Strake Jesuit Valedictorian and Salutatorian 2026

Strake Jesuit’s valedictorian is Jacob Baker ’26. Jake plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Aerospace Engineering as a Craig and Galen Brown Foundation Scholar and a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar. During his time at Strake Jesuit, Jake served as an Eucharistic Minister in all school Masses and as a Freshman and Kairos retreat leader. He has been a member of Varsity Swimming and Diving since his sophomore year, and was a team captain his senior year. Outside of school, Jake volunteers at Catholic Charities’ Mamie George Community Center, in its cafe and food distribution programs, and serves as an Altar Server at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Jake also swims competitively as a member of the Dad’s Club Aquatics National Team and served on the Gulf Swimming Athlete Board. He hopes to find how his talents can be used to glorify God in everything he does next.

Strake Jesuit’s salutatorian is Diego Adams ’26. Diego plans on majoring in chemical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He has served the community by being a prominent member of the National Honor Society and Key Club, totaling over 90 service hours this year, and having leadership positions including: Engineering Club Vice President, SJ Food Rescue Initiative and Weightlifting Club president, and SJ Band saxophone section leader. He was also a member of the Martial Arts team and Varsity Wrestling team, winning several awards/placements for both sports. In the future, Diego plans to pursue a master’s degree within chemical engineering and later work in the energy and fuel industry to continue to glorify God through his career. He also hopes to travel the world more and keep his family and friends first.