Thursday, October 1, 2026
This spring, Baldwin High School’s valedictorian, Luna Questelles, joined a tiny fraction of students nationwide to earn a perfect score on the ACT college admissions exam. Questelles, who uses collective pronouns, also received a National Merit Scholarship from Stony Brook University, cementing their place among the country’s highest-achieving high school seniors.
According to ACT, only 2,958 seniors across the nation earned a perfect composite score of 36, and the National Merit Scholarship program recognizes some of the country’s top students based on their academic achievements and standardized test scores.
“Luna has a way of making perfection look effortless, not only on the ACT, but as the incredible Valedictorian of the Class of 2026,” Baldwin High Principal Neil Testa said in a release sent to the Herald. “This achievement is a true reflection of the dedication, talent and character that makes Baldwin so special.”
AP Physics teacher Maurice Hayon said Questelles stands apart even among the strongest students he has taught.
“Luna possesses a level of insight, intuition and intelligence in AP Physics C that I have encountered only one other time in more than two decades of teaching,” Hayon said in an email to the Herald. “They stand far beyond even the strongest students I typically teach, yet carry themself with remarkable humility and respect. The perfect score on the ACT is just a glimpse of their total capabilities.”
“For me, this recognition represents the result of my continued dedication to learning throughout all my years of school,” Questelles said. “Having put so much effort into my education, I find it gratifying and validating to see my hard work pay off.”
But Questelles said their academic success has always been driven less by competition than by curiosity.
Economics teacher Corinne Campos said curiosity is one of Questelles’s defining qualities.
“Luna is a true scholar, possessing both incredible academic ability as well as sincere intellectual curiosity,” Campos wrote in an email. “Luna is a real pleasure to have in class — thoughtful and inquisitive, enriching class discussions with insightful questions and engaging commentary.”
Questelles said they rarely felt the weight of academic competition because of the support they received from family, friends, teachers and classmates.
“My only real source of pressure has been myself,” they said. “As I look back on how much I’ve achieved throughout my high school years, though, that voice is starting to quiet down.”
Their interest in math, physics and computer programming comes from a fascination with problem-solving and understanding how things work, they said.
“My drive to learn for the sake of it has made the learning process itself feel rewarding,” Questelles said. “My curiosity adds joy to the learning process itself, making it feel more natural rather than only a means to an end.”
Questelles’s interests in physics and mathematics have continued to strengthen one another.
“This process has shifted how I view both subjects,” they said. “I’m always eager to see where they will go next.”
In physics classes, Questelles began seeing how concepts from calculus applied to real-world problems, while studying advanced physics introduced new layers of mathematical thinking.
“As I fell down more and more rabbit holes while trying to understand more advanced physics, I’ve seen more and more practical applications of what is otherwise very abstract math,” they said.
Outside the classroom, Questelles said some of their most meaningful experiences came in Baldwin’s Chamber Orchestra, where they played violin and served as secretary and treasurer.
“Every day I look forward to spending 40 minutes with my violin, as opposed to doing more traditional classwork,” they said.
Being surrounded by students who were equally passionate about music made orchestra one of the most rewarding parts of high school, Questelles added.
Questelles said many of the communities they found through Baldwin’s clubs and music programs helped shape their high school experience.
“I’ve always felt that the Chamber Orchestra was not only about improving our musical abilities but also about enjoying music and enjoying each other,” they said.
The school’s top senior was also a member of the Mathletes team and served as co-president this year. “There’s usually a wonderful ‘aha’ moment that comes with each problem,” Questelles said.
Mathematics teacher George Drakatos said Questelles frequently explored concepts beyond the classroom curriculum.
“Luna is a wonderful student who demonstrates competence, passion, discipline and self-reflection,” Drakatos said. “I have always felt like teaching Luna was effortless and always appreciated the time we spent talking about mathematics that usually went far above the class curriculum.”
Beyond academics, they also took on several leadership and mentoring opportunities. Though Questelles was not involved this year, they fondly remember their time in the Climate Justice division of the school’s Youth Change Leader Collaborative. The team of seven chose its own projects, and hosted a summit at the high school last year.
“My experience there proved to me that I could still leave a mark on my community even as a high school student,” Questelles said.
Questelles said Baldwin’s wide range of clubs, music ensembles and rigorous academic programs helped create a strong sense of community.
“The almost overwhelming amount of communities at Baldwin made sure I always felt welcome and gave me something to look forward to,” they said.
English teacher Arianna Miller said Questelles’s personal qualities are as impressive as their academic accomplishments.
“Luna is not only an exceptional student, but a kind-hearted individual,” Miller said. “Luna moves through the world with empathy and compassion, and these qualities are what truly make them stand out. I will miss our meaningful conversations about books, formulas and baking.”
They will attend Stony Brook University this fall, enrolled in the Honors in Computer Science program. Questelles is also considering a minor or double major in physics.
“Although I might not specialize in it, I am very curious to see how quantum computing will advance and where it will be used,” Questelles said. “Quantum computing seems to me a wonderful blend of my curiosities in physics and computer science.”
Questelles said they understand why many students feel pressure to constantly compete academically, and they hope younger students avoid defining success solely by rankings or test scores, and pursue subjects and activities they genuinely care about.
“Find the challenge that engages you and plays to your strengths,” they said.
The pressure surrounding rankings and advanced coursework, Questelles said, can sometimes cause students to lose sight of the experiences and interests that originally excited them. One of Questelles’s biggest regrets was not leaving enough time for interests like Science Olympiad and Baldwin’s Tabletop role-play club.
Looking back on high school, Questelles said they hope the years are remembered for more than awards and accomplishments.
“I’ve met plenty of friends and teachers who I’ve come to value, and I’ve grown both as a student and as a person,” they said. “I want to look back on all this one day and be able to say I was headed in the right direction for my future.”
Questelles said Baldwin’s wide range of clubs, academies and extracurricular opportunities give students a chance to pursue many different paths to success beyond academics alone.
“You shouldn’t single-mindedly pursue academic rankings above all else,” they said. “You might miss out on a lot of what makes Baldwin so great.”
