Thursday, October 1, 2026
Lawrence High School has named its top academic honorees for the class of 2026, recognizing three seniors whose achievements reflect a blend of academic excellence, leadership and service to the school community.
Valedictorian Poonam Bansi, Salutatorian Ava Abramov and Honor Speaker Meredith Maldonado will take center stage at graduation in June, each earning one of the school’s highest distinctions through years of dedication both inside and outside the classroom.
For Bansi, the top-ranked student in the class, the honor represents the culmination of a rigorous academic journey marked by curiosity and persistence.
“Being named valedictorian is incredibly meaningful to me,” Bansi said. “It’s a reflection of all the hard work I’ve put in, but also the support I’ve received from my teachers, family and friends throughout the years.”
Bansi challenged herself with an extensive course load of Advanced Placement classes, including calculus, physics, chemistry, literature and government, while maintaining a place on the high honor roll each marking period. She is an active member of Science Bowl, Model Congress and the Asian American Club, and serves as the senior class treasurer.
Her academic pursuits extended beyond Lawrence High School. Bansi participated in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Youth Ambassador Program, Summer@Brown and Cornell’s pre-college program, all of which helped shape her interest in pursuing computer science, with a focus on artificial intelligence or cyber security, and potentially a second major in biology.
“I’ve always tried to take advantage of every opportunity available to me,” she said. “Whether it was a program, a club or a class, I wanted to learn as much as I could and push myself to grow.”
In addition to her academic and extracurricular commitments, Bansi dedicated her time to community service, volunteering at blood drives, local cleanups and school events. She also earned several honors, including the American Chemical Society High School Chemistry Award, the Friends of Rock Hall Social Studies Award and a second-place finish at the DECA state conference.
Abramov, the class salutatorian, is known among her peers as a dynamic leader who helped shape the school’s culture through her involvement in multiple organizations.
“Lawrence has given me so many opportunities to lead and make a difference,” Abramov said. “I’ve always wanted to create spaces where people feel included, whether that’s through cultural clubs, athletics or community programs.”
Abramov served as president of the Hebrew Culture Club, Multicultural Club and Newspaper Club, where she organized events celebrating diversity, expanded student participation and guided younger students in writing and leadership.
In athletics, Abramov was captain of the girls’ basketball team, earning All-Conference honors and receiving the team’s coach’s award. She also set a school record for most three-pointers in a single game.
“Being a captain taught me how to lead by example and support my teammates,” she said. “It wasn’t just about winning, it was about building confidence and helping everyone improve.”
Abramov’s leadership reached beyond the school through her involvement in organizations such as CTEEN and the National Conference of Synagogue Youth, where she helped organize events, fundraisers and programs for teens locally and internationally.
She also held executive roles in the school’s Virtual Enterprise program, serving as chief marketing officer and later chief executive officer, leading a student-run company through competitions and presentations.
“Balancing everything definitely came with challenges,” Abramov said, “but it taught me how to manage my time and stay focused on what matters most.”
Maldonado, this year’s honor speaker, has built a reputation as a well-rounded student leader who excels in academics, athletics and service.
“It’s truly an honor to be chosen as the honor speaker,” Maldonado said. “Lawrence has given me so many opportunities to grow, and I’m grateful for every experience I’ve had here.”
Maldonado served as president of the Student Government Association and Government in Action, helping to organize major school events such as pep rallies and fundraising initiatives while representing the student body. She also led the Culinary Club and Italian Club and participated in a wide range of organizations, including DECA, Key Club and Quiz Bowl.
“I’ve always believed in getting involved and giving back to the school community,” she said. “Being able to work with my peers and help lead different initiatives has been one of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience.”
Her leadership extended to athletics, serving as a three-season captain in winter track, spring track and varsity soccer and demonstrating the same level of dedication on the field as she did in the classroom.
Maldonado said she plans to pursue studies in computer science, with interests in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, while also exploring a second major in biology.
