It’s that time of year again — Newtown High School announced the demi-decile students graduating this spring on Thursday, May 1.

The 17 students gathered into the school’s lobby for the announcement, where they were joined by NHS Principal Kimberly Longobucco and other NHS staff members to celebrate.

Longobucco explained being in the top demi-decile means they’re the top five percent of their graduating class, before congratulating the students for their achievement and hard work.

“It’s as exciting for them as it is for us,” Longobucco said regarding the announcement. “It means we’re close to graduation, and it’s just nice for [the students] to finally know.”

The demi-decile students even received their own cupcakes to commemorate the special occasion. The cupcakes were personalized for every student, with each one having miniature flags of the college they’re going to or a message that reads “Class of 2025.”

David Baghdady was announced as this year’s Valedictorian and Sophia Wade was announced as this year’s Salutatorian. They will each have to prepare a three-minute speech for their class’s graduation ceremony on June 12.

Along with Baghdady and Wade, the other demi-decile students are Rachel Calorossi, Shawn Cardamone, Connor Child, Evan Cowley, Daniella Crisci, Charles Dunn, Martin Dunn, Annabelle Foley, Bridget Gioffe, Beatrice Grace, Edward Liu, Charles Massett, Ryan Michlovitz, Ella Renak, and Penelope Warren.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.