The Real Story Behind HP’s Top Two Seniors with Valedictorian Anna Q & Salutatorian Lakshmi Vemula

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Two remarkable young women are showing what’s possible when friendship and fierce determination go hand in hand. Highland Park High School’s 2025 Valedictorian Anna Q and Salutatorian Lakshmi Vemula first met at a spelling bee in fifth grade—and instead of becoming rivals, they became lifelong friends. From that moment on, they’ve supported and celebrated each other every step of the way.

In this uplifting episode of The Bubble Lounge, Anna and Lakshmi open up about what it really takes to succeed at the highest level—without losing your joy, your sanity, or your social life. They talk candidly about balancing advanced classes with Friday night football games, leadership roles like Homecoming Queen and Drum Major, and why mutual encouragement between women can make all the difference.

Their journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to be cutthroat—and that two young women can rise to the top together, lifting each other up in the process. As they head off to Yale and Brown, their advice to younger students is refreshingly grounded: work hard, take care of your mental health, and lean into the friendships that fuel you.

This episode is a celebration of academic excellence, personal growth, and the kind of female friendship that inspires us all. Tune in—and don’t forget to share it with others who could use a reminder to always surround yourself with positive people who support you!

This episode is sponsored by:

Cambridge Caregivers Kathy L Wall State Farm Agency | Mother Modern Plumbing | SA Oral Surgeons |

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