Malverne names Class of 2014’s valedictorian, salutatorian

Malverne High School seniors Nia Pollard and Steven Gandolfo were recently honored as the Class of 2014’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, at the March 11 school board meeting.

“These are two truly outstanding individuals who are well-rounded athletes and exceptional students,” said Malverne High School Principal Dr. Vincent Romano.

Nia, who has a weighted average of 99.29, is president of the National Honor Society, Student Government Organization and Black Studies Club and a member of the Science Honor Society, award-winning Pride of Malverne Marching Band and county championship tennis team. An avid volunteer, Nia has helped Malverne students at the Davison Avenue summer camp, as well as through her role as president of the Junior Keys, an organization of Key Women of America.

Nia has taken seven Advanced Placement courses, received the College Board’s 2013 Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor award, and has the potential to earn 21 college credits upon graduating from Malverne High School.

In her spare time, she works at the Roosevelt Field movie theater and teaches piano on a voluntary basis to others. She intends to major in chemistry on a full academic scholarship at Howard University in the fall.

A few points behind Nia, Steven takes the honor of salutatorian for this year’s graduating class. Fulfilling more than 400 hours of community service over the past four years, he constantly looks for ways to help others, whether by volunteering at his local church, organizing a blood drive or facilitating Superstorm Sandy relief. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Science Honor Society, a scholar-athlete and senior leader for the varsity baseball team.

Locally, Steven is deputy chief of the Local 574 Columbian Squire Circle and part of the state circle for the Knights of Columbus, where he serves as of one only six young adults voted into office in the state. For his work through these organizations, he received the Squire of the Year Award for 2012, State Officers Award of 2013 and the Woodman of America Award in History for 2013. In his spare time, Steven works as an assistant manager at Total Aquariums in Lynbrook.

Steven is currently taking four Advanced Placement courses, earned a 100 on his U.S. History Regents, and has the potential to graduate from high school with 15 college credits. Though he has yet to decide on where to attend college in the fall, Steven intends to major in mechanical electrical or aeronautical engineering.