Freeport Schools name top two

The Freeport School District named seniors Sheilly Duque as valedictorian and Rosa Medina as salutatorian for the Class of 2020.

“Representing Freeport High School Class of 2020 as valedictorian and salutatorian is a distinction achieved by a personal commitment to academic excellence,” said District Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham. “We are very proud of both these young ladies and their accomplishments. We wish them continued success in the future.”

With a weighted Grade Pint Average of 107.82, Duque will graduate with a Regents diploma with advanced designation, with honors and mastery in math and science. She also earned the honor of being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Duque took 15 honors-level courses and four advanced placement courses. Her teachers said she goes above and beyond as a student and is an inspirational member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Duque also wears many hats as an outstanding leader, including serving as the treasurer of the National Honor Society, vice president of Mathletes in the 11th grade and president in 12th grade and president of Future Problem Solvers in her senior year.

Her dedication to the school stretches beyond her academics as she is an avid member of various clubs and sports including lacrosse, soccer, varsity cross-country track, peer tutoring, Breaking Boarders, peer leaders, future problem solvers, mathletes, Class of 2020 and the Health Occupations Student of America Club.

Duque has also earned numerous accolades, including winning several competitions as a dedicated member of Future Problem Solvers, receiving awards for NYSSMA and for her groundbreaking research in various science fairs.

Her exceptional volunteer experience includes assisting with freshman orientation, participating each year in the district-wide Peace March and wrapping gifts for children in the community.

Duque will be attending Northeastern University in the fall, pursuing a major in chemistry.

Salutatorian Rosa Medina carries a weighted GPA of 106.317 and will graduate with a Regents diploma with advanced designation, with honors and mastery in science.

She has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. Prior to her senior year, she completed 14 honors and four advanced placement courses.

Along with an impressive academic career, Medina participated in several extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

She is also a member of the girls’ varsity swim team, student government, breaking Borders, Mock Trial, Mathletes and Peer Leaders.

Medina has taken on the responsibilities of many leadership roles, including co-president of student government, co-president of Breaking Borders, president of Mathletes and president of Mock Trial. She is also a talented violinist, playing the instrument since third grade and currently placed at first stand.

Medina will be attending Lehigh University in the fall, following a major in biochemistry.