Valedictorian, Salutatorian Inspire at Commencement

Valedictorian: Dean Smiros
College: University of Rochester
Area of study: Engineering 

What he did at OBHS: President of the OBHS chapter of the National Honor Society, President of National Science Honor Society, and Vice President of the Tri-M Honor Society. member of the OBHS chapter of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Cross Country, Fencing, and played the Tenor Saxophone in the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.

Words of wisdom: “One of my role models, Teddy Roosevelt, said, ‘Believe you can and you’re halfway there.’  I have taken these words to heart and attribute my academic success to this philosophy.  What will be the next major innovations that change our world?  Neuro-prosthetics and exoskeletons? A cure to cancer? An end to world hunger? Whatever it may be, it is possible through having confidence that you can succeed.  I challenge my classmates to find their dream, and make it a reality.”

Salutatorian: Alesandra Puccio
College: Georgetown University
Area of study: English and Government with a minor in journalism

What she did at OBHS: member of the Field Hockey Team, the Winter and Spring Track Teams (captain of each team in all three sports); Vice President of National Science Honor Society, Treasurer of the OBHS Senior Class, Editor in Chief of the school newspaper, The Harbour Voice; member of the OBHS chapter of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Foreign Language Honor Society, Science Honor Society, SADD, Tri-M Honor Society.

Recognitions: News 12 Scholar Athlete

Words of wisdom: “Serendipity, a noun, is defined as finding something good without looking for it. Something, and I couldn’t tell you what or maybe who, threw the 129 of us together for a reason: to learn from each other. From you all I have learned joyous celebration of success, growth in times of fault, and unconditional, inexplicable friendship. Wherever your path leads, travel it with care, with love, and the knowledge that you did something really great for ‘the school by the bay.’ Serendipitous beyond doubt is the only word to describe our thirteen years together. With best wishes and love always, Congratulations to the Class of 2013.”