Irvington High School Names 2019 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

IRVINGTON, NY — Irvington High School seniors Braden Donoian and Aayushi Jha were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2019. Both students said it was validating to receive the school’s top honors.

“Seeing my hard work pay off fills me with joy and motivates me to push myself more in the future,” Jha said.

Donoian attributed his success to the support of his parents, friends and teachers for encouraging him in all of his endeavors. He also credited Jha for being a friend and a robust source of academic inspiration and exemplar of work ethic and drive.

“When it boils down to it, my success comes from my hard work and curiosity,” Donoian said. “I have been very persistent, attentive to the detail and quality of my work, and most importantly, willing to learn and grow.”

Donoian has been a part of the theater program’s tech crew since eighth grade and this year completed his ninth high school show, according to a district spokesman. His roles have ranged from running crew member to lighting electrician and designer to trumpet in the pit orchestra. As a trumpet player, he is a member of the marching band, jazz band and wind ensemble. He has also been a part of student council for four years. Last year, he co-founded the Midnight Run Club, which solicits and organizes donations of old clothing and food and distributes them to people in need. He is co-president of the Young Democrats Club, as well as a member of the National Honor Society and Latin Club.

Jha also attributed her success to the support of her family, friends and teachers.

“Their positive words have served as a catalyst in my journey and allowed me to gain momentum as I moved forward,” she said. “I always knew that these individuals were there when I needed them, so I was able to propel myself in the direction I wanted to head.”

Jha has been involved in peer tutoring in mathematics. Outside of school, she has explored her interests in science and medicine. She has completed extensive and challenging independent research as part of the school’s Science Research Program and spent nearly a year at Columbia University working in a lab under the guidance of her mentor. Over the past two years, she has taken classes through the Columbia University Science Honors Program and she has also volunteered at White Plains Hospital.

The soon-to-be graduates said if they could give any piece of advice to the incoming freshmen, it would be to pursue their passions and interests, learn from their mistakes and move forward, stop comparing themselves to others and not to let the demands of high school stop them from reading books.

In the fall, Donoian will attend Brown University, and Jha will attend Honors College–Stony Brook University.

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