George F. Baker High School is known to be a smaller school where students can thrive, and senior Amanda Dykstra is a shining example of this success. Having attended TUFSD for her entire academic career, Amanda’s journey is a testament to both her unwavering dedication and the supportive environment provided by the school.
Amanda, who was awarded the title of Salutatorian of the Class of 2025 a few weeks ago, has spent years striving toward the honor, balancing her rigorous academic schedule with extracurricular activities. With her sights set on a future in biomedical engineering, Amanda has aspirations to earn a master’s degree within four years and potentially double major in business or management. She is intrigued with tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and ultrasound technology. “I have always been interested in the medical field but didn’t want to be a doctor,” Amanda shared. “When I discovered engineering, I was captivated by its breadth and the many opportunities it offers to help people."
Amanda’s work ethic is evident in all that she does. A natural leader, she serves as Vice President of the GFB chapter of the National Honor Society while also excelling in music, playing the alto saxophone as a member of the jazz band and concert band. Amanda also spends time as a peer tutor for biology, reinforcing her love for science and her willingness to help others.
One of Amanda’s proudest academic achievements was a project she completed in her AP Statistics class. Tasked with analyzing misleading statistics, she chose to investigate Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid epidemic. Teacher Laura Sobel says that Amanda’s work stood out, offering a compelling critique of the company’s statistical manipulation. “Her argument demonstrated sophistication, depth of understanding, and a remarkable ability to apply and extend her knowledge directly to an area of interest. It was one of the best final projects I have ever had presented in class.”
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Amanda balances her studies with a part-time job walking dogs, something she finds enjoyable and rewarding. With two dogs and a cat of her own, she has turned her love for animals into a small business, securing jobs through social media and word of mouth.
Amanda credits much of her success to the environment at George F. Baker High School. “I really like being able to know my teachers well,” she said. “It makes it easy to ask questions, learn, and grow.”
Amanda’s next step is deciding where she will pursue her post-secondary education. As she prepares to embark on this next chapter, she carries with her not only an impressive academic record but also the support and foundation provided by TUFSD.