Valley Stream North High School’s top two students this year, valedictorian Ravjot Singh and salutatorian Julianna Dekel, have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to their school community.
“Their work ethic shows their drive and the commitment that they put into their work,” Assistant Principal Charles Loiseau said. “That’s something that really sets them out, just the drive that they have in the commitment they have to their academics.”
Loiseau said both students reflect the school’s values through their leadership roles, their willingness to support younger classmates and their active involvement across a range of activities. Their accomplishments, he added, are also a reflection of a broader school environment where teachers, counselors and staff work collectively to support student success.
Ravjot Singh: Driven by purpose, grounded in service
Ravjot Singh, 18, earned the top rank in the Class of 2026 with a grade point average of 112.59 while maintaining a wide range of commitments both in and out of school. At North, he is involved in multiple honor societies, including science, math and Rho Kappa, as well as clubs such as Mathletes, computer club, cultural society and student council.
Outside the classroom, Singh dedicates significant time to community service at Gurdwara Sant Sagar temple in Bellerose, where he helps prepare and serve food to large groups each week. He also participates in a religious drumming group that performs at parades and events. Among his many activities, he identified his service work as the most meaningful, centered on giving back to the community.
His academic motivation is closely tied to his family, as a first-generation American.
“I want them to see that I can actually do something with it,” Singh said. “I want to show them that the sacrifice they made, coming here, leaving their home, is actually going to pay off. That’s something I always keep in mind. That’s what always drives me to keep pushing.”
He encountered challenges in demanding courses such as Advanced Placement Physics and AP Calculus BC, both of which required extensive preparation. Working with classmates and maintaining persistence helped him navigate those obstacles and succeed.
Balancing academics with extracurricular commitments required careful planning. Singh prioritized scheduled activities, such as clubs and service, and used the remaining time to study and complete assignments. His weekends were often dedicated to volunteer work, making time management essential.
“Think things through beforehand, and make sure that you always keep pushing for your goals no matter what happens,” Singh said. “There are going to be times where you’re either not doing great, or it’s really challenging, but you definitely have to keep on pushing forward.”
Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a field related to artificial intelligence, computer science or cybersecurity. Though he has not yet finalized his college decision, he hopes to remain in New York.
Singh said he will miss seeing his friends every day and the relationships he built throughout high school. He also North teachers and staff for their support, noting the strong connections he formed with educators.
Julianna Dekel: Leadership, balance and academic excellence
Julianna Dekel, 17, earned the role of salutatorian with a GPA of 110.70, combining strong academics with leadership in athletics and student organizations.
Dekel is a varsity athlete in soccer and lacrosse and serves as captain of the soccer team. She is also vice president of her class council and a member of numerous honor societies, including National Honor Society, English, math, science, Rho Kappa and world language. In addition, she participates in Athletes Helping Athletes and a student peer organization.
“I’ve always just been a motivated student, even in elementary school, I’d want the best grades I could get,” Dekel said. “And as the years went on, I realized, maybe I have the possibility of becoming the valedictorian or salutatorian. I kind of had that in the back of my head for everything. So, I put in more work when I was taking my tests and studying for stuff because I knew I could possibly get what I wanted.”
She faced challenges in advanced coursework, particularly AP Calculus BC, where early struggles led her to believe she might not reach her goal. By reducing pressure on herself while continuing to work steadily, she found her performance improved. Being named salutatorian ultimately came as a surprise.
Leadership has been a central part of Dekel’s experience. Through soccer, she developed leadership skills by learning from older teammates and later applying those lessons as a captain. Her role in student government further strengthened her sense of responsibility through organizing events and managing commitments.
“I’ve gotten plenty of terrible grades before, and I’ve still ended up where I am now,” Dekel said. “I feel like it’s good to know one grade is not defining you and changing, your entire outcome.”
To balance academics and extracurriculars, Dekel relied on organization, often creating lists to prioritize tasks and manage her time effectively.
She will attend the University of Florida to study health sciences, with plans to become an occupational therapist. Reflecting on high school, she said she will miss the daily interactions with friends and teammates that have shaped her experience.
Looking ahead
As graduation approaches, both students are preparing to deliver speeches reflecting on their experiences and offering guidance to their classmates. While their messages are still developing, their perspectives highlight common themes.
Singh emphasized the importance of planning ahead and continuing to work toward long-term goals despite challenges. Dekel focused on maintaining perspective, noting that setbacks do not define a person’s future.
Loiseau said he hopes all graduates leave with a sense of resilience, understanding that mistakes are part of growth and serve as building blocks for future success.
Together, Singh and Dekel represent years of dedication and the support of a school community committed to helping students succeed. Their achievements reflect not only individual effort but also the collaborative environment at North that encourages students to strive for excellence while remaining engaged and connected.
