WXYZ honors 'Brightest & Best' HS students

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) - Students honored as the Brightest and Best of their high school classes were celebrated this weekend at Broadcast House.

Channel 7 was privileged to play host to this favorite annual event, now in its 31st year. Graduating high school students are honored for their outstanding achievements in academics.

Honorees from schools throughout metro Detroit gathered here at the station on Saturday to celebrate. It was a perfect sunny day for the event. Click here to view a list of students and a photo slideshow from the event .

These students are at the "top of their class" and are ready to start a new chapter in their life as they move on to college and beyond.

One student told Action News he knows exactly what he wants to study now that he's done with high school.

"I'm studying astrophysics... it's challenging and that's the best part," Joe Lafrate said to Action News anchor JoAnne Purtan.

Ed Fernandez, VP and General Manager of WXYZ, says he was proud to be a part of the celebration, and had some words of support for all of the students.

"Hats off to all of the valedictorians who have done such a great job and worked so hard all these many many years. I'd also commend all the parents, because the students don't get there by themselves. I want to congratulate them for everything, their hard work and support they've given to these students," said Fernandez.

In June, you'll begin to see video of the Brightest & Best students during those familiar summer segments on Channel 7.

This year's Brightest & Best program was produced with the support of Gardner-White furniture .

Good luck to all the graduates! You truly are the Brightest and Best!