High school surprises valedictorian, salutatorian with drive-by parade through Arlington, Mansfield

On Wednesday morning, a parade of cars departed International Leadership Texas Arlington-Grand Prairie High School to congratulate its valedictorian and salutatorian on their academic achievement.

The parade, led by the school’s principal, Quentyn Seamster, worked its way to both students’ homes to surprise them and inform them of the distinction.

Arlington resident Greta Romero stepped outside her house to see her principal wearing a mask and holding a sign announcing that she was salutatorian. To her right she saw a line of cars with cheering passengers.

Her parents were moved to tears as Romero was showered with well wishes, congratulations and a handwritten note from one of her teachers.

“I was just overwhelmed with love and care and appreciation from all of the administration and my teachers,” Romero said.

Romero, the first person in her family to attend college, said she is heading to Stanford University in the fall.

Mansfield resident Amanpreet Chahal was named valedictorian.