Andrew Lobo: Class of 2026 Valedictorian

Intelligent, curious, humble, supportive, creative … these are all words classmates and teachers use to describe Andrew Lobo, the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. For Andrew, learning is not about checking a box or collecting accolades. He has a desire to understand the world around him and how it relates to mathematics, language, science, history and service. He does not learn for the sake of learning; it is his passion. 

Andrew epitomizes what it means to be an FWCD student and soon-to-be graduate. He is a problem solver, a critical thinker, a purposeful explorer, and a community servant. While a student at FWCD, he embraced all that the School had to offer through its 3A’s. 

“The most important thing I learned at Country Day is to support the people around you and to never give up,” Andrew said. “I also learned that the success of one is a reflection of the community that embraces and surrounds you. Fortunately for me, my entire class has been that community.”

Academically, Andrew shines. He is a National Merit Finalist, a College Board National School Recognition Award winner, and a 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidate. By the time Andrew graduates, he will have completed 11 AP courses and three post-AP classes, including Business French, earning Honors Diplôme de français professionnel B1 and B2 certification. These diplomas certify Andrew’s ability to communicate effectively in French (both orally and in writing) across a variety of professional settings. He also completed advanced coursework through the Malone School’s Online Network in Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. “I have enjoyed all of my courses at FWCD,” Andrew said. “Each one introduced something new to me and contributed to my education.”

As a junior, Andrew earned the Latin Undergraduate Award; the Bill Arnold ’86 Award for Outstanding History Students; the Louis H. Barnett Award, given to the top returning student in mathematics; the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award; the Rensselaer Medal Award, for excellence in science and math; and the Outstanding Undergraduate in Science Award.

Beyond the classroom, Andrew has embraced the full FWCD experience. He competed in tennis, soccer, and cross-country and has played piano from a young age, earning recognition from the Slaughter Family Arts Awards for classical piano performance. His commitment to service was equally meaningful. Having started as a Cub Scout in first grade, Andrew earned the rank of Eagle Scout with FWCD’s Troop 720.

“I have had many favorite memories over my 13 years at FWCD, but most recently, the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat stands out,” he said. “I cannot overstate how exciting all the rehearsals and performances were as we made a story come to life.”

Andrew has been a member of the Solar Car Team since its inception in 2022 and served as co-captain during his junior year. He helped guide the team through an intense scrutineering process and led fundraising campaigns that generated thousands of dollars to support the team. He also founded the Falcon Business Club and served as Area C Chair for the Texas State Junior Classical League, helping coordinate competitions for Classics students across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. As a senior, Andrew serves as Treasurer of the statewide organization. He has also been a member of FWCD’s Latin Team since Middle School. 

When asked what he will miss about FWCD, Andrew said, “I will miss the community at Country Day, where I felt supported every moment of the day, from meaningful conversations with teachers to close bonds formed with friends and teammates.”

Whether serving as a teammate, mentor or friend, Andrew has built a reputation as someone others can count on. His love for learning, dedication to pursuing excellence, willingness to help others, and his commitment to lead by example personify FWCD’s mission, purpose, Core Values, and what it means to be an FWCD student. 

Andrew will attend Princeton University, where he plans to major in electrical engineering.