John Jay HS Reveals Valedictorian, Salutatorian For Class of 2024

CROSS RIVER, NY — John Jay High School has announced the top honors for the class of 2024.

From the Katonah-Lewisboro School District

John Jay High School is proud to announce that this year’s Valedictorian is Alice Cai and Salutatorian is Shayna Kar!

Cheers were heard through John Jay’s halls when Principal Steven Siciliano announced the top honors for the Class of 2024 on Friday, September 22. He also congratulated Alice on being a National Merit Scholar semifinalist.

"We are proud of their accomplishments and all that they bring to the student body at John Jay High School," said Dr. Siciliano.

Alice and Shayna describe themselves as well-rounded students—they are both part of John Jay’s Science Research program and like all subjects. "I like learning and asking questions," said Alice. "John Jay has fostered that. There are so many teachers who support us in challenging ourselves."

Shayna agrees. "We are in a lot of the same classes," she added.

Alice is the founder and President of John Jay High School’s Fashion Reimagined Club; its mission is to advocate and educate member of the community about sustainable and ethical fashion. She is also Student Council President and a Campus Congress Representative.

Outside of school, Alice is an accomplished pianist who has performed at concert halls and competitions, and is a Presidents Junior Leadership Council Advisory Board Member, through which she volunteers at Northern Westchester Hospital to plan public health initiatives to improve mental health of teenagers in our community.

Shayna is a violinist in John Jay’s Orchestra, on the Executive Board of Campus Congress, Co-Secretary of Student Council and Co-president of Tri-M, a member of LEAD JJ. She also plays Varsity Tennis and is the Student Trustee on the Board of Education this year

Her community involvements include volunteering at the Katonah Village Library, with the Lipliekha Bangla Association and at the Westchester Medical Center in the physical medicine and rehab unit. She is also a teaching assistant with Kumon.

The two scholars have been friends since middle school. Both are looking forward to enjoying all of the senior activities ahead, like Homecoming, and spending time with the Class of 2024!