learned was: “It’s better to try new things, than live with regret and the curiosity of what could’ve been.”

Valedictorian:

Emilio L. Reyna

Emilio L. Reyna, son of Joel and Vanessa Reyna, is honored to be named a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

A dedicated scholar and musician, Emilio was involved in a variety of activities at NBHS, including Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and jazz band, where he proudly served as Drum Captain. Outside of school, he volunteered at St. Monica Catholic Church and participated in community service through projects like the SNHS led “October Fish” event, his most rewarding volunteer experience.

Following graduation, Emilio plans to attend Southwestern Oregon Community College before transferring to Oregon State University, with the goal of earning a Ph.D. in Pharmacy. Among his proudest achievements are becoming a two-time state band champion and earning the title of Valedictorian.

Emilio credits his mom as his greatest motivator, and describes his high school journey in one word: “Resilient.” His favorite memory was the Disneyland field trip, and he encourages future students with this advice: “The only thing putting limits on you is yourself.”

Valedictorian:

Fleur Bice

Fleur Bice, daughter of Catherine Bice, has been named a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

A standout student and leader, Fleur was actively involved in a wide range of extracurriculars at NBHS, including the swim team, Science National Honor Society, Speech & Debate, and NHS. Outside of school, she was a high school intern at the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and dedicated time to volunteering at local COVID-19 vaccine clinics, which she found especially meaningful.

Fleur will attend Oregon State University, where she plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health, with the long-term goal of becoming an epidemiologist. One of her proudest accomplishments was working with the Oregon Department of Education.

She describes her high school experience as “relieving,” and credits her mom as her greatest source of motivation. Her favorite high school memory was freshman year homecoming, and her advice to others is clear: “Don’t procrastinate and do the work when it’s assigned.”

Valedictorian:

Drew Hood

Drew Hood, daughter of Josh and Kera Hood, is honored to be named a Valedictorian of the North Bend High School Class of 2025.

Throughout her years at NBHS, Drew was a strong academic and student leader. She was actively involved in student government, SNHS, athletics, and choir. Outside of school, she competed in 4-H and gave back through volunteer work. Her most meaningful experience being her time volunteering in the emergency department.

Drew will attend Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where she plans to major in Biology with a focus on Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Among her proudest accomplishments are winning state in javelin and being a three-time Nike Outdoor Nationals athlete. She credits her family, especially her mom, for being a constant source of encouragement and inspiration.

She describes her high school journey as “rewarding”, and offers this advice to others working toward academic excellence: “Put yourself out there and talk to your teachers, it’s okay to ask for help.”

Salutatorian:

Isaac Adams

North Bend High School proudly announces Isaac Adams, son of Robert and Teresa Adams, as a Salutatorian of the Class of 2025. After graduation, Isaac plans to attend the University of Oregon in Eugene, where he will pursue a major in Biology.

Throughout his years at NBHS, Isaac was actively involved in academic team competitions, band, and National Honor Society. Beyond school, he volunteered through youth service programs and contributed to community based organizations such as the Knights of Columbus Christmas food basket program, which he identified as his most rewarding volunteer experience.

Isaac’s most significant accomplishment was taking home 2 state championships for band. He credits his success to the encouragement of his teacher Mrs. Geierman. He describes his high school experience in one word: “Escapade.”

His favorite high school memory was participating in band and going to State. He advises future students to “Always keep going, no matter how slow.” In ten years, Isaac sees himself engaged in a meaningful career, starting a family and enjoying life.