East End Valedictorians, Salutatorians Honored By Lawmakers

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island valedictorians, who persevered despite the pandemic and continued to shine, were honored recently by state lawmakers.

This week, New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, who represents the 1st District, hosted three valedictorian and salutatorian ceremonies in recognition of the region’s top academic students. Palumbo was joined by Senator Dean Murray of the 3rd Senate District, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele, who represents District 1, New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, District 2, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, District 3, and Assemblyman Ed Flood, District 4, to celebrate and congratulate the students on their impressive academic accomplishments and achievements.

"Congratulations to all of our valedictorians and salutatorians. The hard work and dedication that these extraordinary students have shown throughout their academic careers and, especially, over the past few years, is a testament to their ability and determination to succeed. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and congratulate them, and their parents, on their significant academic accomplishments," Palumbo said.

Thiele added: "I am immensely proud to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of our region's top academic students. Their unwavering commitment to excellence, thirst for knowledge, and pursuit of academic success have earned them this well-deserved recognition. I commend them for their outstanding accomplishments and wish them continued success as they shape a brighter future for themselves and our community."

"It was a pleasure to meet and recognize these remarkable students. Their academic achievements are a testament to their hard work, commitment, drive and determination and will, no doubt, serve them well in their future endeavors. Congratulations to all our valedictorians and salutatorians and wish you all the best in your life's next chapter," said Murray, 3rd Senate District.

"Congratulations to each of you, and congratulations to your parents for raising such outstanding individuals. The success that we celebrate today required dedication, effort, and character, qualities that will elevate you to further achievements in life, and make you tomorrow’s leaders. I wish you all a bright and prosperous future," said Giglio.

"These exemplary students have pursued a standard of excellence that is both inspiring and impressive," said DeStefano. "They have been an inspiration to their fellow students and will, I’m sure, go on to higher education with the same commitment and perseverance that have carried them to where they stand today. I am proud to have them as an integral part of our community and l wish them continued success in all of their future endeavors."

"Congratulations to all of the hard-working valedictorians and salutatorians of the 2023 class. Their achievements and talents thus far do not go unnoticed and will undoubtedly set them up for tremendous success," Flood said.

The following Class of 2023 students earned the rank of valedictorian and salutatorian for their school district. Congratulations to:

South Fork ceremony

Hugo Kapon and Luna Paucar- Bridgehampton School District,

Nicole Velez and Aryan Chugh- East Hampton UFSD,

Liam Sutton and Sofia Solano Cruz- Hampton Bays UFSD,

Emily Squires and Griffin Greene- Sag Harbor UFSD,

Megan Sitzmann and Daniel Gosnell- Westhampton Beach UFSD,

North Fork ceremony

Liliana Harbin and Emma Mulhall- Greenport UFSD,

Jessica Rakoczy and Jenna Sledjeski- Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD,

Hayden Rylott and Andrea Napoles- Shelter Island UFSD,

Danna Duarte and Anna McCarthy - Southold UFSD,

Brookhaven/Riverhead ceremony

Jillian Ryan and Emma Morris- Center Moriches UFSD,

Maxwell Cosenza and Jack Montoya- Comsewogue UFSD,

Benjamin Isaacson and Fiona Schlegel- Eastport South Manor CSD,

Ryan Styron and Michael Ho- Longwood CSD,

Brooke McCormick and Lilah Lindemann- Miller Place SD,

Corey Wong and Kathryn Rubino- Mount Sinai SD,

Olivia Schlegel and Kathleen Zhou- Port Jefferson SD,

Emma Ellis and Jennifer Alonzo Moreno- Riverhead CSD,

Abigail Seplavy and Lucy Clarke- Rocky Point UFSD,

Anja Minty and Bryan Vogel- Shoreham-Wading River CSD,

Eva Della Pietra and Serene Stoller- Three Village CSD.