Port Jefferson Class Of 2017 Valedictorian, Salutatorian Named

The Earl L. Vandermeulen High School has announced Chiara Rabeno and Xinyi Hong as the Class of 2017 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Rabeno and Hong have earned the top spots in their class through their impressive and outstanding commitment to academics.

Valedictorian Chiara Rabeno has earned a number of academic accomplishments throughout her high school career. She earned a gold award three years in a row on the National Latin Exam, is an AP Scholar with Honor and received a National Merit Scholar letter of accommodation.

Throughout high school, she has participated in sports, including softball and field hockey where she earned an All-Conference title two years in a row and is a member of the Interact Club, Environmental Club, Science Olympiad and participates in the STEM program. She is also president of the National Honor Society.

Rabeno plans to study either biological sciences or biochemistry in college in the fall.

Salutatorian Xinyi Hong has also received a number of academic accolades. She is a National Merit Finalist, received a gold award for three years in a row on the National Latin Exam, earned the American Chemical Society Award and is an AP Scholar with Distinction.

In high school, she has served as co-caption of the Science Olympiad team, and treasurer of the Environmental Club. She also sits as first chair viola in the school’s orchestra and also plays the violin.

In college, Hong plans to pursue study in a field related to science.

Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District