Irvington HS Names Class Of 2018 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

IRVINGTON, NY — Irvington High School seniors Rachel Sklar and Kristin Lee have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2018. Both accomplished students, who have worked incredibly hard throughout their high school career, said it was validating to receive the school’s top honors.

“School has always been a big priority for me,” said Sklar, adding that even though she was inspired by her grandmother, who was also valedictorian of her graduating class, it wasn’t something that she saw as a real possibility until her junior year. “I’ve always loved learning. I specifically love history and Latin, and I’m always curious about learning about different cultures and people and how they interact.”

Sklar attributed her success to her friends’ and family’s support and being given the opportunity to pursue her passions both in school and outside of school. She is the secretary/treasurer of the high school’s Latin Club, a head delegate of Model United Nations Club and vice president of National Honor Society, and serves on the Character Building Facilitators’ planning committee at the high school. She has completed extensive and challenging independent research as part of the school’s Science Research Program and has co-authored a poster and abstract presented at various medical professional meetings. Sklar was named National Merit Scholarship Commended Student and has received numerous awards, including the Harvard Book Award and the Maureen O’Donnell Oxford Classical Dictionary Award, which is given to students who win four gold medals on the National Latin Exam. She is also a member of the varsity tennis team, wind ensemble and band.

Lee, who also credited her family’s support as well as her desire to meet her own and her family’s high expectations, said she was humbled to receive the recognition.

“It’s a great honor because I feel like everyone has worked so hard, and to be named salutatorian is really an amazing thing,” Lee said. “I feel proud of my own accomplishments and how hard I’ve worked, and I feel like it’s a title that shouldn’t be degrading to anyone else who didn’t receive it. Everyone has worked so hard.”

Lee is a member of the Character Building Facilitators, Latin Club, Model United Nations Club and National Honor Society at the high school. During her junior year, she founded the Korean Culture Club to honor her heritage. She has completed extensive and challenging independent research as part of the school’s Science Research Program and was awarded second place in the Medicine and Health category at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair. Lee was also named National Merit Scholarship Commended Student and has received numerous awards, including the Columbia Book Award. She has been a member of the varsity soccer team for four years and a member of the varsity track and field team for three years, as well a member of the wind ensemble and marching band.

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, explore new opportunities, try their best in everything they do and set goals for themselves.

“I’ve so appreciated the community and the fact that the school enables you to try so many things,” Sklar said. “I’ve always really appreciated getting to know people. Everyone in Irvington — the students, teachers and administration — has been really open and supportive. I’m really thankful for that.”

In the fall, Sklar will attend Brown University, where she plans to further pursue her interests in classics, economics and public health. Lee will be attending Cornell University, where she plans to pursue a computer science major.

Photo caption: From left, Irvington High School seniors Kristin Lee and Rachel Sklar. Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.