Saturday, April 19, 2025
Ava Morgan and Rachel Chen have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of Hewlett High School’s Class of 2025.
Morgan has consistently achieved high honor roll status throughout high school.
She has earned several prestigious awards, including the Business and Leadership Award for Financial and Mathematical Excellence and the Business and Leadership Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Morgan has also been involved in various organizations, serving as the chief operating officer of the Virtual Enterprise program for a company focused on sustainable animal products.
She also served as president of the PE Leaders Club, where she organized events for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the Friendship Games, a large-scale field day bringing Hewlett-Woodmere students together with students from across Nassau County.
Morgan, who has not yet committed to a college, plans to study accounting. She said she had difficulty with mathematics as a child but credited her parents for helping her overcome her challenges, turning math into her favorite subject.
“During elementary school, I struggled heavily with fractions and math in general,” Morgan said. “I remember sitting down with my dad the night before exams — he would give me practice problems when I was struggling. My mom was also really good at recognizing when I needed extra help. Even though it annoyed me at the time, her flashcards definitely helped me in the long run.”
Chen is equally as accomplished, earning multiple academic honors, including recognition as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit finalist.
She is also involved in various organizations, serving as captain and head programmer for the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, as well as general chair of the Model Congress team.
Chen is also a dedicated member of the music department, serving as president of the Band Council and performing with the All-County Concert Band and Pit Orchestra.
She committed to attend Stanford University, where she will study mechanical engineering, and said that the achievement has been extremely rewarding.
“It felt really rewarding to have seen myself come so far, since it’s the culmination of all my years taking high school classes,” Chen said. “Being able to stand before everyone at graduation is insane to think about, and I just hope that I can make a positive, lasting impact in that way as well.”
Both women will address their fellow students, teachers, and families during their graduation ceremony.
Hewlett High School Principal Alexandra Greenberg said the district is proud to celebrate the achievements of these two students.
“Hewlett High School is incredibly proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our valedictorian and salutatorian,” she said. “Ava Morgan and Rachel Chen’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all. We couldn’t be prouder of these two deserving young women.”
