Central Islip Valedictorian, Salutatorian Head To Harvard This Fall

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Two of Central Islip High School’s top students are heading to one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

Leticia Kim, the Class of 2026 valedictorian, and Kamila Sarmiento Romero, the salutatorian, have both committed to attend Harvard University this fall, marking a major academic milestone for the district.

Kim visited Harvard during spring break, getting a firsthand look at the campus and its surroundings.

“It was beautiful,” she said. “I saw so many people running by the water and others walking around campus. It was surreal to see in person.”

Both students will return to campus in the coming weeks for the admitted students weekend before officially beginning their college journeys later this year.

Kim and Sarmiento Romero plan to major in engineering and pursue careers in a highly competitive, innovative field.