Thursday, October 1, 2026
Two seniors at Oceanside High School have been selected to lead the Class of 2026, displaying qualities which have set them apart from the rest, including academic excellence, leadership and service.
Maxwell Greenberg, 18, and Jobelle Angelitud, 17, have been named the school’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
Greenberg has consistently pursued the most rigorous academic path available. During his senior year, he’s enrolled in six Advanced Placement courses, including AP Government and Economics with Mentoring, an invitation-only program in which seniors guide freshmen academically and personally.
He said his drive has been shaped largely by his family and teachers.
“My family, especially my parents, showed me what can happen if you put in the hard work,” Greenberg said. “They worked really hard to come to America, and that motivated me to use the opportunities they gave me and make them proud.”
Beyond the classroom, Greenberg has distinguished himself as both a leader and an innovator. He serves as vice president of the World Interest Club and as president of the Science Olympiad Club. He’s also a student ambassador for SLATE — Students Lead, Act, Teach, Empower, a student-led club — and a member of numerous honor societies spanning academics, service and the arts.
A three-sport varsity athlete in golf, swimming and track and field, Greenberg said time management was essential to balancing his commitments.
“It’s a lot of planning,” he said. “It really comes down to managing your time and focusing on what matters. Over time, I realized you have to pursue what you actually love. Reflecting on what I enjoyed helped me focus and manage everything better.”
Greenberg also founded Stay Fraud Free, an initiative inspired by a personal experience involving a family member who was targeted by online scams. Through the program, he speaks at community centers across Long Island, including the Oceanside Library, to educate older adults about fraud prevention and has developed a website to expand access to resources.
In addition, Greenberg has earned Eagle Scout distinction and has been awarded a full-tuition ROTC scholarship through the U.S. Air Force, one of 100 students nationwide to receive the honor. He plans to study mathematics at Harvard University this fall, while preparing for a future in military service.
“The sense of service I learned through Scouting really led me to this path,” he said. “My goal is to serve the country, protect others and make an impact on a larger scale.”
Angelitud, Oceanside’s salutatorian, has likewise demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership throughout her high school career. She is enrolled in four Advanced Placement courses, including the same mentoring-based government and economics program as Greenberg.
She said her motivation has largely come from within.
“I try to push myself to reach my highest potential,” Angelitud said. “Of course, my parents are supportive, I just push myself to see how far I can go academically and personally.”
A leader in mathematics, Angelitud serves as president of both Mu Alpha Theta and Mathletes, where she has fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment.
“It’s about enjoying it and working together,” she said.
Angelitud is also an accomplished cellist, having played in the school orchestra for four years and performing with the chamber ensemble at community events.
“Even if you’re not the best at something, if you enjoy it, that’s what really matters,” she said. “That’s why I’ve stuck with music.”
Her commitment to service is evident in her volunteer work at Mount Sinai South Nassau, where she contributed more than 100 hours in just two months. There, she assisted patients and staff while gaining firsthand exposure to the healthcare field.
“Just interacting with people in my community and helping them in a positive way really meant a lot,” she said.
Motivated by those experiences, Angelitud co-founded Kindness Kits, a nonprofit organization that provides comfort items such as toiletries, activity books and clothing to hospital patients. The group has donated more than 500 kits.
“Little things like comfort items can make a big difference for patients,” she said. “It helps them feel a little more at home.”
In addition to her academic and volunteer commitments, Angelitud has balanced part-time work and involvement in several school organizations, including Science Olympiad, the Asian Culture Club and the National Honor Society.
She plans to pursue a career in medicine at Stony Brook University and said her long-term goal is rooted in compassion.
“I want to connect with my patients and help them through whatever they’re going through,” she said.
Both students emphasized the importance of balance and self-motivation. Angelitud encouraged younger students to take care of their mental health, in addition to their academic goals.
“You have to balance your time — not just school and activities, but also time for yourself,” she explained. “It’s important to rest and recharge.”
Greenberg offered similar advice, urging students to focus on meaningful involvement.
“Do what you love and try to make an impact,” he said. “That’s the best way to grow and succeed.”
As they prepare to graduate in June, both students will deliver addresses at the commencement ceremony, where they will share reflections and advice with the Class of 2026.
