Thursday, October 1, 2026
Charlotte Webster and Victoria Schaefer have been selected as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School Class of 2026, displaying academic excellence, leadership and community involvement to earn that distinction.
“We are so proud of these two young women,” the school’s principal, Richard Schaffer, said. “They truly represent what our school is all about: working hard, being involved in our community, and showing genuine kindness and compassion to their peers.”
Webster said she understands that the recognition goes beyond the academic honors that she has received.
“Earning the title of valedictorian is more than what it is defined as,” Webster said. “It represents a culmination of the effort, dedication and energy that shaped my four years of high school. It’s an honor to be recognized for my hard work, and this was made possible by the extensive support and guidance I received throughout my journey.”
During her high school career, Webster has been involved with Key Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Herstory, and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Webster also has served as class president, a role that taught her lessons both inside and outside of the classroom.
“As class president, I faced challenges, successes, and a significant amount of time collaborating with others,” she said. “In the classroom, it taught me the importance of being a role model and striving for excellence.”
While Webster has been stellar academically, she’s also found success in another setting: the softball diamond. Throughout her five years of playing on East Rockaway’s varsity softball team, she earned the respect of her fellow teammates and peers, eventually earning the title of team captain.
“The activity that’s had the most significant impact on the development of my character has been playing for the varsity softball team,” Webster said. “Not only have I grown as a player, but I’ve also navigated uncertainty, and now, as captain, understood responsibility and served as a mentor.”
When it comes to her future, Webster has her sights set on studying and working in the sciences.
“In five years, I can see myself with a bachelor’s degree in biology, potentially attending medical school or working in a laboratory,” she said. “Science has always been something that fascinates me, so I know in the future I will definitely be pursuing this passion.”
While Webster’s time in high school may be coming to a close, the lessons she has learned there will shape her for life, she said.
“I look forward to my life after high school, and I hope to continue my success and grow beyond the foundation that East Rockaway High School has provided me with,” Webster said.
East Rockaway’s classrooms also have proven to be a testing ground for Schaefer, who will have completed 10 Advanced Placement courses by the time she graduates. Succeeding despite the rigor of such courses, Schaefer sees them as cases of perseverance.
“I can recount all the times I had to remind myself to never give up and to persevere, even when I wanted to give up,” she said. “There were constant setbacks, breakdowns, and small victories that truly shaped all the work I have done and the person I have grown into.”
Schaefer is deeply involved in her school community outside of the classroom as well. In addition to playing lacrosse, she also has taken part in the student council, Key Club, National Honor Society and Sources of Strength, a peer-le, evidence-based suicide prevention initiative.
For Schaefer, earning the title of salutatorian also serves as a reminder to continue her efforts as she enters the next phase of her academic career — and life.
“Earning this honor is not the end of pushing myself to do better and give my all in everything that I do,” she said. “It is simply an incredible reflection of the stepping stones I encountered to achieve this title.”
Further along her academic path, Schaefer envisions herself pursuing a degree in biology, with a potential path into the field of ophthalmology or eye surgery.
“I know wherever I go, and the things I will learn will help me make a meaningful impact,” Schaefer said.
