Thursday, April 24, 2025
As the 2025 graduating class of South Side High School prepares to celebrate their achievements, two students have stood out for their academic accomplishments and leadership.
Daniela Argondizzo and Elena Mingorance, this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, have not only excelled in their studies but have also demonstrated the qualities that make them strong individuals. Their hard work, commitment and passion for their academic and extracurricular pursuits have earned them this well-deserved recognition.
Daniela Argondizzo: Valedictorian
For Daniela Argondizzo, being named valedictorian is the culmination of years of planning, effort, and commitment to her academic growth.
“It feels like validation for four years of immense hard work and effort that I’ve poured into each of my classes,” Argondizzo said. She credits her success not only to her own diligence but also to her parents, who she said have always provided her with the tools and opportunities to succeed academically.
Argondizzo made the effort to get the most out of her high school career, calling it an “a la carte” journey. She actively sought out a variety of courses, ranging from business and chemistry to philosophy, English and music, enriching her learning experience and expanding her perspective.
A standout in academics and extracurriculars, Argondizzo was a varsity swimmer during the fall and serves as president of the Mock Trial, Public Health, and Biology Clubs. In addition, she is a piano tutor, coaching students from ages five to 14, and an assistant at the St. Agnes Girls Choir.
Despite being undecided on which college she will attend, Argondizzo knows her future lies in dentistry. Her passion for the field is driven by her determination to build a solid foundation during her high school years, which she believes will set her up for success in dental school and beyond.
“Knowing that my future is so vast, and I have such immense goals, knowing that I need to really prepare myself well now, is what motivates me today,” she said.
Argondizzo expressed her gratitude for the supportive community and the “family” she’s surrounded by at South Side High School.
Elena Mingorance: Salutatorian
As salutatorian, Mingorance said it is “rewarding” to be recognized for her hard work and dedication.
“It’s thrilling to be able to make the speech at graduation,” she said. “I’m very excited about that, and it’s really nice to be recognized for hard work.”
A passionate student, Mingorance has made the most of her time in high school by engaging in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math courses and pursuing research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory each summer. She is also an active leader in the school’s many clubs, which she said are her “pride.”
Mingorance is the president of Quiz Bowl, Book Club, French Club and National Art Honor Society, as well as editor of the Context literary magazine, vice president of the Biology Club and treasurer of the National Honor Society. In addition, she is heavily involved in theater, where she said the sense of community and collaboration has been incredibly fulfilling.
“Being able to have this visual representation of our work on stage and everything that we’ve put into it as a community, and having this audience to applaud us at the end and be able to work together to create a performance, is so fulfilling,” she said.
Mingorance plans to pursue a major in biology and a minor in visual arts during her college years, seeking to explore the intersection of science and creativity.
“I think that biology or the sciences in general and the arts really serve each other,” she said. “There’re so many skills that intersect, like creativity, passion, patience. They’re all things that transcend both fields.”
Like Argondizzo, Mingorance attributes her success to the vibrant and supportive community at South Side. She has found a sense of belonging and fulfillment in the clubs and extracurriculars that she is passionate about, and she’s excited to carry this sense of connection with her into the future.
“We are so proud of both Daniela and Elena,” Patrick Walsh, principal of South Side High School, said. “Their hard work, determination, and perseverance over these last four years are truly admirable. In addition to their incredible academic achievements, I am equally proud of their service to their school community, as well as their outstanding character. I know they are both on their way to great success in the future.”
