Francis Kenneth Araya, a graduating BS Biochemistry student from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Santo Tomas, has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2025 with a general weighted average of 1.081.

Araya, who currently serves as president of the UST Biochemistry Society, has led various academic and extracurricular initiatives throughout his college career. He previously served as internal vice president of the same organization and has consistently been recognized for academic excellence and leadership.

In 2023, Araya received the Junior Level Science Scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), and clinched 1st place in the undergraduate category of the oral research presentation at the 7th International Symposium and 14th Annual Scientific Conference organized by the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium.

Solemn investiture rites at UST are set to begin on 2 June 2025.