Lawmakers Laud North Fork, Riverhead's 'Brightest Academic Stars'

NORTH FORK, NY — Lawmakers lauded students on the North Fork and in Riverhead who have made their hometowns proud.

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio recognized the districts' valedictorians and salutatorians on their exceptional academic achievements at a ceremony held at Southold Junior/Senior High School recently.

The following Class of 2024 students earned the rank of valedictorian and salutatorian for their school districts: Nathaniel Stevenson and Andrew Campbell, Greenport UFSD; Jolin Chen and Charles Pasca, Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD; Sophie Clark and Leonardo Dougherty, Shelter Island UFSD; Angelly Avila Rosales and Thomas Sklodowski/Amy Estrada, Southold UFSD; and John McCormick and Ethan Caskie, Riverhead CSD.

"Congratulations to all our valedictorians and salutatorians. The hard work and dedication that these extraordinary students have shown throughout their academic careers and, especially, over the past few years is a testament to their ability and determination to succeed. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and congratulate them, and their parents on their significant academic accomplishments," Palumbo said.

"I am thrilled to spotlight the extraordinary achievements of our region's brightest academic stars, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, a thirst for knowledge, and a relentless pursuit of academic success. The students’ dedication and drive for success are truly inspiring. I applaud them for their outstanding accomplishments and eagerly anticipate their continued success as they pave the way towards a brighter future for themselves and our community," Thiele added.

And, said Giglio: "Congratulations to each of you, congratulations to your parents for raising you to be the successful individuals that you are, and congratulations to our neighbors for having such talented, successful young people to look up to in our community. Your success was hard-earned, requiring the dedication, effort, and character that being a future leader will require. I know you will continue to make us proud, and I wish you all a bright and prosperous future."