Great Neck honors valedictorians and salutatorians at board meeting

The Great Neck Board of Education recognized the valedictorians and salutatorians from North and South High Schools at its March 24 meeting, and principals highlighted their academic achievements, research, arts and community involvement.

The Great Neck Board of Education honored the top graduating seniors from Great Neck North and Great Neck South High Schools at its March 24 meeting. Principals introduced each valedictorian and salutatorian and described their academic records, research projects, artistic work and volunteer activities. The recognitions noted national awards, competition results and leadership roles alongside plans for further study. Recognitions and plans: - Great Neck North valedictorian Sophia Li has conducted animal research on bird song, frequency, pigeon cognition and finch evolution, received national recognition, volunteers at an animal shelter, tutors peers, and plans to pursue research in environmental science in college but has not announced a college choice. - Great Neck North salutatorian Julian Elihu was praised for science research, literary work, positive leadership, and plans to study astrophysics in college next year. - Great Neck South valedictorian Chloe Ning holds a 98.6 unweighted GPA, excelled in math and computer science, received a perfect practice SAT score, qualified for the AIME four times, participated in national math competitions and math research in China, founded and captains an all-girls VEX robotics team, and plans to attend MIT to major in mathematics. - Great Neck South salutatorian Elaine He was described as excelling across rigorous courses with a strong interest in math, has received Scholastic Art Awards and AP Studio Art recognition, had work featured in local exhibits, helped paint a mural at the school, volunteers with younger students, was unable to attend the meeting, and plans to attend Northwestern University to study mathematics. Summary: The board's acknowledgments highlighted a mix of scientific research, artistic achievement and community service among the district's top graduates. Several students have announced college plans, including Chloe Ning (MIT), Elaine He (Northwestern), and Julian Elihu (astrophysics study), while Sophia Li plans to pursue environmental science research and has not yet named a college.