By Allegra D'Alo
In recognition of the hours and dedication each valedictorian and salutatorian has put in at Sewanhaka, H. Frank Carey, and Elmont Memorial high schools, below are profiles of each one.
Sewanhaka High School
Because the grade point averages were so close between John Ettikkalayil and Lauren Arland, he was not quite sure that he was going to be named valedictorian this year. His uncertainty was put to rest once he received his final transcript. "I was surprised," he said. "In the beginning, I thought the salutatorian was going to be the valedictorian."
In the end, John's 101.88 weighted grade point average (GPA) ranked him first. He also earned a 1,790 on his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which is measured on a new scale out of 2,400 that went into effect in March 2005. This combination of GPA and SAT landed John in the competitive City College of New York's Honors program, a prestigious program with free tuition. He plans on studying biomedical engineering and working in the medical field, which come as no surprise considering his extracurricular activities. John has interned at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City through a science research training program and was also a participant in the Columbia University Science Honors Program.
Lauren Arland, the salutatorian, has dreams of working on Wall Street, and it is no wonder with all the leadership preparation her extracurriclars have afforded her. As president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), as well as editor in chief of the school newspaper, Lauren knows how to take charge.
Lauren also said varsity swim, softball and cheerleading have poised her to become the successful finance major at New York University's business school that she intends to be. Her 100.67 average, her American College Testing (ACT) score of 31 out of 36 and her rank came as no shock to friends and family.
"Everyone said growing up I would be [ranked very high] but I didn't know for sure," she said. "It was a surprise."
Of those supporters, Lauren thanks her parents and younger brother, Frankie.
H. Frank Carey High School
Despite being captain of the varsity softball, basketball and cross-country teams, valedictorian Carolyn Birbiglia has no interest in becoming a professional athlete. Carolyn, also president of the National Honor Society and a member of the foreign language, science and math honor societies, will instead be attending Princeton University in the fall to major in biology. Carolyn hopes to pursue a career in the medical profession but will not likely forget her time at Carey, where she earned a 101.3 GPA and a 2,270 on her SAT. She had some fun, too. The recent high school grad said her class had an undefeated Spirit Day, a school spirit competition. "Our class always came together and put together the best decorations for the cafeteria," she said. "It's a legacy."
Salutatorian Brendan Porto is on track to becoming a doctor, but his interest in art has not waned. He was treasurer of the Art Honor Society and a member of Art Pallettes, the school's art club. Brendan was a member of the Math, Science and Foreign Language Honor Societies but exercised his creativity in the Carey Clipper school newspaper and his inner philanthropist with the Harry Chapin Food Bank. These activities, a 101.04 GPA and a 2,180 SAT all contributed to Brendan's acceptance into Cornell, where he plans to major in biology. His family is proud and Brendan understands why. "It has a certain bit of prestige," he said about being accepted to Cornell. "It's a matter of pride and it gives me a sense of accomplishment."
Elmont Memorial
Saumya Kurup is valedictorian of Elmont Memorial High School. Her final GPA was 100.75 and she scored a 2,230 on her SAT, but she doesn't brag. "It's something I'm proud of, but I just keep doing what I'm doing," she said.
She plans to attend Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, but has not settled on a major or a career. In fact, she said "I have no idea" what she is going to do. However, her involvement in a variety of actvities, such as Model United Nations, Future Business Leaders of America, Chamber Orchestra, Classical Indian Dance and National Honor Society, hint that Saumya has a number of interests and talents which she may explore.
Salutatorian Xiaoyu Chi could not be reached as of press time. A release from the school said he had a GPA of 100.44 and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Talented and Gifted, Jazz Band, Math Honor Society Foreign Language Honor Society, and the National Honor Society.
Xiaoyu also received various awards and honors for his academic achievement. Xiaoyu was also a member of the district's competitive Instrumentation and Automation Program for the past three years.
He competed at SUNY Old Westbury and was recognized as a Math Scholar of Long Island, a title given to only the top 75 math students in the competition. He also received the Leadership Award from Clarkson University.
Xiaoyu applied for early decision and was accepted to Cooper Union. He is planning to attend there this fall while majoring in engineering.
