Meet the top of their class

Eastport-South Manor

Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School recently announced Andrew Santangelo as the valedictorian and Michell Zheng as the salutatorian of the Class of 2026.

“Andrew and Michell are both well-rounded scholars whose relentless work ethic and instinctive curiosity inspire our entire school,” principal Salvatore Alaimo said. “Together, they exemplify the limitless achievement of the Class of 2026.”

ANDREW SANTANGELO, VALEDICTORIAN

With a 106.7 weighted GPA, valedictorian Andrew Santangelo has demonstrated exemplary academic success. He has taken 13 Advanced Placement courses and 10 Honors courses during his tenure at Eastport-South Manor with a heavy focus in STEM classes.

Andrew is known for his relentless work ethic and friendly personality. He is genuinely happy to be a part of the school community and tackles his work with positivity and enthusiasm. Andrew is a National Merit Scholar, co-founder of the Robotics Club, a Science Olympian and member of several honor societies. Furthermore, Andrew truly defines the term “well-rounded,” as he is an accomplished musician and state champion and All-County Academic Elite athlete.

This future aerospace engineering major is still deciding which university he will attend this fall, but has some tremendous offers and options already. 

“I’m absolutely honored to be valedictorian,” said Andrew. “I will especially miss all the opportunities available at this school and all the clubs and organizations I’ve joined throughout. It’s an extraordinarily special school with everything that it provides.”

MICHELL ZHENG, SALUTATORIAN

Most know salutatorian Michell Zheng for his instinctive curiosity and self-proclaimed “never bored” mind. His 106.5 weighted GPA is the result of endless interests and investigations. Michell thrives on discovery and has learned to “go and seek” whenever a new challenge crosses his path.

Michell has accomplished a lot over the years. As a second-generation immigrant, Michell has navigated much of his education on his own and involved himself in myriad clubs, organizations and events. Michell is the president of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society and secretary of the Spanish sect of the World Language Honor Society, plays on the varsity tennis team, is the team captain of the Math Olympiads and was the team captain for Coding Club from grades nine to 11. He also works hard helping to run his family’s local restaurant. Michell has also started his own business of assembling desktop computer components and selling pre-built PC’s. While Michell has not yet chosen the college he will attend this fall, he will pursue a career in either nuclear engineering or mathematics combined with computer science.

“ESM has served as an extraordinary place for me to find and spend time in enjoying my passions with like-minded people,” Michell said. “I look forward to all the opportunities that await me in the future and to all the people who serve to make this place so extraordinary, I wish you farewell and good luck.”

The district congratulates Andrew and Michell on this outstanding academic accomplishment.

CENTER MORICHES

The Center Moriches School District announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026 as Alex Gentile and Clara Tebbens, respectively. The high school graduation will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 10 a.m.

ALEX GENTILE

Our valedictorian, with a GPA of 104.45, is Alex Gentile. Alex will be attending Cornell University, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering.

CLARA TEBBENS

Our salutatorian, with a GPA of 103.73, is Clara Tebbens. Clara will be attending Tulane University where she plans to major in international relations and minor in music.

Congratulations to Alex and Clara on this outstanding accomplishment, and we wish them continued success in the years ahead!