Senators honor top students at regional recognition ceremonies

State Senator Anthony Palumbo, District 1 | Official U.S. Senate headshot

By Suffolk Reporter

May 31, 2024

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C - New Suffolk) recently hosted two ceremonies to honor the valedictorians and salutatorians of the South Fork and Brookhaven regions. The events recognized the top academic students from these areas.

Senator Palumbo was joined by Senator Dean Murray (R,C- Brookhaven), Assemblyman Fred Thiele (District 1), Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (District 2), Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (District 3), and Assemblyman Ed Flood (District 4). Together, they celebrated the students' significant academic achievements.

“Congratulations to all our valedictorians and salutatorians. The hard work and dedication that these extraordinary students have shown throughout their academic careers and, especially, over the past few years is a testament to their ability and determination to succeed. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and congratulate them, and their parents on their significant academic accomplishments,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo.

Assemblyman Fred Thiele added, “I am thrilled to spotlight the extraordinary achievements of our region's brightest academic stars, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, a thirst for knowledge, and a relentless pursuit of academic success. The students’ dedication and drive for success are truly inspiring. I applaud them for their outstanding accomplishments and eagerly anticipate their continued success as they pave the way towards a brighter future for themselves and our community.”

Senator Dean Murray expressed similar sentiments: "Congratulations to these impressive students for earning top academic honors. Their commitment to academic excellence will undoubtedly serve them well in their future journey. I am happy to recognize their accomplishments and wish them much success in their next chapter of life."

Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio remarked, “Congratulations to each of you, congratulations to your parents for raising you to be the successful individuals that you are, and congratulations to our neighbors for having such talented, successful young people to look up to in our community. Your success was hard earned, requiring the dedication, effort, and character that being a future leader will require. I know you will continue to make us proud, and I wish you all a bright and prosperous future.”

“We are extremely proud of these outstanding students,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “They are a reflection of their communities, and we wish them great success as they pursue their academic and professional careers.”

Assemblyman Ed Flood concluded with his congratulations: "Congratulations to all of our 2024 valedictorians and salutatorians! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment have truly paid off. May your academic achievements be the beginning of your bright futures ahead. I wish the best of luck to each of you."

The following Class of 2024 students were honored:

Brookhaven Ceremony:

- Alexandra DeMatteo & Tori Rudnick - Center Moriches UFSD

- Jackeline Antelo & Alexander Kosak - Comsewogue UFSD

- Ryan Lee & Layla Warsaw - Eastport South Manor CSD

- Gregory Cohen & Katherine Miller - Longwood CSD

- Christopher Barton & Joseph Ritieni - Miller Place SD

- Anna Fedotov & Anna Rossman - Mount Sinai SD

- Eric Chen & Michelle Wu - Port Jefferson SD

- Isabella Rooney & Sofia Haviland - Rocky Point UFSD

- James T. Minetti & Lucas J. Portuese - Shoreham-Wading River CSD

- Katherine Liang & William McGovern/Michael Zhang - Three Village CSD