Meet Clarke's top grads

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Voels added that Ramesh and Cord-Cruz maximized the opportunities available to them in the school district. “They’re so divergent in their ideas and plans for the future,” he said, “and yet we have programs that tailor to their needs.”

On June 29, the pair will speak at the school’s graduation ceremony. Both were still in the process of drafting their speeches, but said they hoped to say something inspirational. “Always pursue your dreams, pursue what you love,” Ramesh said. “That’s what’s important. That’s what gives you motivation to do what you want to do.”

Cord-Cruz emphasized that it is up to the nation’s youth to step up and become leaders. “We have everything we need to create things,” she said, “but there’s still some assembly required. We just need a little push and motivation.”

Ramesh is a 2014 commended student, president of the national and math honor societies, and a member of the English Honor Society and Mathletes. He is also a soccer fan, having once played on the school’s soccer team, and said he was excited about the World Cup, which is taking place in Brazil.

His highlights at Clarke, he said, include an overnight trip as a sophomore to the Peconic Dunes in Southold, where he and his fellow students learned about marine biology. He also recalled a feature story he worked on for the school newspaper, the Vanguard — he’s the editor in chief — about the 5 Pointz outdoor art exhibit in Long Island City last year, a wall that featured graffiti art from artists all over the world.

Cord-Cruz is a vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a news editor of the Vanguard and a member of the English, science, math and national honor societies and Mathletes. She has played the viola since fourth grade, and is a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and a section leader of the school band.

Her highlight was a trip last March to Disney World with the school’s music program. There the orchestra performed in downtown Disney in front of large crowds, and also played classic Disney songs with Disney staff.

Outside school, she enjoys go-kart and auto racing.

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