By Cindy Feasel

FHS Principal

As principal of Forks High School, I am thrilled to congratulate our class of 2023 valedictorian and salutatorian on their outstanding achievements. Leslie Hernandez-Beltran and Matthew Wallerstedt have both demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to their education.

Our valedictorian, Leslie Hernandez-Beltran has maintained a stellar academic record throughout her high school years, consistently earning top grades and challenging herself with advanced coursework. She has been actively involved in extracurricular activities, organizations, and has served as a leader in multiple clubs and organizations. Her dedication and hard work have earned Leslie this well-deserved honor and I am confident she will continue to achieve great things in the future.

Our salutatorian has also demonstrated a strong commitment to his academic pursuits, earning high grades and actively participating in extracurricular activities. Matthew has shown a passion for success and dedication in everything he does. His hard work and determination has earned him this well-deserved recognition and I am excited to see all that he will accomplish in the future.

Both our valedictorian and salutatorian are outstanding representatives of our school community and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with Leslie and Matthew during their time at Forks High School. I have no doubt that both students will continue to make us proud as they move forward into the next phase of their lives.

Valedictorian Leslie Hernandez-Beltran is the daughter of Caritina Beltran Barrios and Benigno Hernandez Andraca.

Leslie has actively participated in a diverse assortment of community service events and extracurricular activities such as serving dinner to our QVSD Board members, coaching little league soccer, participating in Festival of Trees, providing Twilight tours, managing the concession stand at FHS contests, student leader guide at open house night and volunteering at our school carnival. She also participated in soccer, track, ASB, Link, Yearbook, STEM Rovers and Jazz Band.

Leslie has been honored with Student of Character awards for “Love of Learning”, “Zest”, “Open Minded”, “True Grit”, “Kindness”, 18 Principal Academic Awards, MVP and Captain of the soccer team, and Most Improved in track.

Leslie’s leadership abilities and desire to succeed have gained her recognition and respect from her teachers and peers and has led her to earning positions of importance in the National Honor Society, ASB, Link, athletics, and academics.

Leslie plans to attend the University of Portland to attain her BA in business administration and then pursue a career as a flight attendant for Aeromexico.

Salutatorian Matthew Wallerstedt is the son of Lindsey and Gus Wallerstedt.

Matthew has been actively involved in extracurricular activities and in the community. Matthew was recognized for his leadership abilities as one of the coordinators for the QVSD Senior Auction. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has received high honor roll awards and Principal awards. He received the Student of Character award for March for being “cooperative”.

Matthew has participated in 4 years of varsity football; 2 years holding the honor of team captain and received the football all-academic award for 2021-2022. He also participated in 4 years of track and field.

Matthew plans to be a wildlands firefighter this summer and later he will pursue an electrical apprenticeship.

Again, congratulations to you both!