2023 Valedictorian And Salutatorian Of Northport HS Named

NORTHPORT, NY — John Dwyer and Dessa Kavrakis were named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Northport High School class of 2023, the school district announced.

The two "have gone above and beyond during their high school careers," the school district wrote.

"Both students are exemplary in both their academics and extracurriculars and will graduate with the highest GPAs in their class."

Dwyer will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he will continue playing baseball and plans to major in engineering. In addition to being a member of the Northport varsity baseball team, he is also a member of the Academy of Finance, played for the volleyball team and was named a National Merit Finalist this year.

Kavrakis is headed to Harvard University next year and will be enrolled in a five-year dual degree program allowing her to major in both neuroscience and music. The prestigious program allows her to receive a master’s degree at the Berklee College of Music while receiving her bachelor’s degree from Harvard. She is a talented musician and actress as a member of Northport High School’s Powdered Wigs as well as secretary of the senior class of 2023 and secretary in National Honor Society.

"Both John and Dessa are exceptional students who are terrific representations of what it means to be a Northport High School Tiger," Principal Rob Dennis said in a news release. "They are
well-rounded, have diverse interests and talents and are kind and considerate individuals. I
have no doubt they will be successful at MIT and Harvard University in the fall."

Both students are slated to address their peers during the Class of 2023 commencement ceremony in June.