New Hyde Park Memorial HS Announces Valedictorian, Salutatorian

New Hyde Park Memorial High School seniors Rena Fukuda and Sam Kooran have been named the Class of 2017’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Rena is not only the valedictorian, she is a National Merit Semifinalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of the National Senior Honor Society. As a Level 5 flute player at the New York State Student Music Association, she received a 98 for her performance. In addition, she was the sole recipient of the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Science Award in her junior year. Her greatest strength is her work ethic.

When it’s time for work, Rena is serious but in her free time she laughs and enjoys life. She possesses unlimited academic potential. Rena is a voracious reader and therefore can effectively argue important points on nearly any topic. She will achieve whatever she puts her mind to.

Rena has a 102.79-weighted average. Her SAT scores are amazing and her calendar is full with school, social and community obligations. She excels in all academic areas and yet spends time helping others. In her time at New Hyde Park Memorial, she has always been an active member of the school community. She is a twirler and member of the Spanish club. She writes for and takes leadership roles in the literary magazine “The Arena.” She has volunteered more than 100 hours at the Long Island Children’s Museum and tutors younger students at New Hyde Park. In addition, Rena participates in Science Olympiads. Through her membership in our Model United Nations, she has participated in many conferences in the Northeast, including the Ivy League Model UN Conference and Rutgers University Model UN Conference. She is a member of the National World Language, Junior National and the Senior National honor societies.

Rena lived in Japan from age 5 to 7. Little conversational English was spoken there and the family spoke only Japanese. When she arrived in the United States, she couldn’t speak English. Her family was concerned about the possible academic struggles she would encounter but her persistent, determined nature and strong studious manner would not allow her to falter.

Brilliant, hard working and motivated, it should come as no surprise that Sam is this year’s salutatorian. Sam takes his studies seriously, is involved in numerous extracurricular activities and volunteers in the community during his free time. His bright smile and dedication to everything he involves himself in has left an indelible mark on New Hyde Park Memorial.

Academically, Sam stands out amongst his peers. He is intrinsically motivated and sets incredibly high academic standards for himself. Throughout high school, he has taken an extremely challenging course load, including advanced placement courses. With a true passion for science, Sam has exhausted all of the school’s science classes and has been named Science Department Student of the Year for two consecutive years. Additionally, through his membership in our Science Research Program, he was awarded the Long Island Science Congress Competition Honor Award.

Outside of the classroom, Sam is an integral part of numerous school clubs and volunteers in the community. He has volunteered at Parker Jewish Institute for the past two years. He is also a youth leader at St. Mary’s Church, and has held the position of secretary for the last three years. This past summer, Sam began volunteering at Northwell Hospital working closely with doctors who are conducting medical research.

Principal Dr. Richard Faccio and the entire administration at New Hyde Park congratulate the students on their outstanding achievements and wish them luck in the future.

Story by Syntax, Photo courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District: New Hyde Park Memorial High School seniors Rena Fukuda (right) and Sam Kooran have been named the Class of 2017’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.