Westhampton Beach High School Lauds Class of 2016's Valedictorian, Salutatorian

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - It's official: After 13 years of hard work, academic excellence, and dedicated school spirit Westhampton Beach High School's Mira Patel and Christian Lockwood were named the Class of 2016's valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Valedictorian Patel soared academically and honed in on her love of science. She embarked upon an independent research project in which she studied Long Island oysters, oyster seeds and upweller systems with the assistance of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Southold, a release said.

She presented her findings at two scientific conferences: Earlier this year, Patel was recognized as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. In addition to her academic studies, Patel is the research historian for the Rotary Interact Club, treasurer of the Key Club, secretary of the National Honor Society and plays varsity tennis.

In the fall, Patel will attend Yale University to study environmental science with a pre-med track.

During his time in high school, salutatorian Lockwood, made his mark as captain of the varsity Quiz Bowl team, treasurer of the Spanish Club, member of the National Honor Society and varsity golf team. Lockwood, who has taken college level classes at Suffolk County Community College and Stony Brook University while still a high school student, is also a peer tutor and a Frost Valley mentor, the release said.

Lockwood will be attending Williams College in the fall to study astrophysics.

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach School District