Clarkstown North Recognizes Anthony Conte as Salutatorian

Clarkstown North High School in New City named Anthony Conte as salutatorian of the 2011 graduating class. Conte is pleased with the recognition and thinking about the speech he must deliver before his fellow graduates.

"I never set out to be honored like this," says the 18 year old. "I'm more concerned about the speech than the honor." 

He is appreciative of the recognition and is looking forward to graduating.

Principal Harry Leonardatos says as salutatorian Conte has the second highest weighted grade point average in the class. The valedictorian, Dan Simpelo, has the highest weighted grade point average of all seniors.

Conte will attend Binghamton University as a physics major. He has not decided what career path he will pursue. He says he is ready for the new experiences that college will bring.

For the past two years Conte has attended the science honors program at Columbia University. He was a member of the high school fencing team as a sophomore and junior and hopes to resume playing the sport in college. He is a member of the school's science magazine CHAOS and Math Honor Society. 

"Anthony is very focused and very concentrated on what he wants to do," says Leonardatos. "He's a true learner. That's what he's been since I met him in the 9th grade."

Graduation ceremonies for Clarkstown North's 392 seniors will be held  on Friday, June 24. Conte and class Valedictorian Dan Simpelo will lead the class into the event and then delver their speeches. 

The school has approximately 1,500 students.