Harborfields HS Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian For Class Of 2026

GREENLAWN, NY — Harborfields High School has named Leo Lin as valedictorian and Michelle Diner as salutatorian for the Class of 2026, recognizing two students whose academic excellence is matched by their commitment to service and leadership.

Earning the top ranks in a graduating class requires sustained dedication, and both Lin and Diner have built standout high school careers marked by rigorous coursework, extracurricular involvement, and community impact.

Lin, the class valedictorian, challenged himself with an extensive Advanced Placement course load and earned academic excellence awards in Algebra, AP Chemistry, and AP Computer Science. He was named an AP Scholar with Distinction and recognized as a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Beyond the classroom, Lin has been deeply involved in the Harborfields community. He volunteers at a local camp, helping guide students through computer and robotics activities, and participates in multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society, the Rho Kappa Honor Society, and Honoria Hispanica.

He is also active in the Robotics team, Interact Club, and Multicultural Club, where he helped launch a subcommittee focused on Asian culture and organized a Lunar New Year dumpling sale.

Lin’s academic interests extend into science research, where he has competed in Science Olympiad, environmental competitions such as Environthon, and other STEM-based challenges. He is also a standout athlete, serving as captain of the cross country team and competing in both winter and spring track.

“Leo is the kind of student who elevates every classroom he enters,” said school counselor Lynnsey Gaska. “He is sharp, analytical, and deeply curious. He approaches challenges like an innovator — methodical and unafraid to try new approaches. What truly sets Leo apart is his balance.”

Lin plans to study engineering in college.

Diner, the class salutatorian, has similarly distinguished herself through a combination of academic achievement and wide-ranging extracurricular involvement.

She earned academic excellence awards in Algebra, Earth Science, and AP U.S. History, and was also named an AP Scholar with Distinction. In addition, she received recognition through the College Board National Recognition Program and was named a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Diner has been an active member of several honor societies, including Tri-M (music), Rho Kappa, National Honor Society, and Honoraria Hispanica. Her strength in mathematics earned her a place in the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge, where she worked collaboratively to solve real-world problems.

She also contributed her skills to the Robotics Club, helping design and build competition robots.

An accomplished violinist, Diner has been selected for prestigious ensembles and organizations, including the Long Island String Festival Association, Suffolk County Music Educators Association, NYSSMA, and NYSCAME. As a junior, she earned a near-perfect score at the NYSSMA All-State competition.

Her commitment to service includes involvement in Habitat for Humanity, where she helped build a home for a family and served as treasurer, as well as participation in the Pet Awareness Club and Art Club.

Diner is also active at the Harborfields Public Library as part of the Junior Friends program, assisting in the bookshop and maintaining the Robert Kubecka Memorial Garden. Through the Study Buddies program, she tutors younger students, and she has volunteered with Spectrum Expression, using music to support children with autism.

“Michelle Diner is the kind of student every educator hopes to work with — responsible, compassionate, genuine, and deeply committed to using her talents in science, music, and service to make a positive impact,” said school counselor Jaclyn Best.