Ward Melville High School Announces Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Ward Melville High School is proud to announce the 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian. Congratulations to valedictorian Eric Zhong and salutatorian Kate Herrnstein.

Eric Zhong is an exceptional scholar whose intellectual ability, discipline, and curiosity have distinguished him as one of the strongest students in our school community. Eric earned a perfect 1600 SAT and has consistently pursued academic excellence across the most rigorous coursework. From an early age he developed a passion for mathematics and computer science, teaching himself advanced problem-solving through Art of Problem Solving texts and programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++. His persistence and focus are evident in achievements such as earning a perfect 100 average in chemistry through sustained effort and meticulous preparation.

Eric’s leadership and character are equally impressive. A six-year member of the Math Team and now its president, he has helped guide the team to major accomplishments, including a first-place finish at the Princeton University Math Competition while personally placing second in combinatorics and qualifying for the AIME four times. As president of the Computer Science Club, he mentors peers, leads lessons, and fosters a collaborative learning environment, even donating his ACSL Finals Gold award earnings back to the club. Eric also competed on the varsity tennis team for five years, demonstrating balance, discipline, and teamwork. His intellectual brilliance is matched by humility, generosity, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

Salutatorian Kate Herrnstein is an extremely passionate and devoted student, athlete, community member and individual. Her academic record speaks to her intellectual ability and dedication as a student while her resume shows the varied interests, talents, and passion that she has as an individual. Although Kate excels in all of her academic endeavors, has played on a championship high school soccer team and performed at several competitive music competitions all while supporting her community and those who are less fortunate, it is the desire and dedication behind these achievements and commitments that best speaks to who Kate is as an individual. Her impeccable work ethic combined with her passion to achieve is the motivation behind her success. This stems from her internal drive as well as the respect that she has for others.

Kate cares deeply that her teachers, coaches, advisors, peers, and family are proud of her and the effort that she puts forth. Although she greatly values her own success, she is innately driven by her curiosity, desire to learn and the lofty goals that she sets for herself. She is equally happy for her peers when they achieve great success. This is a testament to her ability to be selfless, humble, and driven. She has earned great achievements in the STEM fields and shows tremendous promise for future related pursuits. Performing research on soil toxicology and participating in an engineering internship, through Stony Brook University, has further fostered her curiosity and passion. She enthusiastically dedicates her time to volunteering at the Long Island State Veterans Home and Pivot, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the people of Madagascar. Her participation in NYSSMA and SCMEA speak to her strong music abilities and strengths. All of her accomplishments are a result of her efforts, tenacity and dedication to achieving. Kate is a kind, genuine, honest and respectful individual who consistently dedicates herself to achieving and reaching her potential. She is more than worthy of this distinguished honor.

Congratulations Eric and Kate!