Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Announces 2016 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Plainview, N.Y. (June 16, 2016) – The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District is proud to announce Michael Crawbuck as the valedictorian and Anna Vaynrub as salutatorian for the Class of 2016 at John F. Kennedy High School.

“Throughout the past four years, both Michael and Anna have achieved tremendous successes inside and outside the classroom, and have served as great role models for their peers,” said Dr. Lorna Lewis, Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District Superintendent of Schools. “I know the opportunities they experienced while at school have done more than prepare them for college, and we are excited to see all Michael and Anna will accomplish in the years to come.”

This year’s valedictorian, Michael Crawbuck, has been a student in the District since kindergarten. He was named an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar and will graduate with honors before attending New York University Stern’s School of Business in the fall. Michael has been heavily active and successful within the school’s DECA Chapter, placing sixth at the 2015 DECA international competition and earning second place at both the 2015 and 2016 New York State DECA competitions. Michael has also taken on leadership roles in a number of activities, including president of the Spanish Honor Society, co-vice president of the Business Honor Society and as a member of the tutoring committee for the National Honor Society. Michael is also a member of Best Buddies and the Science Honor Society.

Outside of the classroom, Michael played varsity football and lacrosse. In 2015, the football team was named the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYS PHSAA) 2015 Scholar-Athlete State Champions. He also recently became a board member for the Plainview Football Police Athletic League (PAL) program. In addition, Michael manages his own website, Foodie Finders NYC.

Anna, this year’s salutatorian, will graduate with many academic achievements before attending Harvard University in the fall of 2016. Anna recently received the Child Mind Institute Rising Scientist Award after conducting research with a science professor at Stony Brook University, where she was the youngest researcher on a team of graduate students. She was also a National Merit Finalist, won a gold medal for her performance on the National Spanish exam and placed second in this year’s Long Island Science and Engineering Fair. Anna has taken on a number of leadership roles, including vice president of the Science Honor Society and secretary for the Science Olympiads. She also has served as chair for the school’s Model United Nations (METMUNC) club, where she participated in conferences aimed at discussing and dissecting global issues. Anna was also an editor for the school’s newspaper, focusing her articles on language skills.

Outside of the classroom, Anna is a figure skater and a black belt in karate. Her volunteer work includes working with Kids Versus Cancer, advocating for legislation to allow pediatric cancer drug trials.

For more information regarding Plainview-Old Bethpage Schools, please visitpob.k12.ny.us or the District’s Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/pobschools.

Photo 1: Plainview-Old Bethpage School District’s John F. Kennedy High School announced senior Michael Crawbuck as Class of 2016 Valedictorian.

Photo 2: Plainview-Old Bethpage School District’s John F. Kennedy High School announced senior Anna Vaynrub as Class of 2016 Salutatorian.