Max Ma (Photo – Arcadia Unified)
Max Ma was named Arcadia High School’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian during a surprise announcement at the Senior Assembly.
By News Desk
“The entire experience of me being called to the stage and getting handed the mic by Dr. Dillman… I don’t remember it at all,” Ma said, still processing the surprise. While the moment caught him off guard, Ma shared that being Valedictorian had always been a quiet goal of his. “I’m honored to give back and try to dispel a message to future generations of Apaches,” he said.
Ma’s academic record is nothing short of exceptional, with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a long list of accolades. Among them: Co-Captain of Academic Decathlon, Section Leader in Symphony Orchestra, Varsity Member and National Qualifier in History Bowl, USABO Semifinalist, and AIME Qualifier. Despite his achievements, Ma remains humble, frequently crediting his peers and mentors for their support.
He cited Mr. Andy Chen, his Math 7/8 teacher at First Avenue Middle School, as one of his earliest inspirations. “He always encouraged me to think outside the box,” Ma recalled—advice he continues to carry with him, especially during his weekly visits back to First Avenue, where he serves as an instructor for the Arcadia Math Circles program.
This fall, Ma will attend the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. He also hopes to explore political science and math, driven by an interdisciplinary curiosity nurtured through years of academic exploration and collaboration.
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