​Roswell High School Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian

Roswell High School announces its top two students for the 2023 graduating class. Kate Carpenter is named valedictorian and Lillian Bishop is salutatorian.

“Kate is a remarkable young lady,” said Principal LaToya Miley. “She is dedicated to her educational career and her stellar academic record is to be commended. I know that Kate will excel at MIT."

Carpenter is the daughter of Scott and Julie Carpenter of Roswell, and her sister Brooke graduated from Roswell High School in 2019. Prior to attending Roswell High School, Carpenter attended Sweet Apple Elementary and Elkins Pointe Middle School.

She is a Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient, National Merit Finalist and U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist. She plans to study nuclear engineering and finance at Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall.

Carpenter's favorite class at Roswell High School is AP Chemistry, taught by Ms. Christi Chilton.

"She just made it one of the best experiences," explained Carpenter. "It was exciting to learn something [so] rigorous."

Carpenter stayed involved in student life as well. She played lacrosse her freshman and sophomore years, tutored middle and high school students, was in UNICEF Club and in Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honor Society).

Her favorite Roswell High School tradition is the flour toss, where at kickoff during varsity football games, those in the student section toss handfuls of flour in the air.

"Something about that screams Roswell High School," said Carpenter. "It makes you feel connected with your peers. It's something special."

Salutatorian Bishop is the daughter of Michelle and Joel Bishop of Roswell, and the older sister of freshman student Kate. Prior to attending Roswell High School, she attended Sweet Apple Elementary and Elkins Pointe Middle School. Bishop plans to major in biology at the University of Virginia.

She says, "My favorite teachers have been Ms. Estevez, Ms. Boyd, Mr. Burton, Ms. Bell, Ms. Kapusta, and Ms. Glover because I have appreciated the support they have given me and loved their styles of teaching."

Bishop has played tennis all four years at Roswell High School, which has included being named Most Valuable Player and captain.

"I've learned a lot from [tennis]," she said. "It's been a great experience."

Said Miley, "Watching Lillian play tennis affirms her commitment to excellence. She is resilient, intentional and focused. Seeing her carry over the skills from the tennis court to the classroom has been a joy."

In addition to being a scholar-athlete, she's served as president of the French Club and has been part of the Anchor Club, a service organization. Outside of school she has interned in a veterinary office.

"I got to sit in on surgeries and biopsies," said Bishop. She also has worked in a genetics and Covid lab.

Bishop has also been active in student life at Roswell High School.

She said, "My favorite Roswell traditions have been senior sunrise and black dresses/camo for the first week of school."

Carpenter and Bishop are slated to be two of the student speakers at Roswell High School's Class of 2023 graduation ceremony on Monday at Ameris Bank Amphitheater.