They're tops in their classes in Bellmore-Merrick

On June 27, seniors from Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham high schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District will walk the walk at their graduations, and in each class, two students will stand out as the valedictorians and salutatorians. The Central District recently released their names.

From Calhoun, they are Jun Luke Foster, valedictorian; Alexander Harrison, salutatorian; from Kennedy, Matthew Stern, valedictorian; Daniel Bornstein, salutatorian; and Mepham, Michelle Dimino, valedictorian; Rachel Agoglia, salutatorian.

Below are profiles on each of these outstanding scholars.

Calhoun High School

Jun Luke Foster, Valedictorian

Calhoun's valedictorian was a National Merit Finalist, member of four honor societies, a member of the school's mentoring program and captain of the debate team, for which he won regional competitions for three straight years. An accomplished cellist and pianist, Foster was a member of the school's orchestra, and he has performed in a number of concerts outside of school, including with the Long Island Philharmonic. Last year he performed at the New York State School Music Association's All-State Piano Showcase in Rochester, one of 14 students statewide invited to the recital. He is also active with his church, where he is an evening host at a homeless shelter and at times plays the piano at weekly services. Foster will attend Yale University in the fall.

Alexander Harrison, Salutatorian

Alexander Harrison has consistently taken Honors and Advanced Placement classes, and his grades have excelled from year to year, with marks above 100 percent in his junior year. Harrison was a member of the school orchestra, playing cello and classical piano. Harrison was also an eager fundraiser for causes he feels passionate about while at Calhoun. He will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

Kennedy High School

Matthew Stern, Valedictorian