Sam Houston salutatorian Jacob Sajimi
It’s graduation season and we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian for all eight Arlington ISD high schools. Meet Sam Houston High School salutatorian Adeferanmi (Jacob) Sajimi.
NAME: Adeferanmi (Jacob) Sajimi
SCHOOL: Sam Houston High School
COLLEGE: Texas Christian University
INTENDED MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering
〉What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?
A piece of advice I would give to an incoming freshmen would be to not be secluded and to be prone to making friends because the friends that you make when you first get to high school are the ones that are going to be there for you throughout. There might be times when you need help with something and having friends that you’ve known for so long makes it easier to ask questions or to get help when you need it.
〉What will you miss most about high school?
What I would miss most about high school is the familiarity. I am someone that does not like change, so having a complete change of environment and the people that I am around is pretty daunting to me. Yes, I am excited for the next stage of my life in college, but I would definitely be lying if I said I wasn’t scared of leaving high school and entering a new world that I am unfamiliar with, but I also know that is a part of life in general and I am thrilled to experience this change.
〉What are you most excited about after graduation?
As of right now, I am most excited for Frog Camp, which is a summer camp that TCU hosts. It just seems like such a good opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and make new friends while also having a lot of fun, so that is what I am looking forward to the most right now.
〉Who inspires you the most and why?
The main thing that inspires me the most to keep doing what I am doing is the memory of my mom and the realization of where I came from and where I am now. Before her passing, my mom was always keen on me going to college and chasing a higher education. Her memory, which I carry with me everyday, allows me to feel fulfilled and encourages me to keep going. Also knowing that I came from a town in Nigeria where I never pictured myself to be in the position that I am in today, but here I am. That thought itself enables me to appreciate everything and everyone around me and allows me to maximize every opportunity that comes my way.
〉What’s your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memory would be having fun on the soccer team, especially with my friend, Michael. Soccer is a hobby that I will continue for the rest of my life because it allows me to be present and just finds a way to put a smile on my face. I will never let go of the happy memories that I made while on the soccer team.