Long-Time Friends Named 2018 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

They met in kindergarten at McKenna Elementary School. Now Deborah Lobaccaro and Nicole Leonick are the top two graduates of Massapequa High School’s Class of 2018. Massapequa High School Principal Patrick DiClemente announced that Lobaccaro has been named the valedictorian and Leonick the salutatorian.

The long-time friends have had dozens classes together over the last 13 years.

“We’ve been best friends since kindergarten, so it’s really hard to believe that we accomplished this,” Leonick said.

Lobaccaro, with a grade-point average of 100.4, is planning to study biomedical engineering in college and pursue a career in medical research. Leonick, whose 99.26 GPA ranked second, hopes to study pediatric medicine. She has performed community service at regional hospitals.

The pair have been actively involved in academic and extracurricular life at Massapequa High School. They have both taken 12 Advanced Placement courses and are members of the Poparazzi orchestra group in which Lobaccaro plays the viola and Leonick the cello.

In addition, Lobaccaro is president of Students Against Destructive Decisions and a member of the National Honor Society, the Research Club and the cheerleading squad. She also volunteers with her church’s youth group.

Leonick is president of the Research Club, treasurer of Best Buddies, co-captain of the rifle team, a leader in the Environmental Club and member the National and Spanish honor societies.

Photo caption: Deborah Lobaccaro, left, and Nicole Leonick are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of Massapequa High School’s Class of 2018.

Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District