Manhasset HS Names Top Students For Class Of 2025

MANHASSET, NY — The Manhasset Public Schools has named its valedictorian and salutatorian for Manhasset High School's Class of 2025.

Valedictorian Julie Mingxin Chen is an exceptional scholar and accomplished athlete
who finds time to mentor and support younger students and those less fortunate.

She is a member of the math, science, social studies, Spanish and national honor societies, a National Merit Scholarship finalist and Presidential Scholar nominee.

Chen has participated in multiple research projects and been accepted to competitive programs, including a Claudius Legal Intelligence Internship and the Hofstra University Summer Science Research Program.

During junior year, she found time to volunteer and provide English tutoring for children in Shexzehen, China who have been impacted by pneumoconiosis.

Outside the classroom, she has helped lead the Manhasset Crew team to the Scholastic Nationals for four years, including two years as team captain. She has volunteered her times over the summer to providing instruction to aspiring rowers and to officiate races and organize team building activities.

Chen plans to major in computer science.

Salutatorian Grace Punzalan has served as president and vice president of the math and science Honor Societies and president of the Green Club, where she organized educational initiatives, including clean up and tree planting events.

She has received numerous awards, including being named a National Merit Scholarship finalist, Presidential Scholar nominee, Coca-Cola Foundation Scholarship semifinalist and the Rachel Carson Health Planet Award, a testament to her environmental advocacy.

Her innovative research has been recognized with awards at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair and earned national recognition from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

On the court, Punzalan led the varsity volleyball team to victory as captain and recent has been named an All-Conference player and Scholar-Athlete.

She plans to continue her study of environmental science after high school.