Irvington High School has named its accomplished seniors Josh Greenbarg and Lucy Acharekar as valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic excellence, leadership and service throughout their high school careers.
Both Greenbarg and Acharekar expressed gratitude for this recognition, crediting their success to sustained effort and the support of their families, teachers and peers.
For Greenbarg, being named valedictorian represents years of steady focus and commitment. He shared that while the title carries meaning, it is most significant as a personal milestone.
“I felt satisfied knowing that I put my mind toward a goal early on and worked to achieve it,” Greenbarg said. “It’s not one big decision. It’s a million different little choices that add up over time.”
Reflecting on his time at Irvington, Greenbarg described a school environment that allowed him to both deepen existing passions and discover new ones. In particular, he developed a strong love for languages. After entering high school with an interest in Spanish, he expanded his studies to include Latin and Ancient Greek and continues to study all three.
Beyond the classroom, he has been actively involved in leadership and community initiatives. He serves as president of the Westchester Youth Congress Club, where students lead volunteer-based projects aligned with causes they are passionate about. He is also president of the Irvington Alumni Network, an organization designed to strengthen connections between current students and alumni and foster mentorship within the community. In addition, he has been a four-year member of the varsity golf team. His many accolades include designation as a National Merit Scholar Finalist, recognition as a Scholastic Gold Award and American Voices Nominee recipient for a creative nonfiction piece titled “Boca Brag and Schmear” and multiple honors on the National Latin Exam and National Greek Exam.
In addition, Greenbarg founded Blazer Your Way, a nonprofit organization that provides new or gently used blazers to young adults entering the workforce to promote confidence and professionalism. He has also volunteered at a local food pantry, assisting Spanish-speaking clients and applying his language skills in service to the community.
In the fall, Greenbarg will attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he plans to incorporate his passion for languages into his studies while exploring his specific academic path.
For Acharekar, being named salutatorian was both surprising and meaningful.
“I was pretty shocked at first, but I’m grateful for the chance to look back on my experience and everything that shaped it,” Acharekar said.
She described Irvington High School as a supportive and driven community that motivated her to grow academically while staying grounded in her interests. Acharekar has been deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. She serves as president of the Marine Biology Club, a role she has held after being involved since freshman year. She is also a violinist in the school orchestra and has played the violin since fourth grade; she has spent four years contributing to the high school music program and building strong connections within the orchestra community. She is a member of Science Olympiad and has participated in Science Research since 10th grade, further deepening her love of science. In addition, she has been involved in the Green Policy Task Force, reflecting her interest in environmental issues and sustainability.
Among her proudest accomplishments are her science research projects and related recognitions, which she considers highlights of her high school experience. She credits her family and friends for their encouragement and steady support.
In the fall, Acharekar plans to pursue a biology major and is currently finalizing her college decision.
Together, Greenbarg and Acharekar represent a class defined not only by academic achievement, but by leadership, intellectual curiosity and meaningful engagement in the Irvington community.
