Nothing general about these graduates

When MacArthur High School’s 337 graduates walk across the stage at Hofstra University on Saturday, they will be led by Brianna Abatelli and Chris Simonetti. They are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the class of 2015.

In February, the pair found out that they were ranked the top two students in the senior class at the high school, which serves the southern half of the Levittown School District. Abatelli, 17, of Levittown, said she was called to the main office and told about her accomplishment, before it was announced to the entire school.

“It felt amazing,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t expect it. It feels great knowing that my hard work paid off.”

Simonetti, 18, of Seaford, said he was overwhelmed at first. He explained that he worked throughout high school to get good grades.

In the fall, Abatelli will attend Molloy College in Rockville Centre to study early education with concentrations in math and special education. She also plans to minor in psychology. Abatelli wants to become an elementary school teacher, a profession she said has long been her calling.

Even though she will attend school close to home, Abatelli plans to live on campus, and is looking forward to meeting new people.

Simonetti will attend Brandeis University in the fall, which is located less than 10 miles from Boston. He plans to major in physics, and said that the school has a good program.

While Simonetti said he is unsure what his career path will be, he said he likes physics because he enjoys solving problems and learning how things work. He is excited for the opportunity to experience life in a new city, meet new people and take challenging courses.

Challenging themselves

Abatelli and Simonetti kept busy during their four years at MacArthur High School, participating in athletics and a wealth of extra-curricular activities, while taking upper-level courses.

For four years, Abatelli played lacrosse, and was also on the soccer team in ninth grade. She was secretary of the Math Honor Society and was also selected to the National and World Language honor societies. Additionally, she was a member of Mathletes, Amnesty International, the Art Club and the Illuminate Club.