Valedictorian and Salutatorian named for Sleepy Hollow Class of 2024

Sleepy Hollow High School has named Marina Arakaki Orsini as the valedictorian and Nina Lyppens as the salutatorian of the graduating class of 2024. Throughout their years in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, both students have demonstrated academic mastery, leadership qualities, and the skills needed to be successful not only in an educational setting but in the community as well.

“It’s incredibly amazing and inspiring to witness these young individuals demonstrate such a wide array of talents,” said Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. “They are true testament that hard work and dedication will pave a path to a successful future.”

Marina Arakaki Orsini, who is originally from Brazil, moved to the United States at the age of 13. She quickly mastered the English language with help from her friends, who she considers an excellent support system academically and socially.

Marina has an impressive resume, having taken part in the National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa (National Social Studies Honor Society), Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Art Honor Society, and Foreign Language Honor Society. She’s received the Yale Book Award and was named the AP Scholar with Distinction.

As the president of Sleepy Hollow High School's Paw Club she has taken the initiative to organize fundraisers for Paws Crossed Animal Rescue and has participated in the Sleepy Hollow High School's Pen Pals Club where she wrote letters to seniors in the community as well as children in hospitals, making sure to include drawings in her letters to put a smile on the recipients faces.

She is an avid reader, logging approximately 40 books per year, and loves to sing. She also actively volunteers in her community lending a hand with the Sleepy Hollow High School Food Pantry and EF International Language School.

“Reading is an escape from the real world for me and also a great learning experience,” said Marina. “I love singing because it allows me to release my emotions.”

Marina plans to attend New York University for pre-med in the fall with a major in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology.

“My favorite memories during my time here at Sleepy Hollow are from working at the food pantry. I met a lot of people including my best friend,” said Marina.

“The teachers here are amazing, they are so kind and understanding. It’s easy to have a relationship with them. It makes it easier to stay motivated because you want to try harder because you don’t want to disappoint them,” Marina added.

Nina Lyppens entered the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns in the first grade. While she is currently undecided on where she will head in the fall she knows that she will be double majoring in Cognitive Science and Visual Art.

Nina’s resume is equally impressive. She has been on the High Honor Roll throughout her high school career, was the Dartmouth College Book Award Recipient 2023, National Merit Commended Scholar, and AP Scholar with Distinction. She is also part of the following Honor Societies: Art, English, Foreign Language, Math, National, Rho Kappa,Science, and Tri-M where she holds the title of Treasurer.

Nina offered sound advice to her fellow peers. “It’s important to do your best and master your classes and to put in your best effort but also take your time, know what you are capable of, know when to push yourself and when to relax.”

Nina has demonstrated her capabilities academically, athletically and in the arts. She was a team member of the Cross Country and the Winter Track, for three seasons each, and the Spring Track for two seasons.

Nina has displayed her musical talents. Not only does she play the piano but she has been a member of several ensembles: the Sleepy Hollow High School Wind Ensemble as the 1st Chair Flautist, Greater Westchester Youth Orchestra Association (GWYOA) Westchester Youth Symphony, Hoff-Barthelson Music School Festival Orchestra, and the Sleepy Hollow High School Band.

She has also participated in various Music Festivals. She was selected to represent Sleepy Hollow High School in the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) High School Honor Band in Syracuse NY three years in a row, selected to represent Sleepy Hollow High School in New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Area All-State Band two years in a row, participated in New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival for seven years in a row, Performed in RiverArts Music Tour in 2023 and is the private student of Barbara Cifelli where she has been studying the flute for the past nine years.

In 2024 she demonstrated her passion for the arts by taking part in various opportunities. She was cast in four roles in the Sleepy Hollow musical Cinderella, had her original artwork on display at the 2024 Young Artists exhibition at the Katonah Museum of Art and was selected as one of seven students for the Inaugural Bethany Teen Arts Residency at Bethany Arts Center in Ossining NY.

Sleepy Hollow High School Counselor Amanda Green has had the pleasure of working closely with Marina and Nina over the past four years.

“Beyond their outstanding academics and extracurricular pursuits, both students are kind and compassionate individuals. They have embraced being part of our Sleepy Hollow community and we are excited to see what lies ahead for them,” said Ms. Green. “Congratulations to Marina and Nina on their incredible accomplishments."

Principal Dr. Deborah Brand added that Marina and Nina are both dedicated learners who have done tremendous work during their time at Sleepy Hollow High School.

“They are great school citizens and are young women with a very promising future. We are proud of their accomplishments as well as who they are as people,” said Dr. Brand. “We are excited to see what they and all of the students in the Class of 2024 will pursue in the coming years.”