Hofstra University Valedictorian achieves perfect 4.0 GPA

Bianca Saraniero, of Massapequa Park, has been named Valedictorian of Hofstra University Class of 2019. She is the highest-ranking individual in a graduating class of 1,288 students. Bianca achieved a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average in undergraduate studies as a biology major in the bachelor of science program and earned the Outstanding Senior Scholar award.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude with high honors in Biology and was a Provost Scholar every semester. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society, and received the Phi Beta Kappa Book Award. She is also a member of the Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. In addition, Bianca conducted Biology Education research on Student Engagement Levels in relation to Instructional Methods of STEM Higher Education Classrooms with Dr. Jessica Santangelo of the Biology Department at Hofstra University.

Bianca worked as a camp counselor to students in grades 6-12 enrolled in Marine Biology, Criminal Justice, and Video Production programs at Hofstra Summer Camps. She also raised a Canine Companions for Independence service dog who currently works in a rehabilitation center in Virginia. Bianca has always been an extraordinary student as she was awarded a K-12 Perfect Attendance Award from the Massapequa School District in 2015.

Bianca is pursuing her Master of Science (M.S. Ed.) in Biology Education at Hofstra University with plans to become a New York State Secondary Education Biology and Chemistry teacher. She aims to inspire her future students in the same way her educators have inspired her.