Freeport High School’s 2014 Val and Sal

As graduation day approaches, Karolynn Ellis is prepared for her role in the culminating ceremony as Freeport High School’s Class of 2014 valedictorian. No stranger to success and accolades, Ellis, and salutatorian Javier Otero, have spent the last 13 years pushing themselves to be the best, and in the process, achieving their goals at the highest levels.

Ellis brings with her a grade point average of 104.54 that includes exemplary work in 14 honors and 11 Advanced Placement courses. She will graduate with an Advanced Designation Diploma with Mastery in Science and Math. Her leadership in extracurricular activities includes president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of student government, captain of the girls’ soccer team, captain of the bowling team, secretary for the Class of 2014 in 9th and 10th grades, and section leader of Select Chorale. Her outside activities read just as strong with Freeport Softball Little League, PAL travel soccer team, Stony Brook Science and Research Awareness Series, and the National Young Leadership Conference Program in Washington, D.C., topping the list. Ellis has lent her abundant talent, skill and time to Peer Leaders, Peer Tutors, 21st Century and Future Problem Solvers. Additionally, she has participated in NYSSMA, Autism Walks, caroling for seniors and has prepared food for the homeless.

Her lifelong interest in caring for animals led her to consider a career in veterinary medicine. She will be studying veterinary medicine at Cornell University this coming fall.

Salutatorian Javier Otero has earned a weighted grade point average of 102.929. He has completed seven Advanced Placement courses as an AP Scholar with Honors. Otero credits his AP courses with preparing him to major in engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this coming fall. He was inducted into both the National Honor Society and the New York State Science Honor Society and received the University of Rochester Bausch and Lamb Honorary Science Award in 11th grade. He participated in the New York Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs at Stony Brook University and was involved in many school activities including Future Problem Solvers, Mathletes and the Chess Club.