East Rockaway High School Valedictorian Charlotte Webster has received the 2026 Nassau STANYS Award, an honor presented annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional dedication in science.
The award, presented through the Science Teachers Association of New York State, is given to dozens of students across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The award, given out this year on May 19 at the Coral House, in Baldwin, recognizes one student from each participating district who has shown achievement in and enthusiasm for science. Science chairperson Jennifer Belfiore went to accept the award for Charlotte, as she had a scheduling conflict.
“I was pretty proud because I know I have such a love for science,” Webster said. “I felt like my passion for it was being recognized.”
Webster said her interest in science developed during middle school and continued to grow throughout high school, particularly in biology.
“We didn’t do a lot of science in elementary school, but once we got to middle school and high school, I saw an interest in it,” she said. “Biology really interested me, and it is fascinating to me.”
She spent two years in East Rockaway’s science research program, where she competed in the Long Island Science Congress. Webster is also involved in Health Occupations Students of America, known as HOSA, which gives students interested in health professions the opportunity to compete in science and health-related events.
According to AP Biology teacher Lexi Pietrantonio, Webster has taken nearly every science course offered at the high school, including AP Biology, AP Environmental Science and AP Physics. Her weighted grade point average is 106.01.
Pietrantonio, who taught Webster in eighth-grade Living Environment and later in AP Biology, said Webster was selected after discussion among the East Rockaway School District’s science teachers.
“Some schools may choose the student with the highest scores in class, but in Charlotte’s case, it was about more than her top grades,” Pietrantonio said. “She was such a joy to have in class, asked great questions and could work with every single person.”
The nomination was supported by members of the district’s science department, who taught Webster throughout middle and high school.
“Without question, every teacher mentioned Charlotte first,” Pietrantonio said. “She immediately came to mind for everyone.”
Pietrantonio said Webster displayed many of the same qualities as a middle school student that she demonstrates today.
“You could tell she was going to be valedictorian when she was in eighth grade,” Pietrantonio said. “She was organized, independent and always willing to ask for help if she didn’t understand something.”
In addition to her coursework, Webster serves as president of National Honor Society, Key Club and HOSA. She also participates in morning announcements, the HerStory Writing Club and varsity softball.
“It was definitely a lot at first,” Webster said of balancing academics and extracurricular activities. “I’m a pretty organized person, and I make sure that if I have a lot of assignments that week, I don’t do everything the night before. I spread out my work and make sure I show up to every club.”
Webster credited her parents for encouraging her throughout her academic career.
“My parents have always encouraged me to work hard,” she said. “They were always so supportive of my work and whatever I wanted to do, they would be there to support me.”
Among her favorite classroom experiences was a fetal pig dissection in AP Biology.
“A lot of people thought it was gross, but I thought it was really cool,” Webster said.
Pietrantonio said opportunities such as dissections and advanced science courses have helped prepare Webster for future studies in biology.
This fall, Webster will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she plans to major in biology and is looking forward to exploring career options.
“I’m so excited to get that deeper science experience,” she said.
Pietrantonio said Webster’s involvement in student-led organizations helped prepare her for college by giving her opportunities to lead and work with others.
“A lot of the leadership positions are student-run,” Pietrantonio said. “The students have to coordinate with each other. Those experiences will help her when she has to advocate for herself and speak with adults.”
East Rockaway High School Principal Richard Schaffer praised Webster’s accomplishments.
“We continue to be impressed by Charlotte’s achievements and are incredibly proud of the way she represents our school and district,” Schaffer wrote in an email. “Her dedication to our science program is truly exceptional, and her commitment, leadership, and passion for learning make her highly deserving of this well-earned honor.”
As she prepares to graduate, Webster said she hopes younger students stay involved even when things become challenging.
“I would definitely say to never give up,” she said. “There were many times I felt overwhelmed or thought maybe I was doing too many things at once. I’m so glad I kept going and didn’t quit because now I’m reaping the benefits of being involved in so much.”
