Tessa Skidmore Named John Muir High School’s 2025 Valedictorian

Tessa Skidmore (Photo – Isabelle Skidmore)

Tessa Skidmore has been named the Valedictorian of John Muir Early College Magnet School’s Class of 2025.

By Scott Phelps

Throughout high school, Tessa distinguished herself with numerous academic achievements. She earned 317 credits, including AP and 42 Pasadena City College units, far beyond the required 220. She graduated with a weighted GPA of 4.4 and was recognized as an AP Scholar and a four-year member of the Principal’s Honor Roll.

As part of Muir’s Arts, Entertainment, and Media Academy, Tessa served as a 9th-grade Ambassador, helping lead orientation for incoming freshmen.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Tessa was active in extracurricular and community service efforts. She received a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for her participation in Congresswoman Judy Chu’s annual Congressional Art Competition. She was also a member of the Marine Conservation Club and Room 13, an after-school art club.

Tessa completed 279 hours of community service, volunteering at local events like the Pasadena Chalk Festival and PUSD Science Night/Fest, an annual event organized by her father, Dr. Warren Skidmore.

Accepted to several universities, Tessa chose to stay local and attend PCC while her family rebuilds after the Eaton Fire.

Tessa Skidmore overcame serious challenges, including a rare long-COVID illness and the loss of her home in the Eaton Fire: “We’ve seen a landscape that, even scorched, still holds beauty.We’ve watched our mountains turn green again. We’ve seen wildflowers bloom through the ash. And maybe, in some strange way, that’s a reflection of us. We’re still growing. Still blooming. Even now.”