The Lakeland Central School District announced its valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2026. At Lakeland High School, Justine Tang is the valedictorian and Abhilash Jagannathan, the salutatorian. At Walter Panas High School, Amanda Parker is the valedictorian and Patricia Pelayo will be the salutatorian.
Lakeland High School
Justine Tang, a National Merit Semi-Finalist, has plans to major in computer science, mathematics or double major in both. She says she likes these types of classes “because I like it when subjects make sense to me at the most fundamental level and I can wrap my head around why things are the way they are.”
An accomplished flutist, Justine was a member of last year’s NYSSMA All State concert. “I greatly enjoy practicing and learning new pieces in different styles and with different interpretations.”
When asked to tell us something others might not know about her, Justine said, “I know the flags of all the countries of the world, as well as many of those of subdivisions.”
Abhilash Jagannathan considers AP Chemistry “one of the most enjoyable and thought-provoking classes” he has taken as a student at Lakeland. “Chemistry was my best subject and it really motivated me to consider becoming an engineer,” Abhilash said. He plans to major in materials science and engineering in college. “I want to contribute to frontline energy research in areas like battery efficiency and emerging energy sources to find environmentally friendly solutions to the world’s energy crisis.”
As an intern at the Westchester Parks Foundation, Abhilash connected with community volunteers focused on environmental conservation and learned to lead large-scale projects. He also enjoyed being a member of the tennis team. “I spent years playing as an individual and to suddenly be on a team with new friends and being able to experience the sectional playoffs was a unique experience.”
One little known fact? Abhilash taught himself card magic during Covid and has performed several live shows, even creating some of his own tricks.
Walter Panas High School
Amanda Parker, a National Merit Commended Student, says her science classes have sparked her academic passion the most. “Chemistry Honors in sophomore year and AP Bio last year were some of my favorite classes because they taught me things that I never even thought I would need to know, and they just made science so much fun. I was really grateful to be reminded of the beauty of science.”
Amanda plans on continuing that passion in college with a focus on environmental science. Her long-term goals include earning a doctorate and doing environmental research.
A member of the tennis team, Amanda reflects, “I had never played a school sport before tennis and learning how to play the sport and compete was such a fun experience. I’m also so grateful to have had such a welcoming community on the team for all of high school, and I’ve made so many friends through it.”
Outside of school, she has been a dancer since she was three years old. She currently dances four days a week—studying ballet, jazz, and contemporary.
Patricia Pelayo, who considers mathematics and biology some of her favorite subjects, says, “I also learned to appreciate Art, recognizing the balance it gives in my world filled with numbers and facts and allowing me to embrace my more creative side.” After graduation, Patricia plans to pursue a career as a biomedical engineer because she would like to help those around her.
A source of all sorts of trivia, Patricia says, “I find pleasure in answering some of my friends’ seemingly uncommon questions and annoying my sister using pieces of trivia here and there.”
They will speak at their respective graduation ceremonies on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
