Lynbrook High valedictorian, salutatorian weigh in on future pursuits

Their time at Lynbrook High School has ended, which means these graduates are ready to set their sights on the future.

Emma Ward and Rachel Edelstein — who led Lynbrook’s Class of 2022 as its valedictorian and salutatorian — see their success as one that could impact their entire community.

“There are so many moments for our high-school journey that we will remember,” Ward told the class during its recent commencement. “But, more than the moments, it’s the people who will remain with us.

“The scariest part about leaving high school is leaving behind those we love, those we depend on, and those we find comfort in.”

Ward is very much into the community spirit. She raised more than $13,000 to help underprivileged children attend summer camp. She also was her class vice president, and even led Lynbrook’s Key Club.

As rewarding as her experience was as a student and a contributing community member, Ward reminded her class to think about what is truly meaningful, ”not what you want to do with your life, but something you want from life.

“Life is about the people. However, life is even more about trusting yourself. If you believe you will be able to lift yourself up the same way your family and friends can, you will. If you believe the better parts of yourself won’t change when you leave these halls, they won’t. If you believe that when you leave high school and enter the real world, you’ll grow up and succeed, you will.”

Ward earned the Key Club Service Award as well as a community service award from Kiwanis of Five Towns. She is the managing editor for the award-winning school newspaper, Horizon.

Ward has a cooperative competitive spirit too — she was part of a tennis team that won a conference championship.

Edelstein believes much of the same, focusing on communal support.

“We have been able to persevere with the support of the smaller communities within Lynbrook High School,” she told the senior class last month. “Our friends, classmates, fellow volunteers, writers, performers, artists and teammates.”

Edelstein is a representative for the Lynbrook Special Education PTA, and is a stern advocate for students with disabilities. Her advocacy has led to SEPTA championing her as “a child with low mobility but big dreams.”

Very much in the school spirit, Edelstein is also a musician, participating in the marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band, orchestra, as well as choir. She led the Tri-M Honor Society and has tutored younger students.

Edelstein also a founding member of the school’s diversity council as well as a member of Women in STEM Club.

Both Ward and Edelstein have maintained an average over 104, with just a fraction separating them. Ward will attend Washington University in St. Louis, while Edelstein will attend Princeton.