Meet Wayland's Class of 2025 Salutatorian Ssanyu Nambeguya

Ssanyu Catalina Nambeguya, Salutatorian

Ssanyu is a three-year senior from Kampala, Uganda, and is the daughter of Allen Nagawa.

After graduation, Ssanyu plans to go to college and study Neuroscience and Psychology, beginning her career journey towards Psychiatry.

What are your favorite classes?
Choir is my all-time favorite class. I genuinely enjoy singing, and Mr. Estervig conducts that class with the best spirit and energy. I love listening to how the songs come together in lessons and then performing as a group for the student body.

I also love Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology (AnatPhys) and AP Psychology because they are very interesting and help me continue to understand our body and mind, moving me closer to my future goals. 

What is your favorite sport?
Cheer. Cheer. Cheer. I’ve been doing cheer since my junior year when it was brought back to Wayland. I absolutely love it and everything about it, from the very grueling warm-up to the team of lovely cheerleaders and coaches. This sport really uplifted my spirits through the cold daunting winter and third quarter. “What’s seasonal depression when you do cheer?”

What have you learned from your experience as a student leader at Wayland? 
During my time at Wayland, I have been a Prefect, and captain of the cheer and swimming teams. Serving in these roles has helped me learn how to have difficult conversations, but also how to be a true example to the group that I am leading. These experiences have been truly rewarding and have enabled me to work with a great team of people, including some of Wayland’s faculty. 

My favorite thing about Wayland is my mentor group. #SlushyGang💜

One thing I’ve learned about myself while attending Wayland is: 
I have the power to get out of my own way, I just have to be willing to make the first step. (Also, I really love coffee!!!)

One goal that I met during my time at Wayland was:
My biggest goal coming to Wayland was becoming Valedictorian or Salutatorian. There were times when I thought this was unattainable and just a dream, but I made it. 

Before leaving Uganda to come to Wayland, I told my mother, “I will be the Valedictorian or Salutatorian and give a speech during graduation.”

I am proud to say that I achieved this goal and will give my Salutatorian speech during Commencement on May 24.

I am Wayland Made because:
Wayland has given me the chance to find out who I am. Through an amazing support system, and the diverse population, I have found myself in many different situations that have all contributed to who I am today. I will walk out of here in May having fully utilized my chance to grow into this resilient character, ready for whatever life will throw at me. I am “Wayland Made” because without this place, I would not have fallen, stood back up, and then achieved everything that I have today.

My advice for future Wayland students is to take time to heal. Life holds true, authentic beauty, but you will only see it when you take the time to find yourself. Listen to your body, listen to your mind, and prioritize your well-being. Do things for yourself—not for anyone else. You have the resources here to help you, and if you fall, there will be people ready to catch you. 

It’s going to be okay, but for things to get better, you must be willing to take the first step. You are in control—never let anyone or anything make you think otherwise. Once you choose to heal, you will heal.

Most importantly, smile. It will make the difficult days easier.