Congratulations to all the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from the high schools in River Journal North territory. Meet the outstanding students from Croton-Harmon High School, Lakeland High School, Peekskill High School, Walter Panas High School and Yorktown High School. Kudos for a job well done. Now go enjoy your summer!
Croton-Harmon High School
SONIA MUKHERJEE
VALEDICTORIAN
Will study Biology at Princeton University. Says Sonia: “It is education that brought my family to the U.S. and has allowed them to flourish, in turn granting me infinite opportunities.” Says math teacher Isabella Zappa: “Sonia not only had a natural affinity for math but also a genuine curiosity about it. She worked diligently to master complex concepts and was always eager to support her classmates. I have no doubt that she will be a trailblazer in the STEM field.”
AVA ANDREWS
SALUTATORIAN
Will study Electrical Engineering at NYU. Says Ava: “Approaching all of my learning tenaciously and inquisitively makes the process more meaningful and rewarding.” Says science teacher Zhanna Glazenburg:
“In addition to being a great student, Ava is a stellar athlete, and I feel her presence on the basketball court describes her as a student well: Ava never misses a shot. She is a supportive friend—always ready to lend a word of encouragement.”
Lakeland High School
LARA VILLARD
VALEDICTORIAN
Attending Carnegie Mellon University, plans to major in Architecture. National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, Skiing. As an artist, taking both Painting and AP Studio Art. Volunteers at a local community garden.
ADAM SCHAAF
SALUTATORIAN
Attending Northeastern University to study Chemical Engineering. Chemistry tutor, Spanish Honor Society, performed with Lakeland Drama, most recently in Little Shop of Horrors.
Peekskill High School
MIREYA RODRIGUEZ ORTEGA
VALEDICTORIAN
Attending Rochester Institute of Technology to major in Physics and pursue Doctorate in Astrophysical Sciences to research habitable exoplanets and dark matter. Says Mireya: “I have always had a desire to learn and understand the unknown, and there is nothing more full of secrets than the universe.” String Orchestra, Concert Choir, Yearbook Club, Astronomy Club, Treasurer of National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. Volunteer at Neighbors Link as assistant to immigration attorneys.
JEMELL ACOSTA
SALUTATORIAN
Attending Wesleyan University to major in Chemistry as aspiring Cosmetic Chemist. Says Jemell: “Though discipline brings us to heights of greatness, it is balance that enriches our lives; it is also about experiencing life and happiness in mundane things.” President of Science National Honor Society and of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, where she earned a scholarship. National Honor Society, Yearbook Club, Varsity Cheerleading Captain, Past President of Orchestra, Vocal Forte member, Spring Musicals.
Walter Panas High School
TOVA JEAN-LOUIS
VALEDICTORIAN
Attending Princeton University to major in Civil Environmental Engineering. Says Tova:” Be kind and supportive to your peers because you never know how much you might learn from them or how much support they might give back.” 2025 National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Equity Club President, Spanish and Science Honor Societies, Library Student Council, Gay Straight Alliance Secretary, Volunteer at Westchester Parks Foundation.
RONAK DAS
SALUTATORIAN
Attending University of California at Berkeley. Received “Excellence in Medical Research Award” at this year’s Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF). Board of Education representative, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, District Youth Council. Played soccer for four years.
Yorktown High School
CHINMAYI GOYAL
VALEDICTORIAN
Will study Math and its applications in Artificial Intelligence. Says Chinmayi:
“My research has taught me how to persevere after failures and not give up when results don’t meet my expectations. I’ve learned to accept the unexpected and to value the journey over the destination.” Winner of Regeneron Science Contest (see page 11) and National Merit Scholarship, Founder of school’s American Computer Science League Club, Science Olympiad, Editor-in-Chief of school paper, Math Honor Society, Robotics, Cross-Country.
EMILY TIAN
SALUTATORIAN
Attending Yale University to study Math and Computer Science for interdisciplinary applications. Says Emily: “Senor Contreras’ constant reminders that mistakes don’t matter and little by little we will improve have inspired me to embrace every mistake and focus on growth.” Winner of National Merit Scholarship, Soccer, Cello, manage website of school paper, Tri-M Music Honor Society.
