OHS Val and Sal: Ossining Is a Great Place to Learn and Grow

Ossining High School senior Pujita Sunder is the Class of 2020 valedictorian and Claire Martin is the salutatorian.

Pujita, who recently received a National Merit Scholarship, said being named valedictorian was “an amazing honor” that is even more special because Claire is a close friend.

“It’s been brilliant to be able to partake in this experience along with one of my best friends,” Pujita said. “After four years of hard work, I am so thankful for the opportunity, as well as all the well wishes that we have both received. It’s been an inexpressibly bright spot in a time when so much is uncertain.”

Pujita will start college this fall, after which she wants to attend law school. “I've always had a passion for the nuances of the law, and many of my OHS classes, clubs and teachers have really encouraged and helped me to develop that passion” Pujita said.

Claire is headed to Wellesley College, where she would like to major in biochemistry with a major or minor in one of the performing arts. She would like to be a high school teacher or college professor of biology or chemistry, as well as a researcher.

“On the side, I would love to be a part of shows, plays, performances, or even a movie, because I truly enjoy acting, singing and dancing, and finding a family among fellow actors,” she said.

Both students said Ossining has been a great place to learn and grow.

“My teachers have always been incredibly supportive and understanding, and even during my harder college-level classes, I’ve really felt that they understood my desire for academic challenge and encouraged my success,” Pujita said.

Pujita said teachers have always been available for academic and personal questions. She considers many of them friends, which “matters to me more than words can express.”

Claire said she is especially grateful to her teachers in chemistry, biology, the Science Research Program, English 11 and musical theater, who have encouraged her love of learning and specific interests. They pushed her to think critically, write at a college-level standard, become comfortable making presentations and gain confidence, she said.

“They opened my eyes to my love of learning, my passion for science and the arts, and the joy of sharing my talents with others,” she said.

Claire also singled out Pujita for contributing to her success, saying “her eloquence, motivation, critical analysis and sweetness have been such an encouragement to me.

“When looking back at my grades from freshman year, I laugh a little because they’re not very high and I had never thought about elevating them until Pujita helped me realize I could.”

Both students have been involved in school clubs, extracurricular and community activities.

Pujita is a member of the Book Club, the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society, and is a peer tutor. She helps teach an English Conversation for New Learners at the Ossining Public Library. Last summer, she taught the STEAM Explorers! program for children 5-9 at the library. She is also a teacher for Education in Human Values, a character education program.

Pujita was one of about 1,000 distinguished seniors across the country who received a National Merit Scholarship in the first round of awards last month.

Claire started ballet when she was 5 and began acting and performing 13 years ago. Two summers ago, she performed in “Oklahoma!” at the Helen Hayes Youth Theatre in Nyack. She participated in multiple plays and Musical Theater Showcases at OHS, as well as church productions.

Claire said her church youth group and youth leader have had a great impact on her life. Like her youth leader, Claire wants to help others, always be a part of a Christian community, share her own stories and look for ways to bring people together.

Pujita and Claire said it has been disappointing to finish high school at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and miss treasured senior traditions. However, they have both found bright spots.

“The teachers have gone to great lengths to find creative, exciting ways for us to learn, and I’m so grateful for that,” Pujita said. “It’s also been amazing to spend some quality time with my family at home.”

Claire said when she heard in-person school was over for the year, she was disappointed but reflected on her wish for “normalcy.”

“Staying home is the new ‘normal,’ being with family is the new ‘normal,’ having time to be creative is the new ‘normal,’ needing to motivate myself and getting a taste of what making my own schedule in college will be like is the new ‘normal,’” she said. “I’ve come to realize that I’m glad for the change because I’ve felt a little less stressed about assignments and have had time to realize my creative inspirations through drawing, singing, painting, writing, composing, organizing and more.”

As for her message to fellow students, Pujita said it is important to remember that they have an “incredibly bright” future that is within their grasp if they work hard.

“I’ve made so many wonderful friends for life, who have been with me through so many things,” she said. “As we spread to different corners of the nation, and even the world, I think it’s important to treasure these childhood memories, and look forward to the wonderful ones that we will make in the future. No matter where we go, I’m sure we will make Ossining proud.”

Claire said her message is about building confidence. Through dance, she has gained confidence that translates into other areas of her life.

“I realized that I dance because I love exploring the space, I love putting my unique character into the different steps, I love pushing myself, and I love expressing myself through dance,” she said. “Especially during uncertain times, everyone should discover something they love doing that may remain a safe place to relieve stress and focus on doing their best. If you’re confident and try hard, you’ll feel good about whatever path you’re on and the progress you make.”