South Side High School's valedictorian, salutatorian are two of a kind

South Side High School Principal Dr. Carol Burris had some important news to share with two seniors on Feb. 15. That was the day good friends Maria Passarelli and Deana Davoudiasl learned they had been named the class of 2011’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

“After we found out, we saw each other in the hallway and had a mini-celebration in front of everyone,” said Passarelli, who grew up in Rockville Centre and attended Watson Elementary School before going to South Side Middle School. “Everybody stared at us, but it was totally worth it.”

Passarelli and Davoudiasl received this year’s honors based on their grade point averages. There is no student vote at South Side, unlike other schools. “It’s purely academic,” explained Davoudiasl, who moved to the village from Brooklyn before she started sixth grade. “It’s very special and I think we earned it … I was jumping up and down after finding out.”

The two 18-year-olds enjoy being involved in their school. Passarelli has taken part in the Science Research program and is secretary of the Student Government Association, while Davoudiasl is president of the Rockville Centre Youth Council and Students Against Destructive Decisions. “I have felt so blessed to be a part of this school district …” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without the people who work at South Side.”

“I totally agree,” said Passarelli. “It’s been so amazing.”

Since the announcement in February, the two honorees have received congratulatory Facebook messages and text messages from all over. “My mother even baked me a cake,” said Passarelli.

“It’s been so overwhelming,” added Davoudiasl. “I’m very appreciative of it.”

Both say they are looking forward to delivering speeches at the high school commencement ceremony. They said they had already begun brainstorming possible ideas, trying to find the right words to fit the occasion.

The senior class, which numbers 272, will graduate on June 24. “This class is a conglomeration of it all,” said Passarelli. “They can be serious, they can be free, and they can work so hard. Over the years they has become so cohesive, which isn’t always seen in high school.”

Passarelli will enroll at Yale in the fall, while Davoudiasl said she would probably attend Princeton, although she hasn’t yet ruled out Georgetown University. Neither has decided on a major.

“Maria and Deana are more than just worthy recipients,” said Burris. “They’re outstanding students.”

Comments about this story? TSteinert@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.