VALERIE Joy Agustin, 24, has brought pride to her hometown (Tuguegarao City) as she graduated summa cum laude with a double degree in Political Science and Accounting from Brigham Young University (BYU) in Hawaii.

Valerie’s academic journey began at just six years old after unknowingly joining — and winning — a math competition. “Suddenly, it wasn’t just about learning anymore. It was about being the best,” she recalled in a BYU feature.

Raised in a family grounded in public service and faith, she credits her strength to her parents: a government employee father and a homemaker mother who juggled a small business while raising six children. Valerie is the eldest.

A consistent scholar and leader since high school at the University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao (USLT), she was president of the Supreme Student Council and helped steer digital learning initiatives during the pandemic. She graduated with honors in the ABM strand despite being in the science curriculum.

At BYU–Hawaii, her leadership flourished. She led the Professional Accounting Society, doubling its membership and organizing career forums with firms like KPMG. She also worked as a research assistant and political science mentor, helping fellow students refine their academic pursuits.

Her own paper on political stability and tech exports won top honors at the university’s Undergraduate Research Conference.

Valerie further immersed in global culture through BYU’s Polynesian Cultural Center and represented the Philippines in prestigious programs such as the Ayala Young Leaders Congress and the American Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Program. Her passion for religious liberty and global justice led her to the Religious Freedom Annual Review and a fellowship with the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, attending dialogues with legal scholars and faith leaders.

USLT recently honored her as a model of youth leadership and excellence.

“Everything I do reflects the people who raised me and the communities that shaped me,” Valerie said. “I dream of serving not just through titles, but by building systems that empower and promote justice.”

She plans to pursue graduate studies in taxation, law, and international affairs — aiming to champion inclusive policymaking, social justice, and ethical governance.