Eighth students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District have been designated as valedictorians or salutatorians of their respective high schools. Listed below is background information and bios provided by their school guidance counselors.
Jasper Seabold –Calhoun High School Valedictorian
Jasper Seabold solves problems for the pleasure of it. Clearly one of the most talented students in the building, he delights in learning. Jasper is mathematically articulate and though clearly a leader in the classroom, he never seeks to dominate a conversation.
Though he earned a grade of 100 all four marking quarters in AP Computer Science A, teachers describe him as a kind and compassionate student who enhances class discussions as much by listening to others as by offering his own approaches.?
Well liked among his peers and faculty, Jasper is outgoing and finds a place among many different groups of friends who share different interests. ?He holds membership in numerous honor societies and is also a member of Wind Ensemble exemplifying his musical talent and dedication. In Calhoun's Advanced Science Research Program, he utilized web development to implement a research project using Homomorphic Encryption for anonymity in voting. Jasper's potential for growth knows no limits and he will be a dedicated contributor to university life.
Jasper was also involved in the Math Team, Model UN, varsity badminton and the Ultimate Frisbee Club. He plans to attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall.
Michelle Serban –Calhoun High School Salutatorian
In her purposeful, unassuming and humble way, Michelle Serban has made a lasting impression on her teachers at Calhoun High School. It was very clear from the beginning of her high school career that Michelle had a natural talent for understanding math and science.
In ninth grade she was identified as a strong science student and was invited to apply for Calhoun's Advanced Science Research program. She subsequently wrote a paper titled "An Exploration of the Relation between Consecutive Coefficient Factorable Quadratic Equations and the Fibonacci sequence."
Throughout high school Michelle enrolled in classes known for their undeniable rigor and taught by teachers known for their undeniably high expectations. As a member of multiple honor societies and clubs, additionally, she held leadership positions in many of them. Additionally, she was in Concert Choir exemplifying the breadth of her many talents.?
Michelle is a tutor for All Kids Can Learn, a member of the Math Team, Science Club, Model UN, is classically trained in piano and voice and a varsity tennis singles player. Michelle is a gifted young lady who will undoubtedly continue to work to change the world. She will be a dedicated contributor to university life as she plans her future in the fields of STEM and entrepreneurship at Georgetown University.
Jake Arlia –Kennedy High School Valedictorian
Jake is by far one of the most accomplished, ambitious and diligent students to ever attend Kennedy High School. He is the real deal both academically and in what he has accomplished within our school community. Jake is one of those students you admire.
His “go-getter” attitude is impressive to all. He perseveres through anything; he never gives up until he achieves his goals.?Jake is a genuine learner. He excels in all academic areas and accepts nothing less than his best. He is intensely curious about the world around him and takes great pride in his schoolwork.
Jake is the type of student who can make connections to concepts learned inside the classroom and apply them to what is going on in the real world. He is a creative thinker able to think “outside the box.”
He is a role model to all of his peers. Jake has a compassion for others and has a desire to champion on behalf of the underdog. You don’t always see this admirable trait in a teen. ??
Jake has been a member of Key Club for four years, including serving as secretary and president. He is also a Student Government member, serving as Student Senator each year. Jake has an affinity for languages and is currently learning four languages at once. He is truly remarkable. Jake is the type of student a counselor and teacher get once in their career. It is such an honor to know him.?He is heading to Fordham University in the fall.
Jordyn Krinsky –Kennedy High School Salutatorian
Jordyn Krinsky is a unicorn, the rare entity who is uniquely amazing at every task she attempts. Jordyn makes it a habit to achieve at the highest possible level across every walk of her life with determination, poise, and a breezy wit. She’s a scholar, a thinker, a scientist, an athlete, a helper, an innovator, a leader, a daughter, a friend, and a truly human being.
She is brilliant, poised, ambitious, personable, forever-driven, perceptive, goal-oriented, funny, and comfortable in her own skin. Jordyn is driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and the desire to know the unknowable.
Jordyn is a member of five National Honor Societies, was named a National Merit Commended Scholar in 2019 and a Child Mind Institute Rising Scientist Award nominee. Jordyn is also is published poet. She is the senior class vice president, president of Tutors for a Cure, member of Student Government, SADD Club and Science Olympiad, as well as an op-ed columnist for the school paper. Jordny was also a member of the soccer team.
She’s extremely passionate about science, and she was one of five Regeneron semifinalists at Kennedy this year. She wants to become a doctor. With curiosity and a sense of wonder, Jordyn has the innate gifts and fiery ambition to make this world a better a place.?Jordyn will be attending the Washington University School of Medicine.
Max Luft – Mepham Valedictorian
Max Luft’s genuine quest for knowledge has earned him many accolades throughout his time at Mepham High School.?Valedictorian, AP Scholar with Honors and a member of multiple honor societies, Max is inquisitive, curious and passionate across all subject areas.? He is intrinsically motivated to succeed and shares his passion for learning by assisting peers in the classroom and tutoring students during his free time.? Max’s comprehensive understanding of material matched with his compassion for others has allowed him to create a supportive environment for those he tutors.??
Outside of the classroom, Max lends his talents to the Varsity Badminton team along with Math Club and Science Olympiad. Competing in regional and national competitions each year, Max scored highest in the building on the AMC 10 math competition.?Max's commitment to the fields of math and science are further highlighted with his qualification to Nassau County’s Interscholastic Math League All Star Team and his receipt of the Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in Chemistry Award.??
Along with his impressive accomplishments, Max is a humble young man who has earned admiration and respect from our school community.?His desire to learn and apply what he has learned is apparent in all his endeavors, along with his witty sense of humor.?Max shows integrity and leadership both in and out of the classroom and has embodied what it means to be a Mepham Pirate. He will be attending Stony Brook University in the fall.
Jack Savalli – Mepham Salutatorian
The salutatorian of Mepham High School’s class of 2021, Jack Savalli is an enthusiastic learner who is unrelenting in his quest for self-improvement, receptive to constructive criticism and unafraid to challenge himself way beyond the limits of his comfort zone.
As one of the most reliable “go to” members of his class, Jack has never failed to enhance Mepham’s vibrant extracurricular student life. By actively engaging and participating in numerous clubs and activities, Jack consistently demonstrates a tireless optimism, passion, and willingness to go “above and beyond”.
Academically, Jack has challenged himself throughout high school to the highest degree possible and consistently enrolled in the most rigorous courses. His academic prowess and dedication have allowed him to achieve induction into three National Honor Societies. Through these organizations, Jack has served as an ambassador and peer tutor among the student body.
Jack has proven to be an accomplished and versatile athlete. Throughout his time at Mepham, Jack has been heavily committed to the football and lacrosse programs. Jack has earned the deep respect of his coaches, which led to the honor and responsibility of his role serving as his team’s captain. This past year, Jack was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player on his Football team as well as being named All County.
Jack Savalli personifies spirit, character, intelligence, and the absolute best potential in a graduating senior. He is attending Hamilton University in the fall.
Tyrik Purcell – Meadowbrook Alternative Program Valedictorian
A lifelong lover of mathematic, Tyrik has completed every math class MAP had to offer including Pre-Calculus and AP Art History. His teachers describe him this as “a strong-minded, eager learner, and kind-hearted young man. Tyrik’s schedule has been rigorous, and he is not afraid to accept a challenge. He has completely transformed throughout high school and is one of the reasons why we (the MAP staff) love what we do.”
Tyrik will attend Long Island University Post in the fall. He plans to study Sports Management and is hoping to be a coach or a sports agent upon graduation. Tyrik has always loved sports; he was a running back and defensive end under Coach Gattus at Kennedy and also ran track for the Cougars, with both the 100- and 200-meter dashes being his events.
Though COVID-19 changed the volunteer opportunities, Tyrik did enjoy the times he was able to help out in the Community Cupboard.
Looking back over his time at MAP, Tyrik lists zip-lining at annual trips to Project Care as his favorite and is only sorry that COVID precluded that trip this year. Having been on the Honor Roll for 13 of his 14 marking periods here.
Luke Piano - Meadowbrook Alternative Program Salutatorian
Luke Piano arrived at MAP for his sophomore year from Mepham High School.
Since seventh grade at Grand Avenue Middle School, Luke has had an interest in and talent for make-up application. Luke will be attending Make-Up Designory (MUD), a private trade school int the fall. He is looking forward to living in the city while attending classes and will complete this course of study with a New York State Cosmetology license. He will be studying all aspects of make-up application including theater, television, film, fashion, and special effects Luke is hoping to remain in the city once he completes his classes and is licensed, and plans to focus on make-up for theater, film, and fashion. MUD (as Make-Up Designory is known in the business) offers a job placement option which he plans to take full advantage of. After some time in New York, he would like to eventually transfer out to Los Angeles.
His teachers said that Luke “expresses himself in positive ways and can be his biggest advocate without being egotistical. He has an eye for detail and the ability to take something he imagines and bring it to life.”