Bradley Nall graduated from American River College on May 16. On May 30, Nall will graduate from Rio Linda High as its valedictorian. Photo courtesy of Bradley Nall

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Bradley Nall, Rio Linda High School’s valedictorian for the Class of 2024, has a grade point average of 4.79, the highest in the history of Twin Rivers Unified School District.

Nall has achieved that GPA accomplishment while working on an Associate of Arts degree from American River College in social science.

Nall’s love of learning led him to earn the American River College degree while still in high school.

“I enrolled there surprisingly at first,” he said, “as I did not want to take college courses but saw the value in it, so I signed up for my school’s AA pathway before my freshman year. However, I ended up liking the ability to take advanced classes without the thought of having to cram studying for the AP (Advanced Placement) test at the end of the year.”

With an incredibly busy schedule attending two schools, Rio Linda High School Valedictorian Bradley Nall finds time to have some fun away from the classroom. Photo courtesy of Bradley Nall

In 2023, Nall’s academic achievements were acknowledged by the College Board, as he received the National Hispanic Recognition Award. Nall graciously credits the Rio Linda High faculty for contributing to his success.

“Teachers here have been some of my favorite throughout my school experience,” Nall said. “There’s always great interaction between staff and students on campus.”

Nall also credits his family for their support and encouragement.

“My parents and family always placed a huge emphasis on the importance of education I adopted myself,” he said.

While being an overachiever in the classroom, Nall has also generously donated his time as a math tutor for his classmates.

“I realized I could pass my knowledge onto other students,” Nall said.

With an already full plate, Nall volunteers at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity in Sacramento, sharing his enthusiasm for the scientific realm with children who visit.

In addition, Nall was captain of Rio Linda High’s track team, heaving the shot and discus for the Knights. Nall has also demonstrated his leadership skills as founding president of the school’s math club and was captain of the Science Bowl team.

He is also involved in government. Nall, in his junior year, participated in the American Legion Boys’ and Girls’ State Leadership Conference, which inspired him to become politically aware.

“I didn’t have much of an interest in politics before this experience,” Nall said. “But now I’m thinking about running for office myself in the future. I would like to start at the local level and work my way up.”

Nall’s practice in speech-making while still a student could come in handy later as an aspiring politician. He won first place in the local competition and third place in the regional competition of the American Legion’s Oratorical Contest, presenting a speech on how U.S. Constitution changes have been effectively used, specifically in reference to civil rights.

Rio Linda High School head counselor Karlene Bittler gives high praise to Nall.

“Bradley is one of the brightest students we have had at Rio Linda High School in many years,” Bittler said. “Bradley is hardworking, ambitious and confident. On a personal level, he has a good sense of humor, is easy-going and while he takes school seriously, it’s a labor of love for him. He dives in because he gets interested and engaged in the learning process.”

Nall, while he celebrates his many achievements and anticipates summer vacation, weighs his higher-education options.

Bradley Nall. Photo Courtesy of Rio Linda High School

“I’m most likely going to be pursuing a chemical engineering degree,” he said, “although I am considering materials engineering as well,” Nall said. “However, I still do plan on double majoring in anthropology with whatever engineering discipline I choose. And lastly, I am still undecided on which college I will be attending since I’m still dealing with all the financial issues surrounding college.”

While planning his future, Nall avoids putting pressure on himself, maintaining that he measures success by how well he simply leads a happy life.

The 62nd Rio Linda High commencement services will be at 7 p.m. May 30 at Cal Expo‘s Heart Health Park.